Smoky Bobby Flay Pulled Pork Recipe for Bold Barbecue

Bobby Flay’s pulled pork celebrates a tantalizing culinary journey through smoky, succulent landscapes of flavor.

Southern kitchens whisper secrets of transformative meat preparation that elevate simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.

Tender strands of perfectly seasoned pork promise a mouthwatering experience that tingles every taste bud.

Professional techniques merge traditional smoking methods with contemporary culinary artistry, creating a symphony of robust flavors.

Each carefully crafted bite reveals layers of complex seasoning and deep, rich undertones.

This recipe unlocks the magic of slow-cooked perfection, inviting you to indulge in a true barbecue masterpiece.

Tools for Tender Pulled Pork Perfection

• Casserole Dish: Large, deep baking dish perfect for slow-roasting pork with a tight-fitting lid.
• Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowl for creating the zesty spice rub.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tools for accurately portioning spices.
• Aluminum Foil: Backup option for covering the dish if no lid is available.
• Two Forks: Essential for shredding the tender, cooked pork.
• Cutting Board: Spacious surface for pulling apart the meat.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for mixing pulled pork with barbecue sauce.

Slow-Cook or Grill Instructions for Flay’s Pork

• Craft Flavor-Packed Spice Blend

Whip up a tantalizing spice rub by combining smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, brown sugar, and salt. Massage this zesty mixture thoroughly into the pork shoulder, ensuring every inch is coated with delicious seasoning.

• Prepare Slow-Cooking Setup

Fire up the oven to a low and slow 150°C. Nestle the seasoned pork shoulder into a spacious casserole dish, positioning it skin-side up. Splash apple cider around the meat to infuse extra moisture and depth of flavor.

• Transform Pork into Tender Delicacy

Seal the dish completely with a snug lid or aluminum foil. Slide into the oven and let the magic happen over 4-8 hours. The slow roasting process will break down the meat, creating mouthwatering, fall-apart goodness that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Unleash Pulling and Finishing Technique

Once the pork emerges from the oven, let it rest briefly. Transfer to a cutting board and use two forks to shred the meat into delectable strands. Splash in some barbecue sauce and a touch of cooking liquid to keep things juicy and packed with flavor.

• Create Mouthwatering Pulled Pork Feast

Pile the succulent pulled pork onto soft rolls. Crown with a dollop of creamy coleslaw and extra barbecue sauce. This showstopper will have everyone coming back for seconds, guaranteed to be the star of any gathering.

BBQ Sauce and Rub Tips

• Elevate Your Pork: Customized Flavor Techniques
• Experiment with different spice combinations to transform the basic rub. Try adding cayenne for heat, dried thyme for earthiness, or smoked chili powder for intense depth.
• Liquid Magic: Beyond Apple Cider
• Swap apple cider with beer, bourbon, or chicken stock to create unique flavor profiles. Each liquid brings a distinctive richness that penetrates the meat during slow cooking.
• Quick Meal Transformation Strategies
• Turn leftover pulled pork into tacos, nachos, pizza toppings, or stuffed into baked potatoes. The versatile meat becomes an instant crowd-pleaser with minimal extra effort.
• Smart Storage and Reheating Tricks
• Store pulled pork in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with a splash of reserved cooking liquid to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Serving Ideas for Pulled Pork Sliders

• Savor Pulled Pork Perfection: Delectable Serving Suggestions
• Build Mouthwatering Sandwiches: Stack the tender pulled pork on soft brioche or potato rolls, topped with tangy coleslaw for a classic Southern-style sandwich that bursts with flavor.
• Create Loaded Nachos: Scatter pulled pork over crispy tortilla chips, sprinkle with melted cheese, jalapeños, and drizzle with barbecue sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack.
• Transform into Tacos: Wrap the juicy pulled pork in warm corn tortillas, garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a Mexican-inspired twist that'll excite your taste buds.
• Craft Hearty Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top fluffy baked potatoes with a generous portion of pulled pork, add a dollop of sour cream, chives, and extra barbecue sauce for a satisfying meal that combines comfort food favorites.

