Some creations in this world are not just meals. They are experiences that remind us of sweet moments with loved ones, big family gatherings, and bustling outdoor barbecues. For me, one such meal is the Southern Barbecued Pork Roast – a dish that I’ve been cooking for decades infused with the tradition of my ancestors. The aroma of slow-cooked pork roast wafting through the kitchen as well as outside, where neighborhood children are playing, is enough to make my mouth water.

The succulent, tender meat cooked to perfection in a variety of spices and sauces melts in your mouth like butter, leaving behind an unforgettable taste that makes you want more. This recipe is perfect for special occasions such as weddings or birthdays, perfect for game day feasts or even cocktail hours events! Not only it’s tasty but also versatile when it comes to pairing with different side dishes like mac n cheese or coleslaw, your taste buds will be satisfied no matter what you serve with it.

As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I have perfected this recipe over time to create a cooking experience that anyone can master. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a large gathering, this recipe never disappoints. So read on and learn how to create the ultimate Southern Barbecued Pork Roast – that will have your guests coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a recipe that explodes with the flavors of Southern cuisine, then look no further than this Southern Barbecued Pork Roast Recipe.

Picture this: slow-cooked pork, so tender that it melts in your mouth, infused with a tangy, smoky barbeque sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. This is the best Southern pulled pork you’ll ever taste, perfect for any occasion or gathering.

This recipe is versatile too! Use a slow cooker or roast it in the oven – either way, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress all who taste it. The combination of Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, and ketchup make for a bold, rich flavor profile. Add onions and garlic to complete the recipe, and you’ll create a unique spicy-sweet taste that will leave you craving more.

If you’re in search of a crowd-pleasing recipe for your next barbecue or family meal, then this best Southern pulled pork recipe should be at the top of your list. Just follow our simple instructions and serve up some delicious smoked pulled pork sandwiches or roast pork chops that will have everybody asking for seconds.

Ingredient List

Get ready to sink your teeth into some juicy, fall-off-the-bone southern barbecued pork roast!

Let’s Gather What We Need!

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pork Roast:

3 lb boneless pork loin roast
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 cup water

For the Barbecue Sauce:

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

For Southern-style flavor, I recommend using boneless pork loin roast. This cut of meat is tender and lean with a mild flavor that pairs well with the bold smoky taste of the barbecue sauce. Don’t be intimidated by the lengthy ingredient list; most are pantry staples like garlic powder, ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar. For the best results, use fresh ingredients and measure accurately.

The Recipe How-To

This is the ultimate comfort food that is sure to satisfy any BBQ lover.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s how you can make the perfect Southern Barbecued Pork Roast right at home, just like me.

Step 1: Get Your Ingredients Ready

To begin, gather all your recipe ingredients in one place: a 3-pound boneless pork loin roast, 1 medium onion, and 1 cup of water. Then, in a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of ketchup. Finally, you’ll need 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 3/4 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper.

Step 2: Prep the Pork Roast

Place the pork roast in your slow cooker or roasting pan, fat side up. In a separate bowl, combine: brown sugar (2 tablespoons), paprika (1 teaspoon), garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon), onion powder (1/2 teaspoon), celery seed (1/2 teaspoon), salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon). This mixture will be your pork rub. Rub the mixture all over the pork roast.

Step 3: Add Flavorful Mixture

Pour your bowl mixture over the pork roast and allow it to marinate for several hours or even overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cooking

Cook the pork roast on LOW heat for about 6-8 hours until it reaches an internal temperature between 145°F and 160°F. Once it’s done, remove it from the slow cooker or roasting pan and allow it to cool down for at least 15 minutes.

Step 5: Shred the Pork

Using two forks, shred the pork and discard any excess fat. Strain the pan juices into a bowl and skim any visible fat from the surface. Return the shredded pork to your slow cooker or roasting pan.

Step 6: Add BBQ Sauce

Pour your BBQ sauce (2 tablespoons) over the pork and then blend well until it’s evenly coated. Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes or until hot.

Congratulations, you’ve made your first Southern Barbecued Pork Roast! Your taste buds will thank you.

