Carolina bbq –Barbecue is an art, and mastering the perfect Carolina style pork barbecue can elevate your gatherings to the next level. This dish, known for its tangy, vinegary sauce and melt-in-your-mouth pork, embodies the essence of comfort food. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe, ensuring each bite is a moment to savor!
Best Carolina Style Pork Barbecue
To start off, let’s take a look at this mouthwatering dish which is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds of pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- Bun or bread for serving
- Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Start by preparing the pork shoulder. Rub the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper into the meat. This seasoning mix will create a beautiful crust as it cooks.
- Preheat your grill or smoker to 225°F (107°C). Place the pork shoulder on the grill grates, ensuring it’s not directly over the flame. Cooking low and slow is key to achieving that tender texture.
- While the pork is cooking, let’s prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, red pepper flakes, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for about 10 minutes, then remove it from heat and let it cool.
- After about 8 hours of smoking, or when the internal temperature of the pork reaches 195°F (90°C), it’s time to remove the meat from the grill. Wrap it in foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute.
- Once rested, shred the pork using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat. Toss the shredded meat with the prepared sauce, mixing well so every bite is flavorful.
- Serve the pulled pork on buns or bread, topped with coleslaw if desired. This adds a crunchy texture and balances the flavors beautifully.
Enjoy your homemade Carolina style pork barbecue! It’s perfect for backyard gatherings or simply when you’re craving something savory and satisfying. Share it with loved ones and make every bite a memory!