Carolina-Style "Whole Hog" Barbecue Pork

5.0
(6)

I'm showing you how to do a "whole hog" barbecue without a 6-foot-long barbecue pit, which you probably don't have, and without a whole hog, which you definitely don't have. While you probably could get those things if you really needed to, by using this experimental, mini version, you really don't have to. Serve on buns.

4
Carolina-Style "Whole Hog" Barbecue Pork on a plate with chips.
4
4
4
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
9 hrs
Total Time:
9 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
10

I'm showing you how to do a "whole hog" barbecue without a 6-foot-long barbecue pit, which you probably don't have, and without a whole hog, which you definitely don't have. While you probably could get those things if you really needed to, by using this experimental, mini version, you really don't have to. Serve on buns.

a pulled pork sandwich on a bun with pickle slices on the side
Chef John
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 10 servings

  • 2 ½ pounds baby back pork ribs

  • 1 ¾ pounds pork shoulder roast

  • 1 ¼ pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed

  • 1 pound pork belly, skin removed

  • ¾ pound pork sirloin roast

For the Rub:

  • 5 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 teaspoons smoked salt

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).

    Various bowls and plates filled with ingredients to make Carolina-style whole hog barbecue pork.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

  2. Cut ribs, pork shoulder, tenderloin, pork belly, and pork sirloin in half.

    Cut pieces of pork on a cutting board.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

  3. Combine kosher salt, brown sugar, smoked salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne for dry rub in a small bowl with a spoon.

    Barbecue spice rub in a bowl.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

  4. Season cuts of meat on both sides with dry rub; reserve about 4 teaspoons of the rub to season the cooked pork if needed after tasting.

    Pieces of port covered with spices.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

  5. Place a piece of heavy-duty foil on a sheet pan. Place a half of ribs down in the center of the foil; top with shoulder, tenderloin, pork belly, and sirloin. Top with other rib half.

    Piece of seasoned port on a foiled lined baking sheet.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

  6. Wrap tightly in 3 more layers of foil. Transfer to a Dutch oven and roast in the preheated oven until meat is falling off the bone and very, very tender, about 9 hours.

    Pork covered with foil in a pot.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

  7. Remove bones and pull/shred meat before serving. All or some of the rendered fat can be mixed into the meat.

    Shredded pork in a bowl.

    ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD

Chef's Notes:

If you can't find smoked salt, just used more kosher salt. You can also rub the meat with some liquid smoke, according to package directions, as the strength can vary between brands.

You can use regular paprika instead of smoked.

As long as you start and finish with the 2 pieces of ribs, the order of the other cuts doesn't really matter. I used 4 layers of foil to wrap them, but 2 would be plenty. It's just needed to keep the cuts close together.

My "whole hog" weighed 7.25 pounds all together. If different weights are used, the cooking time will vary.

Serve with our recently posted Eastern Carolina Barbecue sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

775 Calories
56g Fat
4g Carbs
61g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Calories 775
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 56g 72%
Saturated Fat 20g 101%
Cholesterol 229mg 76%
Sodium 1625mg 71%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Protein 61g 121%
Potassium 1000mg 21%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.