Marinade for Pulled Pork

This is a flavorful liquid mixture used to season pork shoulder before slow cooking, typically combining acidic elements like vinegar or citrus with sweeteners, spices, and aromatics. It's a foundational step in making tender, shredded pulled pork, a staple in American barbecue traditions, particularly in the Southern United States.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

The marinade itself is relatively low in calories and macronutrients, as its primary role is flavor infusion rather than being consumed in large quantities. It contributes minimal fat and protein, with most calories coming from small amounts of sugar and carbohydrates.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	25 kcal
Protein	0.5 g
Carbs	5 g
Fat	0.3 g
Fiber	0.2 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	350 mg
Sodium	350 mg
Potassium	45 mg
Iron	0.3 mg
Vitamin C	1 mg

Per 2 tablespoons (30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The specific blend of spices and the choice of acid (like apple cider vinegar in the Carolinas or citrus in Caribbean styles) are key markers of regional barbecue identity, turning a simple marinade into a cultural signature.