Pulled Pork

Carolina Vinegar Pulled Pork

Name: Carolina Vinegar Pulled Pork
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 510 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, boneless; 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar; 2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprika; 1 tsp (5g) kosher salt; 1 tsp (5g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (60g) apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup (60g) water; 2 tbsp (30g) Worcestershire sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 6 slices of bacon, thick-cut

By Jake Thornton · June 18, 2026 · Pulled Pork

Prep30 min

Cook480 min

Total510 min

Serves8

Carolina Vinegar Pulled Pork — Tender, smoky pulled pork

I still remember the first time I had Carolina-style pulled pork. The tender, juicy meat, infused with the deep flavors of vinegar and spices, left an indelible mark on my palate. Since then, I've been on a mission to perfect my own recipe for this beloved dish. After countless experiments and taste tests, I'm excited to share my version of Carolina Vinegar Pulled Pork with you.

This recipe is all about patience and attention to detail. By slowly cooking the pork shoulder in a mixture of vinegar, water, and spices, we break down the connective tissues and infuse the meat with a rich, tangy flavor. The result is a tender, fall-apart pulled pork that's perfect for sandwiches, salads, or serving alongside your favorite sides.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it at a casual backyard barbecue or dress it up for a more elegant gathering. The pork is also incredibly easy to make ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or weekend meals.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar to give the pork a deep, complex flavor. We'll also be using a technique called 'low and slow' cooking, where we cook the pork at a low temperature for a long period of time to break down the connective tissues and make the meat tender.

So, if you're ready to experience the rich, comforting flavors of Carolina Vinegar Pulled Pork, let's get started! With this recipe, you'll be able to create a delicious, tender pulled pork that's sure to become a staple in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The pork is tender and juicy, with a rich, tangy flavor.
The recipe is versatile and can be served at a variety of gatherings.
The pork can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients.
The dish is perfect for family gatherings and picnics.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of low and slow cooking with the right balance of flavors. By cooking the pork shoulder at a low temperature for a long period of time, we break down the connective tissues and make the meat tender. The vinegar and spices add a rich, tangy flavor that complements the pork perfectly.

The brown sugar in the recipe may seem like an unusual ingredient, but it plays a crucial role in balancing out the acidity of the vinegar. The smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

The low and slow cooking technique is also important because it allows the pork to cook evenly and prevents it from drying out. By cooking the pork at a low temperature, we prevent the outside from burning before the inside is fully cooked.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Carolina Vinegar Pulled Pork, the right ingredients are essential. You'll need a pork shoulder, which is the star of the show, as well as a variety of spices and seasonings to add flavor. You'll also need some vinegar, water, and brown sugar to create the tangy, sweet sauce that the pork cooks in.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose a pork shoulder that is fresh and has a good layer of fat on it. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful as it cooks. You'll also want to choose a high-quality vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, to add depth and complexity to the sauce.

2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, bonelessChoose a pork shoulder with a good layer of fat on it to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
1/4 cup (60g) brown sugarThe brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the sauce and helps to balance out the acidity of the vinegar.
2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprikaThe smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish and enhances the overall flavor of the pork.
1 tsp (5g) kosher saltThe kosher salt adds a touch of saltiness to the dish and helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
1 tsp (5g) black pepperThe black pepper adds a touch of spice to the dish and helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
1/4 cup (60g) apple cider vinegarThe apple cider vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the sauce and helps to balance out the richness of the pork.
1/4 cup (60g) waterThe water helps to thin out the sauce and create a rich, velvety texture.
2 tbsp (30g) Worcestershire sauceThe Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, umami flavor to the dish and enhances the overall flavor of the pork.
2 cloves garlic, mincedThe garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the dish and helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoThe dried oregano adds a touch of earthy, herbal flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the other ingredients.
6 slices of bacon, thick-cutThe bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish and helps to enhance the overall flavor of the pork. To use the bacon, cook it in a pan over medium heat until crispy, then chop it into small pieces and add it to the sauce.

