American Pulled Pork
American Pulled Pork is a beloved barbecue dish featuring pork shoulder slow-cooked until it's tender enough to be shredded or 'pulled' apart. It's typically seasoned with a dry rub of spices like paprika, brown sugar, and garlic powder, then cooked low and slow over wood or charcoal smoke for hours, and finally tossed in a tangy, sweet, or spicy barbecue sauce. This iconic dish hails from the Southern United States, with deep roots in North Carolina, Memphis, and Texas barbecue traditions.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Pulled pork is a high-protein dish, but it can also be high in fat, especially if the cut of pork shoulder is not trimmed. A typical serving (about 3-4 ounces) provides a good amount of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, and generally ranges from 300 to 500 calories, depending on the sauce and fat content.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 10 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Phosphorus | 300 mg |
| Zinc | 5 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.5 mcg |
| Selenium | 40 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, pulled pork is a centerpiece of American barbecue culture, often associated with community gatherings, competitions, and regional pride. Nutritionally, the slow-cooking process breaks down collagen into gelatin, which not only makes the meat incredibly tender but also provides a source of collagen, beneficial for joint and skin health.
