Carolina Vinegar BBQ Pork

Step 1

Pour the apple cider vinegar and water into a large skillet and place it on the stove over medium-high heat until the liquid comes to a steady simmer with small bubbles breaking the surface, about 2 minutes.

Step 2

Tear or shred the cooked pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces roughly the size of a walnut by hand or using two forks, discarding any large fat chunks or skin.

Step 3

Add the shredded pork to the simmering vinegar mixture and stir to coat all the meat evenly with the sauce.

Step 4

Sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the pork and stir once to distribute evenly throughout the pan.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pork simmer gently, stirring once every minute, for 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce reduces by about one-third and the pork absorbs the tangy vinegar flavor.

Step 6

Taste the pork and stir in salt and pepper until it tastes savory and balanced—you should taste vinegar, heat, and salt in equal measure.

Step 7

Transfer the pork and sauce to a serving platter or bowl and serve hot alongside coleslaw, cornbread, or white bread rolls for sandwiches.