Pulled Pork Storage That Keeps It Moist

• Preserve Pulled Pork Perfection: Store shredded meat in airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to lock in moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Package pulled pork in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air. Frozen pulled pork maintains its delicious quality for 2-3 months, ready for quick meals anytime.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed pulled pork gently in a skillet with a splash of apple cider or barbecue sauce. Low and slow prevents drying out, maintaining that mouthwatering tenderness.
• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Divide batch-cooked pulled pork into individual portions. Refrigerate or freeze for effortless weeknight dinners, tacos, sandwiches, or salad toppers that save time and deliver maximum flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 510 kcal

Servings: 8

Pulled Pork: Ingredients

• Smoked Paprika: Choose fresh, vibrant red powder with deep smoky aroma for maximum flavor complexity.
• Ground Cumin: Select whole-seed ground cumin for richer, more intense earthy notes.
• Black Pepper: Opt for freshly cracked whole peppercorns to enhance aromatic intensity.
• Brown Sugar: Pick dark brown sugar for deeper caramel undertones and richer color.
• Salt: Use coarse sea salt for better texture and mineral depth.

• Pork Shoulder: Select well-marbled cut with consistent fat distribution for tender, juicy results.
• Apple Cider: Prefer unfiltered, organic apple cider for robust, authentic fruity undertones.

• Barbecue Sauce: Choose smoky, tangy sauce with balanced sweetness and complexity.
• White Rolls: Select soft, fresh hamburger-style rolls with slight chewiness.
• Coleslaw: Use crisp, freshly shredded cabbage with creamy, zesty dressing.

Smoky Bobby Flay Pulled Pork Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Bobby Flay’s pulled pork recipe delivers mouthwatering Southern-style barbecue with tender, smoky meat. Slow-cooked and seasoned perfectly, you’ll savor each rich, flavorful bite of this classic comfort dish.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) boneless pork shoulder
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp pepper
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 500 ml (2 cups) cider (plus more if needed)
• 240 ml (1 cup) smoky barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 8 soft white rolls
• 2 cups coleslaw

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Instructions

1. Spice Blend Preparation: Craft a robust spice mixture by blending smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, brown sugar, and kosher salt in a small bowl, creating a complex flavor profile.
2. Meat Seasoning: Vigorously rub the spice blend into every crevice of the pork shoulder, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
3. Initial Cooking Setup: Arrange the seasoned pork shoulder skin-side up in a deep casserole dish, surrounding the meat with apple cider to initiate a moisture-rich braising environment.
4. Sealing and Slow Cooking: Hermetically seal the dish with a tight lid or aluminum foil, then transfer to a preheated 150°C (300°F) oven for a gradual, transformative cooking process that will render the meat supremely tender.
5. Liquid Maintenance: Periodically check the dish every 90 minutes, replenishing apple cider as needed to prevent drying and maintain a succulent cooking environment.
6. Doneness Verification: After 4-8 hours, assess the pork’s readiness by testing its ability to effortlessly separate with two forks, indicating perfect tenderness.
7. Resting and Preparation: Allow the meat to rest briefly, then transfer to a cutting board and meticulously shred, simultaneously skimming excess fat from the reserved cooking liquid.
8. Flavor Refinement: Incorporate barbecue sauce and select cooking liquid into the shredded meat, adjusting seasoning to create a harmonious and delectable pulled pork mixture.
9. Serving Presentation: Present the pulled pork on soft white rolls, complemented by crisp coleslaw and additional barbecue sauce for an irresistible culinary experience.

Notes

• Spice Blend Secrets: Mix dry ingredients thoroughly before applying to ensure even, powerful flavor distribution across the entire pork shoulder.
• Moisture Mastery: Keep liquid levels consistent by checking every 90 minutes, adding apple cider to prevent meat from drying out and maintain tenderness.
• Resting Ritual: Allow meat to rest after cooking to help juices redistribute, ensuring each bite remains incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Sauce Strategy: Incorporate reserved cooking liquid when mixing barbecue sauce to enhance depth of flavor and prevent dry pulled pork.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg