Beginner's Pulled Pork

America's Test Kitchen

• Ready In: 11 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup  packed brown sugar, plus extra as needed
• 1⁄4 cup sweet paprika
• 1  tablespoon garlic powder
• 1  tablespoon onion powder
• 1  tablespoon ground cumin
• 1  teaspoon cayenne pepper
•  salt
•  pepper
• 1 (5 lb)  boneless pork butt, trimmed and quartered
• 1  cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving
•  cider vinegar

Directions

1. Combine sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
2. Using a fork, prick pork all over.
3. Rub sugar mixture over pork, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 8-24 hours.
4. Unwrap pork and place in slow cooker.
5. Spread barbecue sauce evenly over pork, cover, and cook until pork is tender, 9-11 hours on LOW or 5-7 hours on HIGH.
6. Transfer pork to large bowl; let cool slightly, then shred into bite-size pieces discarding excess fat; cover to keep warm.
7. Let braising liquid settle for 5 minutes, then remove fat from surface using a large spoon.
8. Season with salt, pepper, sugar, and vinegar to taste.
9. Toss shredded pork with 1 cup braising liquid; add more liquid as needed to keep meat moist.
10. Serve on buns with pickle chips and more barbecue sauce.