In a quest to simplify my life and get better at weekly meal planning I decided to do a large batch of pulled pork that could start as BBQ sandwiches and then be used for other things (I have Brunswick stew in mind). This recipe can be adjusted to your likes and if you don’t feel like making the homemade sauce, store bought is fine! I have been trying to replicate the country store sauces of my childhood and this one is close. It’s different than a lot of what you find today, it’s a nice balance of piquant, vinegar, and sweetness. I use the Crockpot instead of a smoker but sear it on the grill first to infuse a little smokey flavor and keep the kitchen clean.
What you need:
6 lbs pork shoulder or por butt
Seasoning blend that contains onion, garlic, peppers, celery seed…I like the Rowdy Kitty blend from Mom’s Gourmet…use your favorite steak or pork seasoning blend.
1 whole apple
1 yellow onion
Begin by cranking the grill up to high heat. The pork sears better when it’s not ice cold, remove from the fridge 30 minutes in advance and season generously with the spice rub. Place it on the hot grill but not directly over the flames to avoid flare ups. Allow 5-7 minutes and then rotate, sear on all sides for that amount of time.
When you have given it a nice dark sear on all sides remove from the grill and place it in the slow cooker. Halve the apple and onion and place beside the pork. Cover and cook on low for approximately 7 hours. Cooking times may vary. It is finished when it shreds easily with a fork. After the cook time is complete remove the apple and onion and then shred the meat with two forks (do not drain the fat, this is the flavor). After the meat has been thoroughly pulled apart season with a bit more salt and pepper and stir in about 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Serve with slotted spoon and more of your favorite sauce. If you are true Virginian you’ll top your sandwiches with coleslaw as well!
If you want to copy my sauce, I used the 1975 Virginia hospitality BBQ sauce recipe but made a few of my own adjustments. Johnny and the girls loved it!
This is a good cole slaw recipe if you need one:
I add only 1 tbsp of sugar and a tsp of celery seed.
Hope you enjoy this!