To cook pulled pork in the oven, start by selecting a 4 lb. boneless pork butt for tenderness. Create a flavorful dry rub with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Braise the pork in a lager beer for richness. Roast it in a Dutch oven at 300°F for 2.5-3.5 hours until tender, then shred and mix with barbecue sauce. For juicy results, cook the pork fat side up. Aim for an internal temperature of 190-195°F. Store leftovers properly in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat covered at 325°F for delicious pulled pork anytime. Trust the process for mouthwatering results.
How to Select Ingredients for Pulled Pork
When preparing to cook pulled pork in the oven, opt for a 4 lb. boneless pork butt to guarantee tenderness and flavor in your dish.
Create a delicious dry rub using smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and more.
Braising the pork in a lager beer will enhance its richness.
For a balanced BBQ sauce, mix ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Serve on toasted buns for a perfect meal.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. boneless pork butt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Season the Pork: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this spice blend all over the pork butt, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- Roast the Pork: Place the seasoned pork in a Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and roast in the preheated oven for approximately 160 minutes (about 40 minutes per pound), or until the pork is tender enough to be easily shredded with forks.
- Shred the Pork: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Using forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix with Barbecue Sauce: Transfer the shredded pork to a large bowl. Pour the barbecue sauce over the pork and mix well to ensure all the meat is evenly coated.
- Serve: Enjoy your oven-baked pulled pork on buns, with coleslaw, or as desired.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the spice blend.
- Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
How Long to Cook Pulled Pork in the Oven
For best results, aim to cook the pulled pork in the oven for approximately 2.5-3.5 hours at 300°F, ensuring a final internal temperature of around 205°F for tender meat. Remember to follow the general rule of allowing about 40 minutes per pound of pork shoulder. To keep track, monitor the roast closely, especially at the 90-minute mark. Place the fat side up for juicier results.
What Temperature Should Pulled Pork Be Cooked To?
For peak tenderness, make sure pulled pork reaches an internal temperature of 190-195°F, using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
At this range, collagen in the pork breaks down, resulting in a tender texture.
It’s essential to monitor the temperature to avoid overcooked meat.
Going beyond 195°F can lead to mushy pulled pork, so keep a close eye on the thermometer for perfect results.
Video: How to Cook Pulled Pork In The Oven
How to Store and Reheat Pulled Pork
If you’ve got some leftover pulled pork from your delicious oven-cooked batch, knowing how to store and reheat this dish properly is key to enjoying it later. Store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, for 20-30 minutes or use the microwave with short intervals.
| Method | Storage | Reheating |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Oven at 325°F |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Microwave |
Cooking Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Pulled Pork
To enhance the flavor and tenderness of your pulled pork, consider starting by searing the meat before slow roasting in the oven.
Preheat to 300°F for ideal cooking. Utilize a Dutch oven or roasting pan for even cooking.
Aim for an internal temperature of 190-195°F for perfectly tender shredded pork.
Allow the cooked pork to rest for 15-20 minutes before shredding to achieve the best results.
How to Present and Serve Oven-Baked Pulled Pork
Consider elevating your pulled pork presentation by serving it on toasted buns for a classic sandwich experience. Provide the remaining barbecue sauce on the side for customization. Pair the pulled pork with coleslaw or pickles for a balanced meal. Use heat-resistant gloves when handling the hot pulled pork. Serve the pulled pork sandwiches with spicy slaw for added texture and flavor contrast.
| Presentation | Serve | Side Dishes |
|---|---|---|
| Toasted Buns | Remaining Sauce | Coleslaw |
| Barbecue Sauce | Pickles | |
| Spicy Slaw |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Cover Pulled Pork in the Oven?
Yes, you should cover pulled pork in the oven to retain moisture. Covering it for most of the time helps guarantee slow cooking and tenderness. Uncover towards the end for a flavorful crust. Monitoring it while covered contributes to even cooking and juiciness.
What Is the Best Oven Temperature for Pulled Pork?
For tender, juicy pulled pork, set your oven to approximately 300°F. Slow cooking at this temperature guarantees even doneness and flavorful results. Remember to monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 190-205°F for perfect tenderness.
What Temperature Do You Cook Pork in the Oven?
When cooking pork in the oven, you should aim for a temperature of 300°F. This low and slow cooking method helps tenderize the meat by breaking down collagen. Make sure the pork reaches 190-195°F internally for best tenderness.
How Long to Cook Pulled Pork at 350?
To cook pulled pork at 350°F, plan for approximately 1 hour per pound of pork. Remember to use a meat thermometer and make sure the internal temperature hits 190-195°F for tender meat. Adjust time based on pork size for best results.
Conclusion
To sum up, cooking pulled pork in the oven is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic dish.
By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can create tender and flavorful pulled pork that will impress your family and friends.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
So fire up your oven and get ready to enjoy some mouthwatering pulled pork!