Are you a fan of juicy and flavorful pulled pork? Look no further than the Best Easy Franklin Pulled Pork Recipe! This recipe takes inspiration from the famous Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas, known for its mouthwatering smoked meats. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can recreate the same tender and delicious pulled pork at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 bone-in pork shoulder (also known as pork butt), approximately 4-5 pounds
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon cumin
– 1 cup apple juice
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 cup water
– Your favorite barbecue sauce (optional)
– Hamburger buns, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C). If using a charcoal smoker, prepare the charcoal and add wood chips or chunks for smoke flavor.
2. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin to create a dry rub.
3. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Generously rub the dry rub all over the pork, making sure to cover all sides.
4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on the smoker or grill, fat side up.
5. In a spray bottle, mix together apple juice, apple cider vinegar, and water. This will be used for spritzing the pork while it cooks.
6. Smoke the pork shoulder for approximately 1 hour per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C). This can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, depending on the size of the pork shoulder and the consistency of your smoker or grill.
7. Every hour, spritz the pork shoulder with the apple juice mixture to keep it moist and add flavor.
8. Once the pork reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker or grill and let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender.
9. Using two forks or your hands, shred the pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces. Discard any excess fat or bone.
10. Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns, and if desired, drizzle with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Now, let’s move on to some common questions about this delicious Franklin Pulled Pork recipe:
1. Can I use a boneless pork shoulder?
Yes, you can use a boneless pork shoulder instead of bone-in. Just keep in mind that bone-in pork tends to have more flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of meat?
While this recipe is specifically designed for pork shoulder, you can experiment with other cuts of meat such as beef brisket or chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
3. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can. Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C) and follow the same instructions, using a roasting pan with a rack to elevate the pork off the bottom.
4. What wood chips or chunks should I use for smoking?
Hickory, apple, or cherry wood chips or chunks work well with pork. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.
5. Can I make this recipe without a smoker or grill?
If you don’t have a smoker or grill, you can use a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking times and settings.
6. How do I store leftover pulled pork?
Allow the pulled pork to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
7. Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pulled pork is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it the day before, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it gently before serving.
8. Can I skip the spritzing step?
While spritzing helps keep the pork moist, you can skip this step if you prefer. Just be aware that it may result in slightly drier meat.
9. What sides go well with pulled pork?
Classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, or potato salad complement pulled pork perfectly. Feel free to get creative with your favorite side dishes.
Now that you have the Best Easy Franklin Pulled Pork Recipe and answers to common questions, it’s time to fire up the smoker or grill and enjoy some mouthwatering pulled pork. Happy cooking!