Pulled Pork Oven Style

August 19, 2011

I know—the BBQ purists are already cringing from that title. But hear me out. The past few days in Virginia, and much of the country, have baked in record-breaking heat. It’s the end of July and that’s to be expected to a certain extent, but heat indices of 115-120 make it downright deadly to venture outside. If there’s anybody out there lighting up a backyard grill or smoker in this heat… well, you’re braver (and hopefully more hydrated) than me.

But this got me thinking—not only does heat and humidity go along with the summer, but so does BBQ. And there’s no need to stand in harm’s way out in the yard next to a flaming, smoky grill. Here’s an easy way to make BBQ indoors with your oven, a nice alternative in the height of summer or winter. Is it as good as using grill or a smoker? No—nothing beats that. But this trick is certainly high on taste and low on maintenance.

When making braised pork, I always use the butt. You can try some other cuts of pork, but I’ve consistently found that the butt is the best. Just make sure your cut of meat has a nice marbling. When that fat renders down it delivers potent flavor.

Also, use caution with the liquid smoke. If you’ve never used this, it’s highly concentrated. A little dab will do you.

What you need:

2-pounds of pork butt, cut into 2-inch cubes

1 bottle of Montebello Kitchens Virginia Barbecue Sauce

1 ½-2 cups rice wine vinegar (depending upon your preference)

1 large red onion, julienned.

2-4 drops of liquid smoke

Salt and ground pepper

Preheat your oven to 300-degrees.

Place the cubed pork in a roasting pan or casserole dish. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix together MK’s Virginia Barbecue Sauce, the rice wine vinegar, liquid smoke, and the red onion.
Pour over the pork.
Cover in foil and cook for 3 ½ to 4 hours, or until fork tender.
Let cool in the braising liquid.
Drain the liquid, saving the liquid in a separate container.
Pull the pork apart with your fingers.
Add as much braising liquid back to the pork as you like.
Savour life. Eat well. Be happy.