Pulled pork sandwiches are one of the most beloved barbecue dishes. They have a long history, especially in the South, and can be found at most barbecue restaurants. If you’ve never tried this delicacy, here’s more information about the dish.

A Guide to Pulled Pork Sandwiches

What Is Pulled Pork?

Pulled pork is usually made of pork shoulder, which is an inexpensive cut of meat that needs to be tenderized before eating. A single pork shoulder can weigh around 20 pounds, meaning it yields a large amount of meat that can be used to make many sandwiches. Some restaurants will smoke the whole hog to make pulled pork. Making this dish requires smoking the meat for a long period of time, up to 12 hours. However, pressure cookers can allow barbecue restaurants to produce the same taste in about 60 to 90 minutes. The finished product is so tender that it falls apart before the pulling process begins.

Pulling involves separating the meat from the skin, bone, and fat. Some pork is still pulled by hand while wearing heat-resistant gloves, but it can also be performed with forks, meat claws, or even a stand mixer. Once the pork is pulled, it’s mixed with barbecue sauce to give it an authentic flavor.

What Is the History of Pulled Pork? 

The idea of smoking pork came from Native Americans. The early Spanish settlers noticed how building a smoky fire beneath the game kept bugs away and preserved the meat. When Africans and Europeans moved to the Southern United States, the barbecue process evolved, using more sophisticated tools. Pigs were the main source of meat in the Southern colonies since it was the least expensive.

Smoking pork is still extremely popular in the South. It’s considered a delicacy in North and South Carolina. Because barbecue is also popular in the South, it made perfect sense to combine the pork with barbecue sauce. Since then, its popularity has grown throughout the United States, especially in the Midwest region. Now, it’s possible to find pulled pork at most barbecue restaurants in the country.

Are you craving pulled pork? Check out Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, offering Southern-style barbecue to residents in and around Amelia, OH. Pulled pork is one of the signature recipes in their barbecue restaurant, and the meat is prepared using authentic recipes and smoked in-house. Dickey’s also offers catering services at prices that can’t be beaten. Visit their website or call (513) 802-2700 for more information on their services.