The #NBAXmas Cookbook offers an interactive and festive experience where NBA Fans can try recipes from all 30 teams’ home markets.
Each team was challenged to showcase a recipe that best represents their region’s most iconic culinary food. This recipe ranges from a favorite snack, dish or dessert that is unique to the team and fanbase.
Find the origin of each recipe and everything you need to create it yourself below.
Sweet Lew’s BBQ Sandwich
Not only are the Carolinas home to the Charlotte Hornets, but it’s also home to the famous Eastern Carolina BBQ. What makes Eastern Carolina BBQ so special? Pulled pork drenched in a tangy vinegar-based sauce with a satisfying kick. It’s a reflection of how local traditions and flavors can become intertwined with the spirit of a place, adding to its unique character and sense of community.
Ingredients:
| PULLED PORK |
| 6oz chopped smoked pork tossed in 2oz Sweet Lew’s Pork Sauce |
| 1.5oz BBQ red slaw |
| 4 or 5 pickles |
| 1 Martins potato roll |
| Smoked pork (whole, bone in and skin on pork shoulder, roughly 18 pounds) |
| 1.5 cups kosher salt |
| ¼ cup course ground black pepper |
| SLAW |
| 1 head of green cabbage, core removed |
| 2 tbsp of granulated sugar |
| 1 tbsp of kosher salt |
| 2 cups Heinz ketchup |
| 1 cup Sweet Lews Pork Sauce |
| 2 tbsp Sweet Lew’s Signature Rub |
| PICKLE |
| 3 garden cucumbers sliced into ⅛ inch disks |
| ½ yellow onion cut julienne |
| 1 clove garlic smashed |
| 3 cups water |
| 2 cups white vinegar |
| ¼ cup salt |
| 1 tsp red chili flake |
| 1 tbsp course ground black pepper |
| 2 tbsp granulated sugar |
Directions:
PULLED PORK:
- Season the meat side and skin side
- Smoke at 225 degrees until the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees
- Let meat rest for 30 minutes, wrapped in plastic wrap before pulling
SLAW:
- Using a robot coupe, dice cabbage to quarter inch
- Lightly toss in granulated sugar and kosher salt
- Mix Heinz ketchup with Sweet Lew’s Pork Sauce and Sweet Lew’s Signature Rub
- Mix cabbage and dressing together, let chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
PICKLE:
- Bring liquids and seasonings to a boil
- Pour over sliced cucumbers and onions
- Cover and let sit in room temperature for 1 hour
- Refrigerate overnight
