A Step-by-Step Guide to Oven-Cooked BBQ Pulled Pork

Cooking BBQ pulled pork in the oven is a convenient and delicious way to achieve tender, flavorful meat without the need for a smoker. Follow our step-by-step guide to prepare this hearty dish.

Ingredients

Pork Shoulder Boston Butt - 4-5 pounds BBQ Rub - Your choice, store-bought or homemade BBQ Sauce - For serving Apple cider vinegar or chicken broth - Optional for additional moisture

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Prepare the Pork

Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some for flavor. Rub the BBQ rub generously over the entire surface of the pork. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. You can also refrigerate it overnight.

Sear the Pork (Optional)

For added flavor, sear the pork in a hot skillet with a little oil for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. This step is optional but adds depth to the flavor.

Roasting the Pork

Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan or Dutch oven. If you desire, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or chicken broth to the bottom of the pan for moisture. Cover the pan tightly with foil or a lid to retain moisture.

Cook Low and Slow

Place the pork in the preheated oven and cook for about 4-6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches at least 195°F (90°C). This temperature allows the collagen in the meat to break down, making it tender and easy to shred.

Rest the Meat

Once done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest covered for at least 30 minutes. This helps the juices redistributed.

Shred the Pork

Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat.

Mix with BBQ Sauce

Mix the shredded pork with your favorite BBQ sauce or serve the sauce on the side.

Serve

Serve the pulled pork on buns with coleslaw or as desired.

Tips

Leftovers

Pulled pork stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Variations

Experiment with different BBQ sauces and rubs to find your preferred flavor.

Enjoy your delicious oven-cooked BBQ pulled pork!