18 Smoky Pork BBQ Recipes for Grilling Enthusiasts

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April 1, 2025

Get ready to fire up your grill and indulge in the rich, bold flavors of smoky pork BBQ! Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting to explore the world of barbecue, this collection of 18 mouth-watering recipes has something for everyone.

From classic pulled pork sandwiches to spicy Korean-style belly bites, these recipes showcase the incredible versatility of smoked pork. With a range of flavor profiles and cooking methods, you’ll be able to experiment with new techniques and ingredients to create your own signature BBQ style. So grab your apron, gather your friends and family, and get ready to savor the sweet and tangy taste of smoky pork BBQ!

Classic Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches

Classic Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches
A classic Southern favorite, these pulled pork BBQ sandwiches are a staple at any backyard barbecue or picnic. Tender, flavorful pork is slow-cooked in a tangy BBQ sauce and piled high on soft buns.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Pickle slices (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
3. Place the pork in the slow cooker and pour in 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce.
4. Cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce.
6. Split the hamburger buns in half and toast until lightly browned.
7. Spoon the pulled pork onto the buns, followed by a dollop of coleslaw and a few pickle slices (if using).
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours

Honey Garlic BBQ Pork Ribs

Honey Garlic BBQ Pork Ribs
Transform your pork ribs into a sweet and savory masterpiece with this simple recipe. By combining the richness of honey, the pungency of garlic, and the tanginess of BBQ sauce, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Remove membrane from pork ribs and apply the honey-garlic mixture evenly, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30 minutes.
5. After 30 minutes, brush BBQ sauce over the ribs and return to oven for an additional 15-20 minutes or until caramelized.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Spicy Carolina-Style Pork BBQ

Spicy Carolina-Style Pork BBQ
Get ready to fire up your taste buds with this mouth-watering Spicy Carolina-Style Pork BBQ, a classic Southern twist on traditional barbecue. This recipe is perfect for those who like a little heat in their cooking.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup Spicy BBQ Rub (see below)
– 1 cup vinegar-based BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Spicy BBQ Rub:

– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Spicy BBQ Rub ingredients.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. Place pork on grill or smoker and cook for 8-10 hours, or until tender.
5. Brush with vinegar-based BBQ sauce during the last hour of cooking.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours

Slow Cooker Bourbon BBQ Pork

Slow Cooker Bourbon BBQ Pork
Slow Cooker Bourbon BBQ Pork: A Tender and Flavorful Twist on Classic BBQ

Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of bourbon, brown sugar, and spices with this easy-to-make slow cooker recipe. Perfect for a stress-free weekend dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a slow cooker, combine pork shoulder, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in any accumulated juices to keep the pork tender and moist.

Serve with your favorite BBQ sides, such as coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.

Cooking Time: 4-10 hours

Korean BBQ Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal)

Korean BBQ Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal)
This recipe yields tender, caramelized pork belly with a sweet and savory Korean-inspired flavor profile. Perfect for special occasions or everyday meals!

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs pork belly, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together chili flakes, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper.
2. Add the sliced pork belly to the marinade and mix until coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill the pork belly for 5-7 minutes per side, or until caramelized and tender.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite Korean-style BBQ sides, such as kimchi, rice, and pickled ginger.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Pineapple Glazed Pork BBQ Skewers

Pineapple Glazed Pork BBQ Skewers
Add a tropical twist to your backyard barbecue with these flavorful skewers, featuring tender pork, caramelized pineapple, and a hint of brown sugar.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
– 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil. Add pork pieces; marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Thread pork, pineapple chunks, and salt/peppered skewers onto bamboo sticks, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until pork is cooked through.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes

Apple Cider Vinegar BBQ Pork Chops

Apple Cider Vinegar BBQ Pork Chops
Elevate your pork chops with a tangy and sweet BBQ sauce infused with the warmth of apple cider vinegar.

Ingredients:

– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 pounds)
– 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Apple Cider Vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the BBQ sauce mixture evenly onto both sides of the pork chops.
5. Grill pork chops for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes

Memphis-Style Dry Rub Pork BBQ

Memphis-Style Dry Rub Pork BBQ
Experience the rich flavors of Memphis-style BBQ with this dry rub recipe that yields tender and flavorful pork.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder or butt
– 1/4 cup dry rub mixture (see below)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Dry Rub Mixture:

– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the dry rub ingredients.
3. Rub the dry rub mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the pork shoulder on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet or a roasting pan.
5. Sprinkle brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder over the pork.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cook for 2-3 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Cooking Time: 2-3 hours

Brown Sugar BBQ Pork Tenderloin

Brown Sugar BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Elevate your pork tenderloin game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the richness of brown sugar with the tanginess of barbecue sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to please!