Ingredients for Carolina Vinegar Pulled Pork

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lidSharp knife for chopping the onions and garlic Cutting board for chopping the ingredientsMeat thermometer for checking the internal temperature of the porkWooden spoon or spatula for stirring the sauceTongs or forks for shredding the pork

How to Make Carolina Vinegar Pulled Pork

1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3
Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
4
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, then remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside.
5
Add the pork shoulder to the pot and sear it on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
6
Add the apple cider vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and dried oregano to the pot. Stir to combine, then add the cooked bacon back into the pot.
7
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise the pork for 6-8 hours, or until it is tender and falls apart easily.
8
Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
9
Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the solids. Skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface.
10
Add the shredded pork back into the sauce and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11
Serve the pulled pork hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or pickles if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to choose a pork shoulder with a good layer of fat on it to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Don't overcook the pork - it should be tender and fall apart easily.
Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it to allow the juices to redistribute.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork - it should be at least 190°F (88°C).
Don't skip the step of straining the sauce - it helps to remove any excess fat and solids.
Experiment with different types of vinegar and spices to find the flavor combination that you like best.
Consider making a batch of pulled pork ahead of time and freezing it for later use.
Serve the pulled pork on a bun with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the pork long enough, resulting in tough or dry meat.
Overcooking the pork, resulting in dry or mushy meat.
Not straining the sauce, resulting in a sauce that is too thick or greasy.
Not using enough acid in the sauce, resulting in a sauce that is too sweet or bland.
Not letting the pork rest before shredding it, resulting in a pork that is dry or tough.
Not using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork, resulting in undercooked or overcooked meat.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or white wine vinegar, to change the flavor of the sauce.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Experiment with different types of wood smoke, such as hickory or apple wood, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Add some sweetness to the dish by incorporating brown sugar or honey into the sauce.
Try using different types of pork, such as pork belly or pork ribs, to change the texture and flavor of the dish.
Experiment with different types of spices, such as cumin or coriander, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Consider adding some acidity to the dish by incorporating lemon juice or lime juice into the sauce.

What to Serve With Carolina Vinegar Pulled Pork

Carolina Vinegar Pulled Pork is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. One of the most popular ways to serve it is on a bun, topped with coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce. You can also serve it alongside your favorite sides, such as baked beans, collard greens, or mac and cheese.

Another great way to serve the pulled pork is in a salad, topped with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. You can also use the pulled pork as a topping for a baked potato or as a filling for a sandwich or wrap.

Serve the pulled pork on a bun with coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce.Serve the pulled pork alongside your favorite sides, such as baked beans, collard greens, or mac and cheese.Use the pulled pork as a topping for a baked potato or as a filling for a sandwich or wrap.Add the pulled pork to a salad, topped with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Carolina Vinegar Pulled Pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply place the pulled pork in an airtight container and refrigerate it at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

To freeze the pulled pork, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you're ready to serve it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave or oven.

Reheating the pulled pork is easy - simply place it in the microwave or oven and heat it until it's hot and steaming. You can also add a little bit of water or sauce to the pulled pork to help keep it moist and flavorful.

One of the best things about Carolina Vinegar Pulled Pork is that it's a great make-ahead dish. You can cook it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve it. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork is best for this recipe?

A pork shoulder is the best type of pork to use for this recipe. It's a tougher cut of meat that becomes tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can use a different type of vinegar, such as balsamic or white wine vinegar, to change the flavor of the sauce.

How long does it take to cook the pork?

It takes about 6-8 hours to cook the pork, depending on the size of the pork shoulder and the temperature of your oven.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve it.

What's the best way to reheat the pulled pork?

The best way to reheat the pulled pork is to place it in the microwave or oven and heat it until it's hot and steaming. You can also add a little bit of water or sauce to the pulled pork to help keep it moist and flavorful.

Can I use a slow cooker to make this recipe?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make this recipe. Simply cook the pork on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

What's the best way to serve the pulled pork?

The best way to serve the pulled pork is on a bun, topped with coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce. You can also serve it alongside your favorite sides, such as baked beans, collard greens, or mac and cheese.

Can I freeze the pulled pork?

Yes, you can freeze the pulled pork for up to 3 months. Simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.

The Full Recipe

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