Memphis Belle Pulled Pork from Mission BBQ features tender, smoky pulled pork slow-cooked with a tangy barbecue sauce, served juicy and flavorful with a rich, caramelized exterior that highlights authentic Memphis-style barbecue.
Equipments
- Smoker (offset or pellet smoker)
- Charcoal or wood chips/chunks
- Large mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
- Basting brush
- Tongs
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Slow cooker (optional)
- Roasting pan (optional)
- Saucepan (for barbecue sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 6–8 lb (2.7–3.6 kg) pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Choosing a high-quality pork shoulder, preferably 6 to 8 pounds, ensures tender and flavorful pulled pork when slow-cooked. Using a blend of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, and dry mustard creates the authentic Memphis-style smoky and tangy flavor profile. Apple cider vinegar and apple juice add essential acidity and moisture, balancing the sweetness from brown sugar and molasses in the barbecue sauce. It's important to apply the mustard rub evenly to help the dry spices adhere and enhance the caramelized crust during cooking. Your homemade Memphis Belle Pulled Pork from Mission BBQ copycat menu will capture the juicy, smoky richness and tangy depth that define this classic dish.
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 225–250°F (107–121°C) using charcoal or wood.
- Trim excess fat from pork shoulder.
- Rub pork shoulder with yellow mustard.
- Combine brown sugar, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, dry mustard, and cumin in a bowl.
- Generously coat pork with dry rub mixture.
- Place pork shoulder in smoker, fat side up.
- Insert meat thermometer into thickest part of pork.
- Smoke pork, basting occasionally with a mixture of apple cider vinegar, apple juice, and water.
- Smoke until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) (about 5–6 hours).
- Wrap pork tightly in aluminum foil.
- Continue smoking until internal temperature reaches 195–203°F (90–95°C) (about 3–4 hours).
- Remove pork from smoker and let rest, covered, for 30–60 minutes.
- While pork rests, combine ketchup, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, yellow mustard, brown sugar, and hot sauce in saucepan.
- Simmer sauce over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
- Unwrap pork and place on cutting board.
- Shred pork with tongs or forks; discard large pieces of fat.
- Toss pulled pork with prepared barbecue sauce.
- Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.
Substitution
This Memphis Belle Pulled Pork copycat recipe recreates the tender, smoky, and tangy barbecue flavors of Mission BBQ's signature dish using a pork shoulder slow-cooked to juicy perfection. You can substitute a slow cooker or oven roasting pan if a smoker is unavailable, adjusting cooking times accordingly to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 195degF-205degF for optimal tenderness. When wood chips or chunks aren't accessible, lump charcoal or even soaked hardwood alternatives like oak or hickory can impart a similar smoky depth. Use yellow mustard as a binder to help the spice rub adhere well, but if unavailable, a thin layer of mayonnaise or oil also works effectively. Make sure any barbecue sauce substitutions maintain a balance of sweetness, acidity, and spice to replicate the authentic Memphis-style glaze.
Tips
Maintain a consistent smoker temperature between 225-250degF (107-121degC) to ensure the pork shoulder cooks evenly and develops that signature smoky flavor. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat to monitor internal temperature accurately, smoking until it reaches 160degF (71degC) before wrapping and continuing to 195-203degF (90-95degC) for optimal tenderness. Baste the pork with the apple cider vinegar, apple juice, and water mixture every hour to keep it moist and enhance the tangy sweetness. When shredding, use tongs or forks to remove large fat pieces, ensuring your pulled pork is juicy without being overly greasy.
Nutritions
Memphis Belle Pulled Pork is rich in protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, thanks to the 6-8 lb pork shoulder base. The slow smoking process sterilizes the meat while preserving vitamins like B6 and B12. Your meal includes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds from paprika, garlic, and cumin in the dry rub. Though flavorful with natural sugars and vinegar, the barbecue sauce contributes moderate calories, so enjoy it alongside a balanced diet.
Storage
Store your Memphis Belle Pulled Pork in airtight containers to maintain its smoky flavor and moisture. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months to preserve the tender texture. When reheating, cover with foil and warm slowly to retain juiciness and caramelized exterior.
Variation or Alternatives
For the dry rub, you can swap paprika with smoked paprika or chipotle powder to enhance smoky depth. Instead of using yellow mustard on the pork shoulder, try Dijon mustard for a sharper, tangier profile. If you lack a smoker, use a slow cooker with a splash of liquid smoke added to the basting mixture for that authentic smoky flavor. Your pulled pork will benefit from resting wrapped in a towel inside a cooler to retain moisture and improve tenderness before shredding.
Allergies
Memphis Belle Pulled Pork contains ingredients like mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and spices such as garlic and onion powder, which are common allergens for some individuals. Your risk of an allergic reaction may increase if you have sensitivities to mustard seeds, sulfites in vinegar-based products, or certain spices. Always check ingredient labels carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if you have known food allergies before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Memphis Belle Pulled Pork from Mission BBQ is renowned for its tender, smoky flavor achieved through a slow-smoking process with a special blend of spices. The meat's juicy texture combined with a tangy, savory barbecue sauce provides a satisfying and authentic Memphis barbecue experience. You will appreciate the balance of sweetness and smokiness that makes this dish a standout for barbecue enthusiasts. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to recreate this iconic taste at home, perfect for those who want to master classic Southern barbecue flavors.