Substitutions and Variations

The aroma of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water.

Substitutions and variations are always great when it comes to cooking, as they offer you a chance to explore different flavors and ingredients. As such, here are some substitutions and variations for this southern barbecued pork roast recipe:

– Spice it up: If you’re a fan of spicy foods, consider adding hot sauce (like Tabasco) or red pepper flakes to the recipe. This will give your pork roast an extra kick of heat.

– Swap the meat: If you don’t have or don’t like pork loin roast, you could try using a pork shoulder or tenderloin instead. Both cuts work well in slow cooker recipes and can be used in place of the pork loin roast.

– Change up the sauce: Although this recipe calls for a specific barbecue sauce mixture, you can always use your favorite sauce instead. For example, if you want to make Chinese-style BBQ pork (also known as char siu pork), use hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder instead.

– Add different herbs and spices: If you’d like to experiment with different herbs and spices, consider adding coriander or cumin to the rub mixture. These spices pair well with pork and add an exotic flavor to the meat.

– Go vegetarian: If you’re a vegetarian but still want to enjoy the flavors of this recipe, try using seitan instead of pork. Seitan is a wheat-based protein that can be used as a substitute for meat and has a similar texture to shredded meat when cooked.

Substitutions and variations are endless when it comes to cooking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find something that works for you!

Serving and Pairing

Look at those caramelized edges and the succulent pork roast bathing in its own juices.

Serving the Southern Barbecued Pork Roast is an experience that makes you lick fingers and smack lips. Its juicy, tender meat practically falls apart on the fork, a perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. I find this roast to be an excellent centerpiece for any hearty meal, and you can slice it thin into pieces for sandwiches or thicker portions to pair with sides like collard greens or macaroni and cheese.

For a perfect family-style dinner, serve your Southern barbecue pulled pork over mashed potatoes, which will soak up all those savory juices from the pork. In true Southern style, serve alongside side dishes like potato salad, cornbread, coleslaw or roasted veggies.

If you’re going for something more adventurous in terms of cuisine pairing, you could try exploring Asian cuisine as well! For instance, you can use this recipe to create your own char siu pork which is similar to Chinese bbq pork see here: by marinating the pork shoulder chops in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce and honey. Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds and serve with a side of steamed vegetables or fried rice.

As for drinks pairing, you’re looking at classic Southern-style options such as sweet tea or lemonade. On the alcoholic side, choose a regional wine like a Zinfandel or Syrah which will not overpower the robust flavors of the pork roast but rather complement them.

Serving suggestion: Place your Southern Barbecue Pulled Pork on brioche buns sliced in half along with a dollop of your favorite bbq sauce on top to make succulent barbecue pulled pork sandwiches which are perfect for outdoor summer barbecues.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Serve with a side of coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans for the perfect southern-style meal.

Just like a good story, a well-prepared meal is worth telling and retelling. However, life has a funny way of getting in the way of telling such stories on time. But fret not, lovers of southern-style cuisine, because with this recipe for Southern Barbecued Pork Roast, you can still enjoy some juicy pulled pork even when you’re pressed for time.

Make-ahead: If you want to prepare the pork roast ahead to save time, you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the meat to become more tender and flavorful. If using a slow cooker, make sure to add about half a cup of water to prevent the meat from drying.

Storing: Leftover pork roast can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. The barbecue sauce may thicken when cold but will come back to its normal consistency after reheating. For long term storage, freeze the pulled pork in a freezer bag or an airtight plastic container for up to three months.

Reheating: The best way to reheat your leftover barbecue shredded pork is in a pan over low heat while stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but that will make it dry and chewy. Alternatively, heat in the oven covered with foil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15 minutes, adding some water if needed.

So next time life happens and gets in between you and your love for southern-style food, use this recipe to keep them at bay by making ahead, storing well and reheating perfectly so that every bite tells an unforgettable tale!

Tips for Perfect Results

The secret to achieving that perfectly charred, caramelized exterior is all in the rub.

The key to making a succulent southern-style Barbecued Pork Roast lies in not cutting corners and making sure you follow the recipe to a tee. But with that said, here are some tips to ensure you get the perfect results every time.

