Barley Free Carolina Pulled Pork

Total time13 hr 20 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time5 hr

4.7

(25)

Slow-braised pulled pork is one of those deeply satisfying dishes that fills the whole kitchen with an irresistible aroma, and this version delivers every bit of that comfort. A bone-in pork shoulder gets rubbed down with a warming blend of turmeric, ginger, thyme, oregano, and Ceylon cinnamon, then left to marinate overnight so the flavors really sink in. The braising liquid — apple cider vinegar, bone broth, and a touch of honey — keeps everything moist and tangy while the pork slowly transforms into something impossibly tender over four to five hours in a low oven. Because every ingredient here is straightforward and grain-free by nature, there's no need to scrutinize labels or swap anything out; it just works as written. The reduced braising liquid gets poured right back over the shredded meat, giving you that glossy, saucy finish that makes pulled pork so craveable. A scatter of fresh flat-leaf parsley at the end adds a bright pop of color and freshness that ties the whole dish together beautifully.

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Ingredients

8 servings

For the pork

4 lb bone-in pork shoulder (boston butt)
2 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
2 tbsp coconut oil

For the braising liquid

1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup bone broth (homemade or aip-compliant brand)
1 tbsp honey
½ tsp fine sea salt
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground turmeric

For serving

2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

1
In a small bowl, combine the 2 tsp salt, turmeric, ginger, thyme, oregano, and Ceylon cinnamon for the rub. Pat the pork shoulder completely dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture all over the surface, pressing it into any crevices. Place the rubbed pork on a plate, cover loosely, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2
Remove the pork from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).

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