These pulled pork sandwiches are a comforting treat, filled with tender, juicy pork smothered in a tasty barbecue sauce. Perfect for a casual gathering or a cozy night in!
The best part? You can pile on your favorite toppings like coleslaw or pickles. I love loading mine up until they practically overflow—delicious messiness at its best! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This is the heart of the dish. It’s a fatty cut, which keeps the meat tender and juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, use pork loin or chicken thighs, but the cooking time will differ as it cooks faster.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a fantastic depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even cayenne for heat works. I also love adding a dash of cayenne pepper for those who like it spicy, but that’s totally optional!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, homemade or store-bought. If cooking for kids, opt for a milder sauce. For a smoky flavor, try mixing in a bit of liquid smoke if you don’t have smoked paprika.
Buns: I prefer soft brioche buns for their sweetness and texture. If you’re looking for something healthier, whole wheat or gluten-free buns are great alternatives. Even lettuce wraps can work for a low-carb option!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Shredded Pork?
Shredding pork can be tricky if you don’t let it cook long enough. Here are my tips to ensure it comes out perfect!
- Cook low and slow: This is key. Whether in a slow cooker or oven, let the pork cook until it’s tender and falls apart easily.
- Shred while it’s warm: Once the pork is done, shred it using two forks while it’s still warm. If it cools too much, it can become tough.
- Mix in sauce while warm: After shredding, blend in the barbecue sauce right away for maximum flavor absorption and moisture!
Delicious Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 8 sandwich buns or brioche buns
- 2 cups coleslaw (pre-made or homemade with shredded cabbage, carrots, and dressing)
- Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro leaves, sliced jalapeño peppers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 8 hours of slow cooking (or 4-5 hours in the oven). So, while it requires some time for cooking, most of that is hands-off. Just set it and forget it until you’re ready to enjoy your delicious pulled pork sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. This spice blend will give your pork a delicious flavor.
2. Applying the Spice:
Rub the spice mix all over the pork shoulder. Make sure to coat it well so every bite is bursting with flavor!
3. Cooking the Pork:
Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker or a heavy oven-safe pot. If using a slow cooker, set it to low and cook for 8 hours. For the oven, preheat to 300°F (150°C) and cover the pot with foil, cooking for about 4 to 5 hours. The goal is for the pork to be very tender and easily shred with a fork.
4. Shredding the Pork:
Once fully cooked, remove the pork from the cooker and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily if it’s cooked correctly.
5. Mixing in the Barbecue Sauce:
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker or pot, adding the barbecue sauce. Stir well to coat the meat evenly and keep it warm while you prepare the buns.
6. Toasting the Buns:
If you like, lightly toast the sandwich buns in a toaster or on a skillet. This adds a nice crunch and helps them hold up to the juicy pork.
7. Assembling the Sandwiches:
To put the sandwiches together, pile a generous amount of pulled pork on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a scoop of coleslaw for some crispness and garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeños if you like it spicy.
8. Serving:
Cover with the top bun and serve immediately. Don’t be shy—let that barbecue sauce drip down a bit for that extra tasty touch!
Enjoy these classic, juicy pulled pork sandwiches with your favorite sides like baked beans or potato chips! They’re sure to be a hit! 🍽️
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes! While pork shoulder is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use pork loin, chicken thighs, or even turkey. Just remember that cooking times will vary, so adjust accordingly!
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the pork in a covered oven-safe pot at 300°F (150°C) for about 4-5 hours. The key is to cook it low and slow until it’s tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing!
What Should I Serve With Pulled Pork Sandwiches?
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, potato chips, or corn on the cob. You can also serve them with a simple green salad for a lighter option!