To make sure your roast is fully flavored, always marinate it overnight. This will allow the marinade to permeate through the meat, giving it a richer and more robust flavor. Use a sealable plastic bag or covered container to hold your marinade and pork loin in the refrigerator.

For even cooking, it’s important that your pork is at room temperature before cooking. About an hour before placing it in the oven or slow cooker, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit out. This helps speed up the cooking process and ensures the center of the roast is thoroughly cooked.

For best results, use a meat thermometer to gauge the internal temperature of your pork roast. Stick the thermometer right into the center of your pork loin and aim for an internal temperature between 145°F-160°F. This will give you juicy but fully cooked pork roast.

During cooking, make sure to baste your roast regularly. This helps keep it moist while also adding more flavor to the meat. You can use some of your leftover marinade or mix equal parts of ketchup and water as a basting sauce.

Finally, when slicing your cooked pork roast, always cut against the grain. This will make it easier to slice and ensure that each piece is tender and easy to chew.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have a beautiful, juicy southern-style Barbecued Pork Roast every single time!

FAQ

As you continue to prepare this delicious Southern Barbecued Pork Roast Recipe, you may encounter some questions or concerns. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that I have received regarding this recipe. So, keep reading through this FAQ section and find answers to your doubts.

What pork roast is best for BBQ?

If you’re looking for a pork cut that’s ideal for grilling but still relatively lean, then a pork loin roast might be just the ticket. This cut of meat is essentially a muscle slab that can be purchased under various names like “center-cut pork loin roast,” or even “center-cut rib roast” if it still includes the bone.

What is the most tender and flavorful pork roast?

When it comes to pork, the tenderloin reigns supreme in terms of tenderness and mild flavor. This particular cut of meat runs down the side of the backbone and boasts a lean profile. For optimal taste and texture, it’s best to sear the tenderloin and then finish it in the oven or on a cooler area of the grill.

Should I sear a pork roast before roasting?

When it comes to preparing a roast, it’s important to start off by searing it either in the oven or on the stove. This initial step is commonly recommended as it can help to lock in the meat’s juices and enhance the overall flavor.

How to cook a roast pork on a gas BBQ?

Alright, so first things first, make sure the meat is snug in a roasting pan. Once that’s settled, get that BBQ heated up to the right temperature. Once it’s hot enough, it’s time to put the meat into the BBQ! Let it roast for about half an hour at 220°C (that’s roughly 428°F).

Now, here’s where the magic comes in: lower the temperature to around 160 °C (around 320°F) and let the barbecue work its wonders. But don’t forget to keep track of the time! Generally-speaking, it’s wise to let the meat roast for about 50 minutes per kilogram (23 minutes per pound). So set that timer and keep an eye on it!

How long does it take to cook a 2 pound pork roast and at what temperature?

Alright, let’s get that oven hot and ready at 325F (163C)! What we’re going to do next is throw that savory pork roast right in there, no need to cover it up, and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes *PER POUND*. Keep an eye on the inside temperature and remove it from the oven when it hits 155F (68C). Remember to let it rest, allowing it to reach a final, juicy 160F (71C).

What makes a pork roast tough?

When cooking pork, it’s essential to avoid overcooking it, as this can cause the meat fibers to shrink and lose their juices, leaving you with tough and dry meat. To ensure your pork is cooked to perfection, I recommend investing in a meat thermometer or a slender multi-use digital thermometer. These tools can take away any guesswork and give you the confidence to serve up succulent and tender pork every time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZeyT5OvomE

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this Southern Barbecued Pork Roast is the perfect addition to your recipe collection. With its flavorful and tangy taste, it will surely delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings for something savory. This recipe is easy to follow and can be made with ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen.

I highly recommend trying this recipe for yourself, as it is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can serve it as a main dish, make pulled pork sandwiches or use it as a topping for your favorite salads. Whether you are hosting a party or just craving some flavorful southern cuisine, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave everyone in awe.

So, try out this recipe and let its mouth-watering flavors transport you to the heart of the southern states. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Mouthwatering Barbecued Pork Roast Recipe