Oven Roasted Pulled Pork

This oven roasted pulled pork recipe delivers incredibly tender and flavorful meat with minimal fuss. It requires just 15 minutes to prepare and uses a homemade seasoning blend that creates a beautifully seasoned crust. This approach is perfect for anyone who loves pulled pork but may not have a slow cooker, instant pot, or smoker at hand. Pair it with your favorite BBQ sauce for a meal that shines at any gathering.

I first made this recipe when friends unexpectedly dropped by and only had an oven available. It turned out so delicious that it quickly became a go to whenever I want pulled pork without any special equipment. My family now asks for it regularly especially during weekend dinners.

Ingredients

• Boneless pork shoulder: the star of the dish look for well marbled meat for extra juiciness
• Yellow mustard: acts as a marinade helping tenderize the meat while boosting flavor you can try dijon or spicy brown mustard for a variation
• Smoked paprika: adds smoky depth Spanish smoked paprika is ideal when you can find it
• Garlic powder: essential for savory punch
• Onion powder: rounds out the seasoning profile
• Salt: enhances all the flavors and helps to tenderize
• Black pepper: for balance and mild heat
• Red pepper flakes: add subtle heat and dimension
• Dried thyme: herbaceous adds freshness
• Cumin: warm earthiness complements pork beautifully
• Beer: adds moisture and a subtle complexity if you prefer substitute with Coca Cola Dr Pepper root beer or broth as mentioned below
• BBQ sauce: for serving homemade or store bought choose your favorite to finish the dish

Instructions

Sear (optional):

Sear the pork shoulder lightly optional first for added flavor or skip to prep if prefer

Pat dry:

Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels making sure it is thoroughly dried to help seasoning stick better

Brush with mustard:

Brush the entire pork shoulder evenly with mustard using a brush or your fingers ensuring full coverage this helps tenderize and flavor the meat

Make seasoning blend:

In a small bowl combine smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt black pepper red pepper flakes thyme and cumin mixing well to form the seasoning blend

Apply rub:

Generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the mustard coated pork shoulder pat it down with your hands firmly so it adheres well to every surface

Place in pan:

Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a roasting pan or a large baking dish with high sides to catch juices

Add liquid:

Pour the beer around the pork in the pan taking care not to pour it over the top of the meat so you don’t wash off the seasoning

Cover and bake:

Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil without letting it touch the pork place it in the oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Bake until tender:

Bake covered for three and a half to four hours until the internal temperature reaches 203 degrees Fahrenheit uncover the pan during the last thirty minutes to brown the meat nicely

Rest:

Once cooked remove from oven and let the pork rest covered loosely with foil for thirty minutes allowing the juices to redistribute

Shred:

Transfer the pork to a baking sheet and shred the meat with forks discarding any large chunks of fat for best texture

Season shredded pork:

Sprinkle shredded pork evenly with salt and toss gently to combine ensuring even seasoning

Serve:

Serve immediately with your choice of BBQ sauce promoting a perfect balance of smoky savory and tangy flavors

Smoked paprika is one of my favorite ingredients in this recipe because it imparts a wonderful smoky depth that feels like you cooked it low and slow in a smoker even though it’s all done in the oven. I remember the first time I made this for a backyard cookout everyone swore it had been smoked for hours. It’s those little details in the seasoning that make pulled pork extra memorable around my table.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage freeze it in airtight bags or containers for up to three months. When ready to use frozen pork thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer not to use beer you can substitute with regular soda like Coca Cola or Dr Pepper which helps tenderize and adds sweetness. Avoid diet sodas as they can impart an unpleasant aftertaste. Chicken or beef broth can also be used if you want to keep it savory without sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw on soft buns always please a crowd. You can also serve it over baked potatoes on nachos or with classic Southern sides like baked beans and potato salad to create a hearty meal.

Serve warm with your favorite sides. Leftovers reheat well and stay moist when warmed gently.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use bone-in pork shoulder?

Yes, bone-in pork shoulder works well but may require longer cooking times. Use a meat thermometer avoiding bone contact for accurate temperature readings.

→ What are good alternatives to beer in this preparation?

Sodas like Coca Cola or root beer can replace beer without altering flavor significantly. Broth is also an option though beer or soda typically delivers best results.

→ Why is mustard used before roasting?

Mustard acts as a natural marinade, tenderizing the meat and helping spices adhere while enhancing overall flavor with its acidity.

→ What sides pair well with pulled pork?

Common accompaniments include potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, tacos, or sandwiches for versatile serving options.

→ How can I keep the meat moist when serving?

Reserve some cooking liquid after roasting and drizzle over shredded meat to maintain moisture and enhance juiciness.

→ Can I substitute the seasoning blend?

You can use different dry rubs without sugar to avoid burning, such as cayenne, paprika, chili powder, or mustard powder.