Go Back
Print
Recipe Image
Equipment
Instruction Images
Smaller
Normal
Larger
Classic BBQ Pulled Pork
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Prep Time
40
minutes
mins
Cook Time
10
hours
hrs
Total Time
10
hours
hrs
40
minutes
mins
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
American
Servings
65
Equipment
3 large roasting pans or slow cookers
for oven or slow-cooker method
Meat Thermometer
Large aluminum foil trays
for serving
Sharp knives & tongs
Towels & gloves
to handle hot meat
Ingredients
For the Pork
33
lbs
pork shoulder
Boston butt, bone-in or boneless
⅔
cup
kosher salt
⅔
cup
black pepper
⅔
cup
smoked paprika
⅔
cup
brown sugar
⅓
cup
garlic powder
⅓
cup
onion powder
⅓
cup
chili powder
⅓
cup
cumin
3
tbsp
cayenne pepper
optional, for heat
2 ¾
cups
apple cider vinegar
2 ¾
cups
apple juice or beer
For Serving
2 ½
gallons
BBQ sauce
your favorite brand or homemade
65
sandwich buns or dinner rolls
Coleslaw
optional, but highly recommended!
Instructions
Prep the Pork
Trim excess fat from the pork shoulders, leaving some for moisture.
In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne (if using).
Rub the seasoning generously over the pork. Let it sit for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge for better flavor.
Choose Your Cooking Method
Oven Method (Best for Large Batches)
Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
Place pork shoulders in large roasting pans, fat side up. Pour apple cider vinegar and apple juice (or beer) into the pans.
Cover tightly with foil and roast for 8-10 hours until the internal temp reaches 195-205°F.
Let the pork rest for 30 minutes, then shred with forks or meat claws.
Slow Cooker Method (For Convenience)
Cut pork into large chunks and place in slow cookers.
Add apple cider vinegar and apple juice (or beer).
Cook on LOW for 10-12 hours until tender.
Shred directly in the slow cooker, mixing with its juices.
Sauce It Up & Serve
Mix the pulled pork with BBQ sauce (or serve sauce on the side).
Load onto buns and top with coleslaw if desired.
Serve in large aluminum trays to keep warm for the crowd.