Ingredients:

– 1 (6-8 oz) pork tenderloin
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork tenderloin, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin for 1-2 minutes on each side.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove from the oven and brush with barbecue sauce.
7. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Smoked Pork Shoulder with Peach BBQ Sauce

Smoked Pork Shoulder with Peach BBQ Sauce
This recipe combines the rich flavors of smoked pork shoulder with a sweet and tangy peach BBQ sauce, perfect for a summer gathering or backyard barbecue.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds pork shoulder
– 1 cup peach BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup wood chips (hickory or apple work well)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and smoked paprika.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork shoulder in the smoker and cook for 8-10 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the peach BBQ sauce all over the pork shoulder.
6. Remove the pork from the smoker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours

Serve: With your favorite sides, such as coleslaw or baked beans.

Sticky Hoisin BBQ Pork Sliders

Sticky Hoisin BBQ Pork Sliders
Elevate your slider game with these sweet and savory Sticky Hoisin BBQ Pork Sliders, featuring tender pork, caramelized onions, and a tangy hoisin glaze.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground pork
– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 8 hamburger buns
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 8 equal-sized patties.
4. Grill patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, caramelize onions by cooking in a skillet over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Assemble sliders by spreading a spoonful of hoisin glaze on each bun, followed by a patty, caramelized onion, and top bun.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Jerk-Spiced Pork BBQ with Mango Salsa

Jerk-Spiced Pork BBQ with Mango Salsa
A flavorful fusion of Caribbean and Latin American cuisines, this recipe combines the rich spices of jerk seasoning with the sweetness of mango salsa. Perfect for a summer barbecue or outdoor gathering.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup mango salsa (store-bought or homemade)
– 8-10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Thread pork cubes onto bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the jerk seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the pork.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve with mango salsa spooned on top.

Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes

Texas-Style Pork BBQ Burnt Ends

Texas-Style Pork BBQ Burnt Ends
Get ready for a taste of the Lone Star State with these tender, smoky burnt ends that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds beef-style pork ends (such as pork belly or shoulder clod)
– 1 cup Texas-style BBQ rub (see below for recipe)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Texas-Style BBQ Rub:

– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ rub ingredients.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork ends, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Place the pork ends in the smoker or grill and cook for 6-8 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush with a mixture of brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours

Maple Mustard BBQ Pork Belly Bites

Maple Mustard BBQ Pork Belly Bites
These bite-sized pork belly morsels are smothered in a sticky maple mustard BBQ sauce, perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. The combination of tender pork, sweet and tangy glaze, and crunchy texture will have you hooked from the first bite.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons mustard (yellow or Dijon)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss pork belly cubes with the glaze until coated.
4. Place the pork belly bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized and crispy.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Asian-Inspired Char Siu BBQ Pork

Asian-Inspired Char Siu BBQ Pork
This recipe combines the sweet and savory flavors of traditional Chinese char siu with the tanginess of a classic BBQ, resulting in tender and deliciously flavorful pork.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs pork shoulder or butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, five-spice powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place pork cubes in a large ziplock bag; pour marinade over pork, turning to coat evenly. Seal bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Remove pork from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Place pork on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until caramelized and cooked through.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm.

Cooking Time: 2 hours (marinating time) + 25-30 minutes oven time

Coca-Cola Braised BBQ Pork Ribs

Coca-Cola Braised BBQ Pork Ribs
This recipe combines the classic comfort of BBQ ribs with the sweet and tangy flavor of Coca-Cola, resulting in a fall-off-the-bone tender and deliciously flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1 cup Coca-Cola
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Coca-Cola, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the pork ribs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Remove the ribs from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Place the ribs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Brush the ribs with barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Chipotle Lime BBQ Pork Tacos

Chipotle Lime BBQ Pork Tacos
Get ready for a flavor explosion! This recipe combines the bold flavors of chipotle peppers, tangy lime juice, and tender pork for an unforgettable taco experience.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced onions, cilantro, sour cream, avocado

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chipotle peppers, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the sliced pork to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove pork from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill pork for 5-7 minutes per side, or until slightly charred and cooked through.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with grilled pork, your choice of toppings, and serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Sweet and Tangy Pork BBQ Meatballs

Sweet and Tangy Pork BBQ Meatballs
Elevate your BBQ game with these sweet and tangy pork meatballs that are perfect for snacking, partying, or as a main course. A harmonious blend of tender pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Use your hands or a spoon to shape into meatballs (about 20-25 pieces).
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While the meatballs are baking, whisk together BBQ sauce and 2 tbsp water in a bowl.
7. Remove the meatballs from oven and toss with the BBQ mixture to coat.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes

Summary

Get ready to fire up your grill with these 18 mouth-watering smoky pork BBQ recipes! From classic pulled pork sandwiches to spicy Korean-style belly, and from tender chops to fall-off-the-bone ribs, this collection has something for every BBQ enthusiast. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet and tangy, smoky and savory, or bold and spicy, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. Try making Honey Garlic BBQ Pork Ribs, Spicy Carolina-Style Pork BBQ, or Apple Cider Vinegar BBQ Pork Chops – your taste buds will thank you!

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