Long ago, settlers brought pigs to the United States and left them to wander the wild. This climate where cattle perished was ideal for hogs, and therefore became the meat of the South. In this part of the world barbecue is synonymous with pork. Were you to mention beef barbecue in the Carolinas you are likely to be shown the door. Once the Texan has been shown the door over his pronouncements of the virtues of brisket, those left behind will most likely start a fight over all the variations of what is called the true barbecue.
Because this tradition is so old and every region has it's own variations, it's hard to come up with a definition of exactly what pulled pork is. The most basic definition is pork cooked over a low smoky fire to the point where it can be pulled apart by hand. The variations are sauces, rubs, cuts, woods, toppings and serving style. As you read on you will find out about all the variations and be able to find out for yourself what is the best.
On its basic level, southern style barbecue is smoked pork. It is often called pulled pork because of the way it is prepared. The smoked meat is simply pulled apart by hand, although it is also found sliced, shredded or chopped. But it is also more than a meal. One of the oldest definitions of barbecue is an event where people gather to share good food. These events were frequently prepared for political, religious or social gatherings.
The simplified version of preparing pulled pork is to take a pork shoulder and put it in your smoker. Cook until the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 165o, the safe temperature for pork. However, higher internal temperatures make the meat easier to work with. Do not exceed 190o. By this time most all the fat will have melted away and the tough connective tissue called collagen will be broken down. The meat should be tender enough to be pulled apart by hand. Kept warm, the tender meat is served up on a white bread bun with a table sauce for the diners to add as they see fit. You will usually see it served with cole slaw, either on the side or in the bun.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh .. didn't know that is what they called it
I just called it Pork BBQ
Okay Loddy, now you've done it!
You have to come to the potluck at Basil's tonight and bring pulled pork. *L*
Al's out searching for a fresh shoulder now. We had to use a loin last time, but you really need all the fat from the shoulder.
I rubbed mine all over with olive oil and then covered it in a dry rub of kosher salt with lots and lots of seasonings. The drippings in the pan were soo good and mixed so well with the pulled meat.
I bought sub rolls and split them and grilled them with butter and then piled the pork on.. Didn't need any sauce.. as it had plenty of it's own..
We didn't over smoke it, cause Al's not too fond of heavy smoking.. Just a little wood added to the smoker.. It was enough.
Mmmm... I told Gary I would make a potato salad too, but I think I might have to make some beans to go with both.. Sounds gooooooooooooooooooood... ;)
Not a bad description of southern barbecue, Loddy, for a Texan. ;-)