It’s amazing how much barbecue can differ from state to state and even within the same state! Lexington BBQ is one of the two main styles of barbecue in North Carolina, using pork shoulder and a distinct vinegar and tomato sauce to bring out the most of the savory flavor. The barbecue sauce has the smokiness you crave, but it uses ketchup to enhance its sweetness and umami. And, of course, the pork itself is tender to the point of melting in your mouth. Lexington BBQ will blow you away with its richness and depth of flavor. In the debate on North Carolinian barbecue styles, you might just form a strong opinion!
Ingredients
For the meat and the spice rub:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon table salt
- 1 (4-5-pound) Boston butt or shoulder
For the cooking liquid:
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 2 3/4 cups of water
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
For the Lexington BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions
Step 1 –Combine the paprika, 2 tablespoons of black pepper, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of table salt in a small bowl.
Step 2 –Massage the roast with the spice mixture.
Step 3 –In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Step 4 –Add the pork to the hot oil and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
Step 5 –Transfer the pork to a plate.
Step 6 –Whisk 3/4 cup of water into the drippings in the skillet.
Step 7 –Transfer the dripping mixture to a slow cooker.
Step 8 –Whisk together 2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of vinegar, the tomato paste, the brown sugar, and the liquid smoke.
Step 9 –Let the cooking liquid sit for 5 minutes.
Step 10 –Add the cooking liquid mixture to the slow cooker.
Step 11 –Add the pork to the slow cooker.
Step 12 –Cover and cook on low until the pork is tender, about 6-8 hours.
Step 13 –Transfer the pork to a cutting board, covering it with foil and allowing it to cool for at least 30 minutes.
Step 14 –Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
Step 15 –Shred the pork using two forks or roughly chop it.
Step 16 –Place the pork in a shallow baking dish.
Step 17 –Mix the remaining water, remaining vinegar, ketchup, sugar, remaining salt, remaining black pepper, and red pepper flakes to make the Lexington BBQ Sauce.
Step 18 –Let the barbecue sauce sit for 10 minutes to embolden the flavors.
Step 19 –Mix 1/2 cup of the Lexington BBQ Sauce into the pork in the baking dish.
Step 20 –Add the cooking liquid and salt to taste to the baking dish.
Step 21 –Cover the baking dish with foil and roast until the pork is very tender, about 1 hour.
Step 22 –Serve hot with the remaining BBQ sauce.
