There are two different ways to cook BBQ pork.
Chopped is when you cut the meat into small pieces and pulled is when you break it apart with your hands or fork until it becomes stringy.
Chopped bbq pork can be served as a main dish with coleslaw, onion rings, and cornbread on the side while pulled bbq pork is typically used in sandwiches like slaw dogs, barbecue beef sloppy joes, and even pizza!
Chopped vs pulled BBQ pork is a question that has been asked by many for years.
Chopping the meat into smaller pieces makes it easier to eat, but pulling the meat apart can be more flavorful.
While there are some who will argue back and forth about which method they prefer, one thing is for sure: both methods have their pros and cons.
In this post, you will learn more about the difference between chopped and pulled BBQ pork.
What is special about chopped BBQ pork?

For those who don’t know what chopped BBQ pork is, it’s a popular dish in the Southern United States and consists of pieces of meat that have been cooked with a barbecue sauce.
The sauce can be sweet or spicy but most often has an acidic tang to it which tastes great on the tender meat.
It can be eaten as an appetizer or as the main course for dinner.
It’s typically made from leftover pulled-pork shoulder, but it can also be made out of ham, turkey, or chicken.
The meat is chopped into small pieces before being grilled to give them that perfect crispy texture on the outside and juicy inside.
This recipe was handed down through generations in my family so I’ve been cooking this dish since I could reach the stovetop!
What is special about pulled BBQ pork?

Pulled BBQ pork is a dish that’s popular in many different cultures, but what exactly are the ingredients and how do you make it?
Well, pulled pork is made with a whole or half hog that has been seasoned with salt and pepper before being smoked for hours.
The meat is then pulled apart by hand into bite-size pieces.
Sauces can be added at this point to provide flavor as well as taste to the dish.
The reason why pulled BBQ pork became so popular was due to its versatility: it could be served on buns, bagels, pasta noodles, or even just eaten alone! It also had become one of those dishes that would go great with any other side dish such as fries or coleslaw; however, some people even like to have it with breakfast!
What are the differences between chopped and pulled BBQ pork?
How do you like your BBQ? Chopped or Pulled? There are many different opinions on this topic.
Some people like the texture of chopped, while others prefer pulled.
In a nutshell, pulled pork is cooked with more sauce and spices than the chopped version so it has an added flavor that some people find irresistible.
Chopped BBQ pork is a mixture of meat and fat, whereas pulled BBQ pork is just the meat.
Chopped BBQ usually has more sauce than pulled.
For most people, chopped BBQ tastes better because it provides a variety of textures to enjoy in one bite.
Pulled can be too dry for some people’s taste buds.
Pulled BBQ is a Southern staple, and it’s one of the few dishes that are universally recognized as soul food.
Pulled pork is often served on its own with coleslaw or barbecue sauce to add some extra flavor.
It’s also commonly used in sandwiches like pulled pork buns or pulled pork subs, with some crispy fried onions added for crunch.
Pulled BBQ can be made from any type of meat – beef, lamb, chicken – but pork is the most popular and what this article will focus on specifically.
Pork shoulder (the upper portion of the pig) is slow-roasted until tender enough to be shredded by hand into juicy strands.
What are the similarities between chopped and pulled BBQ pork?
The main similarity is that both types can be made from different cuts of meat, but they’re typically made with shoulder or butt cuts because these parts have more fat than other cuts which helps keep them moist during cooking.
Which one is better?
Product Comparison | Heinz Kansas City Style Sweet & Smoky BBQ Barbecue Sauce (6 ct Pack,... | Niman Ranch Pulled Pork in BBQ Sauce, 14 OZ |
Product Image | ![]() | ![]() |
Latest Price | Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
The choice is up to you, but there are many reasons why one might prefer chopped pork over pulled.
One argument for chopping the meat is that it can be easier to eat and will cook more evenly in a shorter amount of time.
Pulled pork on the other hand may have better flavor because some people feel like pulling apart the pieces gives them access to all parts of the meat including those delicious fatty bits near the bone.
What’s your favorite?
- Disgusting or Delicious? The Truth About Pork You Need to Know
- 5 Delicious Side Dishes To Pair With Your Pork Roll!
- 7 Deliciously Creative Side Dishes to Make with Zucchini!
- 10 Mouthwatering Pork Rubs for the Most Tender Tenderloin: Our Top Picks for the Best Pork Rubs
- 5 Surprising Reasons Why Your Ham Turns Out Rubbery Every Time (And How to Fix It)
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you purchase an item from Amazon through one of my links, I receive a small commission at no added cost. This helps support the site!