North Carolina Pork is a classic Southern dish that showcases the flavors of the region. While some traditional North Carolina recipes can be quite spicy, this version offers a milder taste, allowing you to adjust the heat level according to your preference. With a tender and juicy pork shoulder roast cooked in a slow cooker and a tangy vinegar-based sauce, this dish is a true delight for any barbecue lover.
INGREDIENTS
- 5 pounds (2.3 kg) pork shoulder roast
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups (355 ml) cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons (23 ml) hot pepper sauce
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
PREPARATIONS
- Place the pork shoulder roast in the slow cooker and season it with black pepper, ensuring an even coating.
- Pour the cider vinegar around the pork in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 12 hours, allowing the pork to cook slowly and become tender.
- After 12 hours, remove the pork from the slow cooker and discard any bones. The pork should easily pull apart into strands.
- Strain the liquid from the slow cooker, saving 2 cups (475 ml) of the liquid. Discard any extra liquid.
- Shred the pork using tongs or two forks and return it to the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, hot pepper sauce, and cayenne. Stir this mixture into the reserved liquid.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the shredded pork in the slow cooker and stir well to coat the pork.
- Cover the slow cooker again and cook on low for an additional 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
YIELD
- 15 servings
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING
- 121 g water
- 370 calories (68% from fat, 29% from protein, 2% from carbs)
- 26 g protein
- 27 g total fat
- 9 g saturated fat
- 12 g monounsaturated fat
- 3 g polyunsaturated fat
- 2 g carbs
- 0 g fiber
- 2 g sugar
- 278 mg phosphorus
- 27 mg calcium
- 2 mg iron
- 109 mg sodium
- 486 mg potassium
- 83 IU vitamin A
- 3 mg ATE vitamin E
- 1 mg vitamin C
- 107 mg cholesterol
TIP
Serve the North Carolina Pork on plain hamburger buns and top it with coleslaw for a classic combination that adds a refreshing crunch and complements the flavors of the pork.
North Carolina Pork is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Southern barbecue. This recipe presents a milder take on the traditional North Carolina flavors, allowing you to adjust the spice level to your liking. The slow cooker method ensures that the pork shoulder roast becomes incredibly tender, making it easy to pull apart into succulent strands.
The highlight of this dish is the tangy and flavorful sauce made with cider vinegar, brown sugar, hot pepper sauce, and cayenne. This vinegar-based sauce adds a delightful tang and complements the natural richness of the pork. The combination of tender meat and tangy sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is simply irresistible.
The versatility of North Carolina Pork is another reason to love this dish. While it can be enjoyed on its own, it truly shines when served on plain hamburger buns with a side of coleslaw. The soft buns provide a perfect vehicle for the flavorful pork, and the cool and creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the savory and tangy flavors.
Nutritionally, this dish provides a substantial amount of protein, making it a satisfying and fulfilling choice. With a moderate fat content and low carb and sugar levels, North Carolina Pork can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It is also a great option for those following specific dietary needs, such as low-carb or low-sugar diets.
In conclusion, North Carolina Pork is a Southern barbecue classic that delivers on both flavor and simplicity. The slow cooker method ensures a tender and juicy pork roast, while the vinegar-based sauce adds a tangy and flavorful kick. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a taste of the South, North Carolina Pork is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy this mouthwatering dish that celebrates the rich barbecue heritage of North Carolina.
