Juneteenth BBQ Pulled Pork (Printable)

Celebrate with BBQ pulled pork and refreshing watermelon slaw.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pulled Pork

01 - 4 lbs boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt)
02 - 2 tbsp brown sugar
03 - 1 tbsp smoked paprika
04 - 2 tsp garlic powder
05 - 2 tsp onion powder
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp chili powder
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - ½ tsp black pepper
10 - 1 cup apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
12 - 1 cup barbecue sauce (gluten-free if needed)

→ Watermelon Slaw

13 - 3 cups seedless watermelon, julienned or cubed
14 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
15 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
16 - ½ cup shredded carrot
17 - ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
18 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
19 - 2 tbsp lime juice
20 - 1 tbsp honey
21 - 2 tbsp olive oil
22 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the pork shoulder. Place the pork in a slow cooker or Dutch oven and add apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce around it. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or in the oven at 300°F, covered, until the pork is fork-tender. Remove the pork, shred with two forks, and mix with barbecue sauce. Return to heat for an additional 15 minutes.
02 - In a large bowl, combine watermelon, green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, red onion, and cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the slaw and gently toss to combine. Chill until ready to serve.
03 - Move the BBQ pulled pork to a platter or sandwich buns, if desired, and top generously with watermelon slaw. Serve immediately with additional barbecue sauce on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • This pulled pork is not only tender but also laced with flavor that lingers perfectly on the palate.
  • The vibrant watermelon slaw brings a fresh twist that adds color and crunch to every plate.
02 -
  • I've learned that while it's tempting to rush the cooking time, low and slow truly is the way to go for tender, flavorful pulled pork.
  • Chilling the watermelon slaw is crucial to allow the flavors to develop and the crunch to shine through.
03 -
  • Always taste your slaw dressing before mixing; the balance of sweetness and acidity makes all the difference.
  • Letting the pork rest after cooking will keep it moist when shredding.
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