British chef James Martin is known for his love of bold flavors and rustic cooking, and during his culinary road trip across the United States in his TV series James Martin’s American Adventure, he brought viewers a taste of true Southern comfort. One standout dish from that journey is his pulled pork recipe, inspired by traditional American BBQ but elevated with his signature flair.
Whether you’re a fan of low-and-slow cooking or just looking for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for your next gathering, James Martin’s American Adventure pulled pork recipe is an excellent place to start. Packed with rich spices, slow-cooked until fall-apart tender, and served with classic sides like coleslaw or pickles, this dish is a hearty tribute to the Southern states and their love for BBQ.
In this post, you’ll discover the full method, insider tips, and how to recreate this dish at home with ease—even if you’ve never made pulled pork before.
Recipe Overview: James Martin’s American-Style Pulled Pork at a Glance
Before diving into the kitchen, here’s a quick summary of what to expect from this recipe:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cuisine Type | American / Southern BBQ |
| Main Ingredient | Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt) |
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 6–8 hours (low and slow) |
| Difficulty Level | Medium |
| Serving Size | Serves 6–8 people |
| Best For | BBQ nights, gatherings, meal prep |
| Cooking Methods | Oven, slow cooker, or smoker |
“There’s nothing quite like the aroma of slow-roasted pork filling the kitchen – it takes me back to the heart of the Deep South.”
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Authentic Southern influence with a British chef’s precision.
Flexible cooking methods: smoker, oven, or slow cooker-friendly.
Deep, well-balanced flavor profile: sweet, spicy, smoky.
Easy to scale up for large crowds or family meal prep.
Ingredients List: What You’ll Need for Pulled Pork Perfection
For this recipe, James Martin focuses on accessible ingredients that bring serious flavor. Below is a complete list of what you’ll need. Be sure to plan ahead—some ingredients require marinating overnight for maximum flavor.
Pork & Dry Rub
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless) | 2.5–3 kg (5–6 lbs) |
| Brown sugar | 3 tbsp |
| Smoked paprika | 2 tbsp |
| Ground cumin | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tbsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tbsp |
| Mustard powder | 1 tsp |
| Cayenne pepper (optional for heat) | ½ tsp |
| Sea salt | 2 tsp |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1 tsp |
Cooking Liquid
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Apple cider vinegar | 100 ml (⅓ cup) |
| Apple juice | 250 ml (1 cup) |
| Chicken or beef stock | 250 ml (1 cup) |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
To Serve (Optional but Recommended)
Brioche buns or crusty rolls
Homemade coleslaw
Pickled onions or gherkins
BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Tip: James often emphasizes using good-quality pork with decent fat marbling—it’s the key to juicy, flavorful pulled pork.
Equipment Needed for Pulled Pork Success
Creating James Martin’s American Adventure pulled pork doesn’t require fancy equipment, but using the right tools makes all the difference in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Essential Tools
Large roasting tray or Dutch oven (for oven method)
Slow cooker or smoker (optional but ideal for hands-off cooking)
Meat thermometer – Ensures your pork is cooked perfectly (target internal temp: 95°C / 203°F)
Aluminum foil – Helps seal in moisture during slow cooking
Tongs and forks – For flipping and shredding the pork
Mixing bowl – For your dry rub or serving slaw
Pro Tip: A Dutch oven retains heat beautifully and mimics the moist environment of a smoker, perfect for achieving a tender finish indoors.
Preparing the Pork: The Flavor Starts Here
James Martin doesn’t skimp on seasoning, and neither should you. The secret to bold, balanced pulled pork lies in the rub and the marinade time.
Step-by-Step Prep
Trim the pork shoulder of excess fat, but leave some for moisture.
Mix the dry rub: Combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and the rest of the spices in a bowl.
Massage the rub into the pork thoroughly. Cover every crevice.
Marinate: Place the pork in a large bowl or zip-top bag, cover, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours—or ideally overnight.
This marination period is critical. It gives the pork time to absorb all those smoky, spicy, and sweet notes before cooking even begins.
