This pulled pork takes a while, but you’ll be rewarded with amazing flavor!! Another bonus – you don’t need a smoker!!! Just throw it in the oven before you head to bed!!! Or if you don’t have time for this recipe – I have another delicious one that you cook in a slow cooker (see recipe here).
Delicious Pulled Pork
8 lbs boneless pork shoulder/butt (I buy a large one at Costco and cut it in half, because they are huge!)
Brine:
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups apple juice
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp dry rub
Mix all ingredients together in a large pot. Add pork, cover, and place in the fridge for 24-36 hours.
Dry Rub:
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp pepper
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Mix all dry rub ingredients and place them into a ziplock bag or other air-tight container.
Directions:
Heat the oven to 200 degrees.
Remove the pork from the brine and dry off.
Rub half of the dry rub all over the sides and cracks or flaps of the pork.
Place pork into a large dutch oven (without a lid) with the fat facing up.
Bake for 10-12 hours until the internal temperature reaches 200 degrees. Remove from the oven and either put the lid on or top with foil.
Let the meat rest for 2-3 hours.
Remove meat from the juice and place on a large rimmed baking sheet and shred, removing any fatty parts.
Toss with the remaining dry rub and juices from the pan.
Serve with cole slaw and baked beans (I use this recipe).
