When the sun shows itself again and the temperature rises, many people start to get itchy: the barbecue can go outside again. A classic that always makes an impression is pulled pork. With a good spice rub, such as Porky’s Rub, the meat gets a deep, spicy BBQ flavor and a nice aromatic crust.

This recipe is ideal for a relaxed weekend BBQ.

Ingredients (4–6 people)

• 1.5 – 2 kg pork shoulder (procureur)

• 3–4 tbsp Porky’s Rub

• 2 tbsp mustard

• 100 ml apple juice

• 4 soft brioche buns

• coleslaw (optional)

• BBQ sauce to taste (see below for a few low-calorie suggestions!)

Method

1. Prepare the meat

Pat the pork shoulder dry with kitchen paper. Lightly brush the meat all around with mustard so the spices adhere well.

2. Apply rub

Generously sprinkle the meat with Porky’s Rub and rub the spices in well. Preferably let the meat rest in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours so the flavors can penetrate.

3. Prepare the BBQ

Preheat the barbecue for indirect grilling to about 120–130°C.

4. Slow BBQ

Place the meat on the indirect part of the barbecue. Close the lid and let the meat cook slowly for 5 to 7 hours until an internal temperature of about 90–92°C is reached. Lightly spritz the meat with apple juice every hour to keep it juicy.

5. Make pulled pork

After cooking, let the meat rest for about 20 minutes and then pull it apart with two forks into shreds.

6. Serve

Top a brioche bun with pulled pork and a spoonful of coleslaw.

Finish it with a sauce

Pulled pork is often served with a BBQ sauce or a creamy topping. Those who want to keep it lighter can perfectly choose a low calorie sauce.

The Natural Zero sauces from Natural Spices are developed to offer the same familiar taste but with a lighter nutritional profile. Many variants contain less or no added sugar and less or no fat, making them well suited to a modern, conscious way of cooking and barbecuing.

Think for example of:

• a fresh Sriracha-style sauce for a spicy kick

• a teriyaki sauce for a lightly sweet umami flavor

• a BBQ sauce for extra smoky depth

This way you can give pulled pork or other BBQ dishes just that little bit of extra flavor, without the dish becoming heavy right away.

Variation tip: quick BBQ pork steaks

No time for pulled pork? Use Porky’s Rub also for a quick BBQ variant.

• Sprinkle pork steaks or belly slices with Porky’s Rub

• Let sit for 30 minutes

• Grill 6–8 minutes on the barbecue

• Serve with grilled corn, a fresh salad and a Natural Zero sauce

This way a complete BBQ meal is on the table within 20 minutes.

Other spices that go well with pork on the BBQ

Besides Porky’s Rub there are more herbs and spices that pair excellently with pork on the barbecue. Think for example of paprika powder, smoked paprika powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, mustard seed, coriander seed and a bit of black pepper. These spices often form the base of many classic BBQ rubs.

Also herbs such as thyme, oregano and bay leaf can add an extra aromatic layer to slowly cooked meat.

For a slightly sweeter BBQ flavor, rubs often use ingredients such as brown sugar, maple syrup powder or dried honey. These provide a nice caramelization of the outside of the meat during grilling.

Those who like to experiment on the barbecue can also try adding a bit of chili powder, chipotle or cayenne pepper for extra heat.

FAQ – BBQ Pulled Pork with Porky’s Rub

1. Which cut of meat is best for pulled pork?
For pulled pork, procureur (pork neck or pork shoulder) is usually used. This cut contains enough fat and connective tissue, which makes it tender during slow cooking and easy to pull apart.

2. How long should pulled pork be on the barbecue?
Pulled pork is slow-cooked at about 110–130°C. Depending on the size of the piece of meat this usually takes 5 to 7 hours, until an internal temperature of about 90–92°C is reached.

3. What does a BBQ rub like Porky’s Rub actually do?
A rub is a dry spice mix that is rubbed onto the meat before grilling or smoking. During cooking the rub forms an aromatic crust and gives the meat a deep, spicy BBQ flavor.

4. Can you also use Porky’s Rub for other BBQ dishes?
Yes. Porky’s Rub is not only suitable for pulled pork, but also for spareribs, belly slices, pork tenderloin, pork belly or BBQ skewers. Even on grilled potatoes or vegetables the rub can work surprisingly well.

5. Which sauce goes well with pulled pork?
Pulled pork is often served with a BBQ sauce or a mildly spicy sauce. Those looking for a lighter option can choose low calorie sauces, such as a BBQ, sriracha or teriyaki variant. These add extra flavor without making the dish heavier.