Traditional Carolina pulled pork is slow-cooked over a low fire for around 10 hours. South and North Carolina pulled pork are prepared the same way, but the sauce varies by region. In South Carolina, cooks use a mustard-based sauce. In Southern South Carolina and North Carolina, folks prefer a vinegar-based sauce. If you do not have the time, patience or warm weather to prepare pulled pork outdoors, you can cook the dish in a slow cooker. Add liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor of an outdoor fire.
Rub the pork generously with a commercial or homemade spice rub. Common spice rub ingredients include paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, celery salt and black pepper. Wrap the pork tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the pork shoulder on all sides then remove from the skillet.
Turn the slow cooker on low. Mix the vinegar, hot sauce, and liquid smoke together in the slow cooker.
Put the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Cook for eight to 10 hours, or until the meat falls apart easily when tested with a fork.
Remove the pork from the slow cooker, discarding the liquid. Shred the pork with two forks and serve hot.