Pulled Pork Platter from Smokey Bones features tender, smoky pulled pork slow-cooked to perfection, served with tangy barbecue sauce, creamy coleslaw, and golden, crispy fries, offering a hearty and satisfying southern-style meal.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or smoker
- Mixing bowls
- Meat shredder claws or forks
- Saucepan
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Baking sheet (for fries)
- Deep fryer or oven (for fries)
- Serving plates
- Serving spoons
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1 small head green cabbage
- 1 large carrot
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 lbs russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Choosing a pork shoulder with a good balance of fat and meat is essential for achieving tender, flavorful pulled pork. Using smoked paprika and chili powder enhances the smoky, southern-style flavor profile typical of this dish. Fresh cabbage and carrot are key for the creamy coleslaw, while russet potatoes provide the best texture for crispy fries when fried or baked. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the pork and coleslaw, making the dish well-balanced. Your Pulled Pork Platter from Smokey Bones copycat menu will capture the authentic taste of the original with these carefully selected ingredients.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat smoker or slow cooker.
- Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Rub spice mixture all over pork shoulder.
- Place pork in smoker/slow cooker; add apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and 1/2 cup barbecue sauce.
- Cook pork on low for 8–10 hours (or in smoker at 225°F until internal temp reaches 195°F).
- While pork cooks, finely shred cabbage and grate carrot.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper for coleslaw dressing.
- Toss cabbage and carrot in dressing; refrigerate until serving.
- Wash, peel, and cut potatoes into fries.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or preheat oven to 425°F.
- Fry potatoes until golden and crispy, or bake on a baking sheet with oil until crisp.
- Once pork is done, shred with meat claws or forks.
- Toss shredded pork with additional barbecue sauce.
- Plate pulled pork, coleslaw, and fries.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Pulled Pork Platter from Smokey Bones copycat menu recreates the signature southern-style meal with tender, smoky pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, creamy coleslaw, and crispy fries. If you don't have a slow cooker or smoker, you can use an oven set to low heat for slow roasting the pork shoulder to achieve similar tenderness. For the fries, baking them on a baking sheet offers a healthier alternative to deep frying while still delivering crispy results. Should you prefer a different type of cabbage for the coleslaw, napa or red cabbage can be substituted without altering the creamy texture. Keep your barbecue sauce handy for extra dipping and to adjust the tanginess to your taste.
Tips
Make sure the pork shoulder reaches an internal temperature of 195degF for optimal tenderness and easy shredding. When mixing the spice rub, evenly coat the entire pork surface to enhance flavor penetration during the long cooking process. Keep the coleslaw refrigerated after tossing to maintain freshness and prevent wilting. For crispy fries, monitor oil temperature around 350degF or bake at 425degF, ensuring even cooking without sogginess--you'll enjoy a perfectly balanced Pulled Pork Platter.
Nutritions
Your Pulled Pork Platter provides a rich source of protein from the slow-cooked pork shoulder, which supports muscle repair and growth. The coleslaw contributes dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants from fresh cabbage and carrots, promoting digestive health and immune function. Golden fries add carbohydrates for energy and some potassium, but frying increases calorie and fat content, so moderation is key. Pairing these components creates a balanced southern-style meal with protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients.
Storage
Store your pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain its smoky flavor and tenderness. Keep the coleslaw separate in a sealed container to prevent sogginess, and store fries in a paper towel-lined container at room temperature for up to a day to preserve crispness. Reheat pork gently in a slow cooker or covered saucepan to avoid drying out the meat before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap pork shoulder for pork butt if you prefer a fattier, more tender meat that shreds easily. Consider smoking the pork on charcoal for an added smoky flavor instead of using a slow cooker. For a healthier side, bake the fries with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and garlic powder instead of frying. To vary the coleslaw, mix in finely chopped green apples or add a touch of Dijon mustard to the dressing for an extra tangy kick.
Allergies
Your Pulled Pork Platter may trigger allergies related to pork, mayonnaise containing eggs, and potential sensitivities to spices such as paprika, garlic, and chili powder. The coleslaw includes cabbage and carrots, which are generally safe but could cause reactions in rare cases. Cross-contamination with chicken broth and barbecue sauce ingredients should also be considered if you have specific food allergies or intolerances.
Why this recipe?
Smokey Bones' Pulled Pork Platter is loved for its tender, smoky meat slow-cooked to perfection, delivering rich flavors that satisfy barbecue enthusiasts. The dish is paired with classic Southern sides like coleslaw and baked beans, enhancing the overall taste experience with a balance of textures and flavors. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this savory indulgence at home, giving you control over seasoning and portion size while saving money. Your homemade Pulled Pork Platter can capture the authentic, mouthwatering essence that Smokey Bones is known for, making it a rewarding cooking project.