Cooking Instructions: Low and Slow is the Way to Go
Here’s where the magic happens. Whether using an oven or slow cooker, the technique remains the same—cook low and slow until the pork falls apart with a fork.
Oven Method (James Martin’s Original Style)
Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F).
Place pork in a deep roasting tray. Pour in the apple juice, vinegar, stock, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
Cover tightly with foil to keep the steam in.
Cook for 6–7 hours, or until internal temp reaches 95°C (203°F).
Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to brown the top and concentrate the sauce.
Slow Cooker Method (Alternative Option)
Follow the same steps above, but cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 6 hours.
Add the liquid ingredients first, then place the pork on top.
Finish by crisping up the pork under a broiler or in a hot oven for 10–15 minutes, if desired.
Pulling the Pork: The Moment of Truth
Once the pork is done, let it rest for 20–30 minutes. This locks in the juices. Then:
Use two forks to shred the meat.
Pour some of the cooking juices back over the pork to add flavor and moisture.
Taste and adjust seasoning—add BBQ sauce now if you like a sticky finish.
"Pulled pork should be tender enough to fall apart with just a fork. If it doesn’t shred easily, it’s not ready yet."
Serving Suggestions: James Martin-Style Pulled Pork Feast
James loves serving this with a Southern-inspired flair. Here are some classic and creative ways to serve:
Traditional BBQ Plate
Pulled pork on a brioche bun
Topped with creamy coleslaw
Side of baked beans or cornbread
Low-Carb Version
Serve over a bed of slaw or leafy greens
Add avocado slices and pickled onions
Taco-Style Twist
Spoon into soft tortillas
Top with chipotle mayo, shredded lettuce, and jalapeños
James Martin’s Twist: What Makes This Recipe Unique
Unlike some traditional BBQ methods that rely heavily on smoke, James uses layered flavor profiles—sweet, smoky, acidic, and spicy.
Unique Touches in James’s Recipe:
Apple juice and cider vinegar combo: Adds sweetness and tang for balance.
Smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smoky background without a smoker.
Optional finish in BBQ sauce: Gives a glossy, sticky finish without overpowering the pork.
Fact: In Southern U.S. states, pulled pork is often cooked in smokers for 10–12 hours. James’s method brings a similar depth of flavor in far less time with more control.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep—it stores and reheats beautifully.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months (add a little cooking juice before freezing).
Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 160°C (320°F) covered with foil until warmed through.
Microwave: Use medium power to avoid drying out. Add a splash of juice or water.
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a pan with a lid and a splash of stock.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Note: Values can vary based on serving size and optional ingredients.
James Martin American Adventure Pulled Pork Printable Recipe Card
James Martin's American Adventure Pulled Pork
8
servings15
minutes6
hours380
kcalA tender, juicy pulled pork recipe inspired by James Martin’s American Adventure—slow-cooked with rich, smoky flavors and a sweet-spiced rub. Perfect for buns, tacos, or BBQ plates.
Ingredients
- For the Dry Rub
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp mustard powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
- For the Pork
2 kg pork shoulder, boneless and skinless
200 ml apple juice
100 ml cider vinegar
200 ml chicken stock
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prep the Pork
- Trim the pork shoulder and rub it thoroughly with the dry spice mix. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Place pork in a deep roasting tray with apple juice, vinegar, stock, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover tightly with foil and cook for 6–7 hours, or until the internal temperature hits 95°C (203°F).
- Rest and Pull
- Let the pork rest for 20–30 minutes. Then use two forks to shred the meat. Add some of the cooking juices for added moisture.
- Serve
- Pile onto buns with coleslaw, stuff into tacos, or serve with classic BBQ sides.
Final Thoughts
James Martin’s pulled pork recipe from American Adventure is more than a dish—it’s a celebration of Southern cooking, made approachable for any home kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a party or simply want a taste of the American South, this recipe delivers with robust flavor and guaranteed tenderness.
Try it once, and you’ll want to make it a weekend staple.
