Carolina Gold Pulled Pork Recipe | Mustard Dry Rub BBQ

Carolina Gold is South Carolina's mustard BBQ tradition — and pulled pork is the perfect dish to honor that tradition. The Carolina Gold BBQ Rub gives the meat a golden bark with a slight acidity from mustard and the warmth of turmeric. Different from Memphis, but just as addictive.

What do you need?

  • 1.5–2 kg pork shoulder (Boston butt)
  • 50–65g Carolina Gold BBQ Rub
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard (as a binder)
  • BBQ or oven
  • Butcher paper or aluminum foil
  • Meat thermometer

Preparation

Lightly coat the pork shoulder with yellow mustard — this is the binder for the rub and enhances the mustard notes of Carolina Gold. Rub the rub generously over it and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Preparation on the BBQ (low & slow)

  1. Preheat the BBQ to indirect heat: 115–125°C.
  2. Place the shoulder with the fat side up on the grate.
  3. Smoke for 4–5 hours without opening. Use applewood or cherrywood for a fruity smoke flavor.
  4. Wrap the meat in butcher paper when the core temperature reaches 70°C (the "stall").
  5. Continue cooking until a core temperature of 90–95°C — another 2–3 hours.
  6. Let rest for 30–45 minutes before pulling the meat.

Preparation in the oven

  1. Preheat the oven to 120°C (convection).
  2. Place the shoulder on a rack over a baking sheet with a layer of water.
  3. Cook for 5–6 hours covered with foil until a core temperature of 90–95°C.
  4. Remove the foil and set the oven to 220°C for 20 minutes for a golden bark.
  5. Let rest and pull the meat with two forks.

Tips for perfect Carolina Gold pulled pork

  • Mustard as a binder disappears during cooking — you won't taste it as mustard
  • Applewood pairs perfectly with the fruity notes of Carolina Gold
  • The "stall" around 70°C is normal — just be patient
  • Save the cooking liquid and mix it into the pulled meat

Serving

Serve on a brioche bun with coleslaw and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Or as a main course with grilled corn and baked beans.

→ Order the Carolina Gold BBQ Rub
→ All about Carolina Gold BBQ Rub — flavor profile & tips
→ Discover more flavors with the Starter Pack

Want to learn more about BBQ techniques?

→ What is low & slow BBQ? The basics explained
→ How to make a perfect bark?
→ The stall — what is it and what do you do with it?
→ Core temperatures for BBQ — complete overview
→ Which smoking wood do you use? Hickory, apple, cherry, and mesquite explained