Gluten-free Dutch Oven BBQ Pulled Pork

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 gluten-free Dutch oven BBQ pulled pork recipe.

This gluten-free Dutch oven pulled pork recipe is a staple around our house all year long. People often hear pulled pork and 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) or tacos with gluten-free tortillas.

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
• How to Make?
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
• Pro-Tips: 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 is gluten-free and does not contain malt vinegar. If you can't find it, substitute it with coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce.
• Apple Juice - I prefer apple juice with pork. If you don't have it, you can substitute it with chicken or beef 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. You can skip liquid smoke if you don't have it.
• 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.

How to Make?

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. Pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any extra moisture. Then trim off any extra fat.

Cut the pork shoulder into large pieces which will fit in your Dutch oven.

Step 2. Mix the pork rub by combining brown sugar and all the spices. Prep the cooking liquid by combining apple juice, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke (if using).

Step 3. Rub the pork shoulder with the liquid mustard. Then, coat the meat with the spice rub.

Step 4. Heat the Dutch oven and add oil to it. Then, sear the pork shoulder pieces on all sides. You might need to work in batches, so you do not overcrowd the pan. Take the seared pork out and keep aside.

Step 5. To the same Dutch oven, add the sliced onions and cook them for 2-3 minutes until they are translucent. Then, add the seared pork back to the Dutch oven. Add the cooking liquid we prepped earlier. If any spice mixture was left, add it in.

Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. (At this point, add everything to the slow cooker if you are using it.)

Step 6. Cook the gluten-free pulled pork for about 3 hours in the oven until it becomes pull-apart tender. The internal temperature of the pork will be 190-200 degrees Fahrenheit by this time.

Let the pork rest in the Dutch oven for about 30 minutes. Then, shred it using two forks.

Serve the pulled pork on your favorite gluten-free buns or alongside your favorite bbq side dishes.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Follow the steps and sear the pork shoulder on the stove. Once the pork is seared, add it along with 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 hours. Make sure to keep an eye on the pork temperature, so you don't end up with dry pulled pork.

Pro-Tips: 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 the moisture of the meat, but it also adds 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 can leave cooked pulled pork in the fridge 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.
4. 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 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 or pulled pork-loaded fries. You can also add this pulled pork to gluten-free tortillas for a delicious taco dinner.

Southern coleslaw is a great choice to serve over a pulled pork sandwich. Serve along a side of my creamy potato salad or creamed spinach.

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. There are so many recipes you can make with leftover pulled pork.

Some of my favorite ways to use leftover pulled pork are to make:

• leftover pulled pork tacos
• pulled pork lettuce wraps
• leftover pulled pork nachos
• BBQ pulled pork pizza
• Pulled pork spaghetti
• Burrito bowl with pulled pork

More Gluten-Free Pork Recipes

📖 Recipe