Have you ever dreamt of making your own juicy and tender pulled pork? Well, your dream can now become a reality with this mouthwatering recipe. Let’s dive into the world of slow-cooked, smoked goodness and unlock the secrets to creating the perfect pulled pork.
Key Takeaways
The Art of Pulled Pork Injection
To infuse the pork with robust flavors, we begin with a tantalizing injection. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 100ml Multi-fruit juice
- 40ml Apple cider
- 20ml Wheat syrup
- 15ml Worcestershire
- 1 Tbsp. salt
- 20ml Hot Chili BBQ sauce
Mix these ingredients together and heat them up. Once cooled, inject the flavorful juice into the pork, spacing the injections approximately 5cm apart. Then, rub the pork neck with your favorite seasoning and refrigerate it for about 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Preparing the BBQ
Now it’s time for the real deal! Get your BBQ fired up for indirect grilling to ensure the meat doesn’t come into direct contact with high heat. You can employ the snake method for long sessions or utilize a kamado with a heat deflector. Enhance the smoky flavors by adding wood chunks or smoking chips. As the smoke begins to turn a beautiful blue, it’s time to introduce the pork to the heat.
The Smoking Period
During the first few hours, sit back, relax, and enjoy a cold beer while your pork slowly smokes. Aim to maintain a temperature of around 110°C (230°F), periodically checking your dome temperature. Be patient and resist the urge to intervene too frequently. After approximately 5 hours or when the internal temperature of the pork reaches 74°C (165°F), you’re ready to move on to the next step.
The Glaze
Prepare a tantalizing glaze by combining the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp wheat syrup
Slowly boil the glaze ingredients until they blend together harmoniously.
Culmination: The Legendary Pulled Pork Moment
Unlock the lid of your BBQ, and revel in the mouthwatering aroma that fills the air. Act swiftly and glaze the pork while the lid is open, then promptly close it and allow the pork to continue cooking for another 2 hours. This final step creates a delectable bark, a crust that encapsulates a wealth of flavors.
The Zone: A Phenomenon Worth Waiting For
Don’t be alarmed if, during the glazing phase, the meat’s temperature stalls or even drops. This phenomenon, aptly named “the zone,” occurs when the meat’s juices slowly evaporate, resulting in temperature stability. Embrace this part of the process as it enhances the tenderness and succulence of your pulled pork.
Wrapping and Resting
After around 2 hours of glazing, it’s time to wrap the pork in foil. This step ensures that the juices remain trapped, preventing further evaporation. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 88°C (190°F). Once done, carefully remove the package from the BBQ, being mindful not to lose any precious juices.
Unleashing the Flavor: The End Sauce
While the pork rests, take a moment to prepare a delectable end sauce. Combine the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup reserved meat juices
- 1/2 cup Multifruit Juice
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp. Cider vinegar
Cook these ingredients over medium heat, allowing them to meld into a luscious sauce. After at least 1 hour of resting, carefully unwrap the pork, and let the pulling begin. Using two forks, shred the succulent meat apart.
The Grand Finale: Tasting the Pulled Pork
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Take a bite and experience the explosion of flavors. If you feel like the pulled pork could benefit from more depth, generously coat it with the end sauce and allow it to rest for another 2 hours at 65°C (150°F). You’ll be rewarded with even more texture and flavor.
Serving Tip: BBQ Roasted Buns
To elevate your pulled pork experience, serve it on BBQ roasted buns for an irresistible combination of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors.
Thank you for joining us on this flavor-packed journey of creating the perfect pulled pork. We hope you enjoyed this culinary adventure and encourage you to share your own recipes or reach out with any questions or advice. Remember to spread the word about the magic that happens at Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ!
