BBQ Sauce for Pulled Pork
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Pork is always tasty, but when it's bathed in a delicious homemade BBQ sauce for pulled pork and then slow-cooked until it falls apart, it ascends to a whole new level! Strands of tender pork are the perfect canvas to soak up the smoky, tangy, sweet, and savory flavors of rich BBQ sauce. Who needs to go to a smokehouse when you can make a hickory BBQ sauce in your own kitchen?!
Looking for another homemade BBQ sauce recipe? Try this bourbon BBQ sauce, which adds a kick of bourbon. If poultry is on the menu, make this BBQ sauce for chicken!
BBQ sauce is a tried-and-true condiment ā the complex flavor profile balances all sorts of flavors! Sweetness, tang, smokiness, and savory complement and balance each other for a delectable sauce. It's the perfect companion to meaty dishes in particular!
But, what is the best BBQ sauce for pulled pork? THIS homemade BBQ sauce for pulled pork was crafted with pork recipes in mind: be it BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, pulled pork enchiladas, tacos, or pizza, this BBQ sauce makes your pulled pork dishes sing. It's healthier and tastes so much better than storebought barbecue sauce ā and it only takes around 15 minutes!
Ingredients notes
We love a BBQ sauce, and we also love being able to pronounce every ingredient ā¦ Okay, maybe āWorcestershire sauce' is hard to say ten times fast ā but hey, we know what it is! We love that this is a vinegar based BBQ sauce, as it has delicious tang. You'll need the following ingredients to make this BBQ sauce recipe for pulled pork:
- Liquid smoke: There's no need to buy a smoker to get that irresistible smokiness in your dish! This gem is sold in many grocery stores, usually alongside meat seasonings or bbq sauces. Otherwise, you can find it online.
- Molasses: This thick syrup is used as a sweetener. Find it near the sweeteners and sugar substitutes in your grocery store, or online.
- Other ingredients: Ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
How to make BBQ sauce for pulled pork
It's super easy to make this homemade sauce! The best BBQ sauce for pulled pork is made with a balance of flavor in mind, so gather your measuring cup, teaspoon, and tablespoon and get to measuring. This is how it's done:
- Combine: Whisk everything together in a small pot or saucepan until it boils. Reduce the heat, stirring occasionally, as it simmers for ten minutes.
- Remove and cool: Take it off the heat and let it cool before you store or use it. Delicious!
Is homemade BBQ sauce healthier for you than storebought
We aren't going to claim this BBQ sauce is health food, but it sure is better for you than storebought barbecue sauce. Many brands you'd get from the supermarket do taste great and work in a pinch, but most brands you'll find have preservatives, corn syrup, or higher sodium. Making your sauce at home allows you to have control over the quality of the ingredients you use and to know what they are ā plus, it tastes phenomenal!
How do I make pulled pork with BBQ sauce?
Have a look at our recipe for BBQ pulled pork for the complete recipe!
First, make a simple spice rub. Generously coat your pork shoulder (also referred to as pork butt or boston butt) with the spice rub, and pop it in the slow cooker. Pour this BBQ sauce for pulled pork over it, along with some broth. Set your slow cooker, and return several hours later. Transfer your pork to a bowl and shred it with two forks. Retrieve the juices that were left behind in the slow cooker and reduce them down in a saucepan, pouring it over the shredded pulled pork. It's easy, and super delicious!
Other ways to use bbq sauce for pulled pork
This BBQ sauce isn't just for pulled pork! Make extra, stash it in the fridge, and use it to bring flavor to a variety of other recipes, like on vegetables or other meats. Here are some of our top picks:
- Marinade:Ā Use it to marinade any meats, not just pork! Break the rules and marinade your chicken or beef in there before letting it sizzle on the grill.
- Dipping sauce:Ā Add flavor to your favorite dunk-ables, be it fries, chicken tenders, sweet potato wedges, or carrot fries.
- BBQ tofu: Cut firm tofu into cubes, brush on some BBQ sauce, and grill until the edges are lightly charred.
- Chili: Add a dollop (or two) into a chili to make it deliciously smoky.
- Ribs: Baste this onto pork ribs and get ready to lick your fingers clean!
- Pizza sauce: Slather it onto some pizza dough and add your favorite toppings! Our favorite combo is with chicken, green peppers, red onion slices, and bacon bits for a bbq chicken pizza.
- Mushroom burger: Grab a portobello mushroom, brush some BBQ sauce on, and grill it to use it as a mushroom burger patty.
Recipe FAQs
Can I omit the liquid smoke if I don't have any?
If you don't have liquid smoke, this barbecue sauce will still taste great. However, the final taste will be less smoky, of course! There isn't an easy substitute to get the same smoky flavor, but you could add smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness.
How much BBQ sauce for pulled pork?
If you're making our BBQ pulled pork recipe, we recommend using 1.5 cups of BBQ sauce with a 3-4 lb piece of pork shoulder.
How do I store BBQ sauce for pulled pork?
Store it in an airtight container or jar, like a mason jar, in the refrigerator for 7-10 days. You can also put it in the freezer for up to three months.
Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?
While it is already gluten- and dairy-free, it's important to always check the labels of products you use to ensure they don't contain unexpected additives.
Pulled pork recipes
BBQ Sauce for Pulled Pork Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- Ā¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons EACH: honey and molasses
- 1 tablespoon EACH: dijon mustard and worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder
- 12 drops liquid smoke
Instructions
- Whisk the ingredients in a small pot over medium-high heat.2 cups ketchup, 1 cup apple cider vinegar, Ā¾ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons EACH: honey and molasses, 1 tablespoon EACH: dijon mustard and worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder, 12 drops liquid smoke
- Bring the pot to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Prop the lid over the pot to prevent splatters but do not cover the pot completely.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow the bbq sauce to cool before using or storing it.
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our sauce recipes!