BBQ Pulled Pork Canning Recipe

Lila Mama
Posted on December 3, 2025
December 2, 2025
by

BBQ Pulled Pork Canning Recipe

There’s a quiet kind of peace that comes when a pot of BBQ Pulled Pork simmers slowly on the stove. The warmth of the kitchen is enhanced by the rich, comforting aromas that rise into the air. Each ingredient tells a story, blending together in a gentle embrace that promises nourishment and satisfaction. As the day’s worries drift away, the simple act of preparing a meal becomes a nurturing ritual, a moment where mindfulness sweeps in, offering solace and connection to both the food and the loved ones gathered around the table.

A Gentle Recipe for Body & Soul

This BBQ Pulled Pork Canning Recipe embodies the essence of comfort food, inviting you to slow down and engage with the process of cooking. Its hearty ingredients not only create a satisfying meal but also serve as a reminder of the warmth of family gatherings and shared stories. Canning this dish enhances its longevity, allowing you to savor the flavors whenever you need a little pick-me-up or a moment of joy in your day.

When the world feels a bit chaotic, there is something grounding about opening a jar of home-canned BBQ Pulled Pork. The sweet and tangy notes of the sauce envelop pieces of tender pork, making it a delightful option for sandwiches, tacos, or even atop a cozy bed of rice. This recipe plays a significant role in providing comforting nourishment, not just for the body, but for the spirit as well.

Preparing BBQ Pulled Pork Canning Recipe with Care

“Cooking is a quiet way of caring for yourself and the ones you love.”

To prepare this dish, take a moment to pause and breathe. Cooking should not be rushed; instead, it is an invitation to embrace the process. Gathering your ingredients and thoughtfully applying each step help create not just a meal, but a nurturing experience. This recipe is designed to lead you through the steps seamlessly, with grace and care at the forefront.

Let’s gather the ingredients and make something truly special.

Wholesome Ingredients You’ll Need for BBQ Pulled Pork Canning Recipe

  • 4-5 pounds pork loin (You may also use pork shoulder or pork butt)
  • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • (Optional) Liquid smoke for additional flavor, if desired

When possible, select ingredients that are fresh and wholesome. This not only enhances the flavor profile but also imbues the meal with nourishing energy. Fresh herbs can be especially soothing, lending their gentle essence to the dish as you prepare.

Step-by-Step How to Prepare BBQ Pulled Pork Canning Recipe

  1. Begin by cutting the pork into medium-sized chunks, about 2 inches by 2 inches. Feel the texture of the meat as you do this this is part of building a connection with what you’re preparing.
  2. In a large pot, combine the ketchup, chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper. Stir well, allowing the ingredients to intertwine. Breathe as you stir, letting the sweet and savory scents mingle around you.
  3. Gently add the pork to your sauce mixture, heating everything through on medium heat. This step allows the flavors to begin their dance together. Let them mingle and soften, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.
  4. Once the pork is heated and well-coated in the glorious sauce, begin the process of packing the mixture into jars. Using a canning funnel, carefully raw pack the meat and sauce mixture into your jars, ensuring to leave a 1-inch headspace.
  5. After filling the jars, gently remove any air bubbles by running a non-metallic spatula around the edges. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a soft cloth, ensuring a good seal. This small detail brings a yin of calm care to your process.
  6. Place the lids on the jars, securing them snugly but not overly tight. Now it’s time to transfer your jars to a pressure canner. Process the jars according to your manufacturer’s instructions, being mindful to ensure everything is handled with care.
  7. For pint jars, the process time is 75 minutes. If you are using quart jars, set your timer for 90 minutes. During this time, let the anticipation build and enjoy the aroma that will fill your home.
  8. When the canning process is complete, allow the canner to depressurize. Use a jar lifter to carefully remove the hot jars. Place them on a dish towel on the counter, ensuring not to disturb them for 24 hours. This resting time allows everything to settle and preserves all of the comforting flavors.

How to Serve BBQ Pulled Pork Canning Recipe with Intention

When serving your BBQ Pulled Pork, take a moment to appreciate the journey from raw ingredients to a lovingly preserved meal. To present this dish beautifully, consider gently ladling the pulled pork onto soft, toasted buns. You can pile it high and garnish with fresh coleslaw for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, or serve it over a bed of rice, drizzling some of the sauce over the top.

As you set the table, remember the warmth of sharing food. Encourage everyone to gather around and enjoy the meal together, creating new memories to accompany the comforting taste of your BBQ Pulled Pork.

BBQ Pulled Pork Canning Recipe

How to Store BBQ Pulled Pork Canning Recipe the Right Way

Proper storage is essential to preserve the flavors and quality of your BBQ Pulled Pork. After allowing the jars to cool completely, label them with the date before placing them in your pantry or a cool, dark place. The flavors often deepen and mature over time, allowing every jar to become a treasure waiting to be opened.

