Sweet Pulled Barbacoa Pork Recipe | Sweet & Smoky Barbacoa Pulled Pork

Mexican cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavors, vibrant colors, and a harmonious blend of indigenous, Spanish, and other global culinary influences. It is a reflection of Mexico's rich history, culture, and geography. 

Staples include corn, beans, tomatoes, chili peppers, avocados, and a wide variety of spices and herbs. Corn is a fundamental ingredient, used to make tortillas, tamales and other dishes.

Chili peppers are at the heart of Mexican cooking, contributing not only heat but also complex flavors. Varieties like jalapeños, poblanos, and habaneros are used to create salsas and add depth to dishes.

Mexican cuisine varies by region. Coastal areas often emphasize seafood, while the interior may favor hearty stews and slow-cooked meats like Barbacoa Pork. Each region of Mexico has its own unique dishes and flavors.

Sweet Pulled Barbacoa Pork is a delicious and flavorful dish of Mexico that combines the tenderness of slow-cooked pork with a hint of sweetness. Here's a  recipe for making Sweet Pulled Barbacoa Pork:

If you like pork, here are some other recipe for you:

1. Gaeng Daeng Sai Fak Thong Lae Moo Recipe
2. Goan Pork Vindaloo Recipe

Ingredients of Sweet pulled barbacoa pork :

For the Pork:

• 3 pounds of pork butt or pork shoulder (trimmed of excess fat)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium sized chopped onion
• 4 cloves  minced garlic
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
• 2 bay leaves

For the Sweet BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions of Making Sweet Pulled Barbacoa Pork:

1. Prepare The Sweet BBQ Sauce:

• In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.

2. Prepare Sweet Pulled Barbacoa Pork

• In a large skillet or a Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear all sides of the pork until browned. Remove the pork when done and set it aside.
• Add the chopped onions and garlic in the same pot and sauté for a few minutes until they become fragrant and slightly translucent.
• Add the broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir well to combine.
• Return the seared pork to the pot, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid and the seasonings. Cover the pot now and reduce the heat to low.
• Simmer the pork for 6-8 hours or until it's tender and falls apart easily. You can also use a slow cooker on low for the same amount of time.
• Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat.
• Combine the shredded pork and the sweet BBQ sauce, stirring until the pork is evenly coated with the sauce.

3. Serving of Sweet Pulled Barbacoa Pork:

• Garnish Barbacoa Pork with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles or fresh cilantro. Serve the sweet pulled barbacoa pork in buns, tortillas or over rice. 

Enjoy your homemade sweet pulled barbacoa pork – it's perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish with your favorite sides.

 Recipe Card

Cuisine: Mexican, Prep Time:10 mins, Cook Time: 8 hrs, Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins, Servings: 8