Gluten-free Dutch Oven BBQ Pulled Pork

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If you love pulled pork that is fall-apart tender, melt-in-your-mouth delicious with all the flavors, and a fraction of effort, you need to make this dutch oven BBQ pulled pork recipe.

This gluten-free dutch oven bbq pulled pork recipe is a staple around our house all year long. People often hear pulled pork, and they think they need a smoker to make it. While smoked pulled pork is delicious, you can make a delicious bbq pulled pork in the oven. I prefer to use my dutch oven to make pulled pork, but you can even make this gluten-free pulled pork in a slow cooker if you prefer.

Want more reasons to love and make this gluten-free pulled more often? It's completely versatile; you can use this dutch oven pulled pork for making sliders (on gluten-free buns). You can make pulled pork loaded baked potatoes, pulled pork loaded fries, or serve it alongside some southern bbq side dishes like gluten-free creamy mac and cheese, coleslaw, or even some slow-cooked gluten-free baked beans.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• The best cut of pork for making pulled pork.
• Steps.
• Slow cooker pulled pork.
• Keeping pulled pork from being dry.
• Storing, freezing, and reheating.
• Serving suggestions.
• Using leftover pulled pork.
• More gluten-free pork recipes.
• 📖 Recipe

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients needed to make this gluten-free bbq pulled pork.

• 6-8 Pound Boneless Pork Shoulder
• Mustard - You can use regular yellow mustard or spicy mustard for an extra kick.
• Brown Sugar
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Ground Mustard
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cayenne (if you like a little heat)
• Worcestershire Sauce - I get a lot of questions asking if Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. I use the Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce (in the U.S.), which does not contain malt vinegar and is gluten-free if you can't find this gluten-free sub in coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce.
• Apple Juice - I prefer the apple with pork. If you don't have it, you can sub broth. I do not recommend adding water as it does nothing for the flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Liquid Smoke - I use Wright's brand liquid smoke which is listed as gluten-free.
• Yellow Onion
• Avocado Oil

The best cut of pork for making pulled pork.

I prefer to use a boneless pork shoulder for making this gluten-free pulled pork recipe. You might also see it as the store listed as a pork butt or a Boston butt. It is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, making this gluten-free pulled pork the perfect recipe for feeding a crowd.

Steps.

These steps are for making this gluten-free pulled pork in a dutch oven. See below for how to cook it in the slow cooker.

Step 1. Prep the pork shoulder.

Step 2. Mix the pork rub and prep the cooking liquid.

Step 3. Rub the pork shoulder with the mustard and then coat the meat with the spice rub.

Step 4. Sear the pork shoulder pieces on all sides.

Step 5. Get the pork ready to go into the oven. (At this point add everything to the slow cooker if you are using it.)

Step 6. Cook the gluten-free pulled pork until it becomes pull-apart tender.

Slow cooker pulled pork.

Follow the steps and sear the pork should on the stove. Once the pork is seared add it, the onions, and cooking liquids to the slow cooker. Let the pork cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6. Make sure to keep an eye on the pork temperature, so you don't end up with dry pulled pork.

Keeping pulled pork from being dry.

• Sear the meat - This step might seem like one you can skip but trust me, don't. Not only does searing the pork shoulder help seal in the moisture of the meat, but it also adds that little bit of extra flavor that makes your gluten-free pork even more delicious.
• Do NOT overcook the pork - What is the best temperature for pulled pork? Pulled pork is best when the temperature reaches 195- 202 degrees. If the meat starts to get closer to 210 degrees, it can become overcooked and dry.
• Let the pulled pork rest - Just like with any other cut of meat, you'll get the best results by letting it rest. Once the temperature of the pork shoulder has reached 195-202 degrees, remove it from the oven. Leave the lid on the dutch oven and let it rest for about 30 minutes before pulling it apart and serving.

Storing, freezing, and reheating.

Once cooked the longest, you should leave cooked pulled pork in the fridge is for 3-4 days. If you plan on keeping it longer than that, I would recommend freezing it.

To freeze pulled pork.

1. Allow the cooked and shredded pulled pork to cool completely. If there is any heat, it will cause steam which can lead to mushy pulled pork when it's reheated.
2. Place the pulled pork into freezer-safe bags.
3. Remove as much air as possible before freezing.

Pulled pork can be safely frozen for up to 6 months.

Reheating pulled pork.

There are a few ways to reheat pulled pork for the best results. You can let the pulled pork defrost in the fridge and then reheat it in a skillet with a little bit of cooking fat for about 3-5 minutes. This will yield a slightly crispy pulled pork.

If you want your pulled pork to have a similar texture to as when it was first cooked, then simmer the bag of pulled pork (sealed) in a pot of water. No need to defrost to reheat this way. Let the pulled pork simmer (not boil) for about 20 minutes or so until it's warmed through.

Serving suggestions.

While this is delicious on its own with some gluten-free bbq sauce. My family loves this pulled pork served on their favorite gluten-free hamburger buns. Of course, none of them will say no to a pulled pork loaded potato either.

Using leftover pulled pork.

While I love pulled pork on the day I cook it, sometimes I get more excited about how to use leftover pulled pork. Some of my favorite ways to use leftover pulled pork are to make leftover pulled pork tacos or some leftover pulled pork nachos; There are so many recipes you can make with leftover pulled pork.

More gluten-free pork recipes.

📖 Recipe

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo #grainfreetable or @grainfreetable on Instagram. I'd love to see what you come up with!