Be mindful of using the jars within a year for the best taste and texture. When you reach for a jar, you’ll be reminded of the loving care that went into every step of the process.

Mama Lila’s Helpful Tips

  1. For a slightly different flavor profile, consider using smoked paprika instead of liquid smoke. This keeps the dish grounded in its smoky essence while introducing new layers of flavor.
  2. If you are sensitive to sugar, you can use maple syrup or a sugar substitute in place of brown sugar to create a balanced sweetness without overwhelming flavors.
  3. Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs. Fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the dish, infusing it with herbal brightness that complements the richness of the pork.
  4. If you prefer, this BBQ Pulled Pork can be cooked in a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and lose yourself in other nurturing activities while the flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Sharing your canned goods makes for thoughtful gifts. Wrap them in simple twine with a handwritten tag, inviting others to experience the warmth of your kitchen.

Discover More Nourishing Recipes

Head over to our Recipe Trends page and uncover a world of fresh, plant-forward ideas that fit right into your daily routine. From vibrant seasonal flavors to calming, wholesome dishes, each recipe is designed to spark inspiration and bring a sense of balance to your kitchen. Find comfort, joy, and connection in every meal while exploring what’s trending right now.

Peaceful Variations to Explore

As with any cherished recipe, the possibilities for adaptations are vast. You can switch up the sauce ingredients to suit your tastes. For instance, consider adding pineapple juice for a tropical twist, or cilantro for an extra fresh note.

You might explore using seasonal vegetables, like diced bell peppers or zucchini, mixed into the sauce for both flavor and nutrition. As the seasons change, so can your approach to this beloved recipe, keeping it vibrant and exciting.

BBQ Pulled Pork Canning Recipe

BBQ Pulled Pork

A comforting and hearty BBQ Pulled Pork recipe perfect for canning, offering a delicious blend of sweet and tangy flavors, ideal for sandwiches, tacos, or rice.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Canning, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4-5 pounds pork loin (or pork shoulder/pork butt)
  • 1.5 cups ketchup
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar Can substitute with maple syrup for a lower sugar option.
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Liquid smoke (optional) Use for additional flavor, if desired.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the pork into medium-sized chunks, about 2 inches by 2 inches.
  2. In a large pot, combine ketchup, chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper. Stir well.
  3. Gently add the pork to the sauce mixture, heating everything through on medium heat.
Canning
  1. Once the pork is heated and well-coated in sauce, pack the mixture into jars using a canning funnel, ensuring to leave a 1-inch headspace.
  2. Remove air bubbles by running a non-metallic spatula around the edges and wipe the rims clean.
  3. Secure the lids on jars snugly but not overly tight.
  4. Process the jars in a pressure canner according to manufacturer’s instructions. Process pint jars for 75 minutes; quart jars for 90 minutes.
  5. Allow the canner to depressurize before removing jars and let them rest for 24 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20g

Notes

Store canned BBQ Pulled Pork in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Consider using herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor, or experimenting with sauce ingredients for variety.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Common Questions About BBQ Pulled Pork Canning Recipe

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and it often tastes even more comforting the next day as the flavors blend together beautifully.

How long will the canned pulled pork stay good?
When stored properly in a cool, dark place, your canned pulled pork will maintain its best quality for up to one year.

Can I use boneless chicken instead of pork?
Absolutely. The recipe can be adapted to chicken, though the cooking time inside jars may differ slightly, so always consult your manufacturer’s guidelines.

What if I don’t have a pressure canner?
This recipe is tailored for a pressure canner to ensure safety. If you do not have one, consider using the pulled pork fresh or freezing it for later use.

What’s the best way to reheat the pulled pork once canned?
For the best results, gently reheat the pulled pork in a saucepan on the stove over low heat. If it seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of water or extra sauce to bring it back to life.

Final Reflection

I hope this BBQ Pulled Pork Canning Recipe brings you the same peace and warmth it brings to my home each time I cook it. As you go through the motions of preparing this dish, remember that you are forming connections not only with the ingredients but with the loved ones you share it with. In the comfort of your kitchen, each stir of the pot is a moment steeped in healing and restoration. Enjoy the process, embrace the flavors, and cherish the nourished heart that follows.

Connect with Feel the Recipes

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Author

  • Mama Lila, a joyful plus-size woman and co-author at Feel the Recipes, laughing as she kneads dough in her sunlit, rustic kitchen.

    I’m Lila, and I cook with the seasons, using plant-based ingredients to nourish body and soul. My recipes bring balance and comfort, helping you create meals that feel grounding, healing, and full of life.

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