These pulled pork sandwiches are a delicious treat! Slow-cooked pork is tender and flavorful, topped with your favorite BBQ sauce. Perfect for any gathering!
Honestly, there’s nothing quite like a juicy pulled pork sandwich with crispy coleslaw on top. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and I love making them for game day! 🌟
I find them so easy to make—just pop the pork in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. Serve with soft buns, and you’ve got a winning meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is ideal for pulled pork due to its fat content, which keeps it juicy during cooking. If pork shoulder isn’t available, you can use a pork loin, but it may not be as tender. I prefer shoulder for the best flavor!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own for a personal touch. If you want a healthier option, low-sugar sauces are readily available. I like mixing sweet and spicy sauces for a kick!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang to the pulled pork. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or even lemon juice can work. I’ve used lemon juice in a pinch, and it still tastes great!
Coleslaw Ingredients: The classic cabbage mix can be swapped with slaw mixes from the store to save time. Alternatively, you can use shredded carrots or even kale for a twist. I love adding a hint of pineapple for extra sweetness!
How Do You Get Perfectly Shredded Pork?
Shredding the pork is a key step to make your sandwiches just right! Here’s how to do it:
- After cooking, let the pork sit for about 15 minutes. This helps retain moisture.
- Use two forks to pull the meat apart gently. Start with larger chunks, then work through it.
- Don’t skip removing big fat pieces to keep the sandwiches from being greasy.
Mix the shredded pork with the barbecue sauce while it’s still warm. This way, every bite is flavorful and well-coated!
Feel free to experiment with these tips to make the pulled pork sandwiches your own! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Pork:
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For the Sandwich Assembly:
- 8 sandwich buns (brioche or burger buns recommended)
- Coleslaw (for topping):
- 3 cups shredded cabbage mix (green and purple cabbage with carrots)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high in the slow cooker. Once cooked, you’ll need about 10 minutes to shred the pork and assemble the sandwiches. Get ready for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub this flavorful spice mix all over the pork shoulder to coat it evenly.
2. Sear the Pork (Optional):
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until it’s nicely browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step adds delicious flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
3. Slow Cook the Pork:
Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of a slow cooker. Put the seared pork shoulder on top. Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the meat is very tender and easily pulls apart.
4. Shred the Pork:
Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Make sure to discard any large pieces of fat to keep the filling lean and tasty.
5. Mix with Sauce:
Stir the barbecue sauce into the shredded pork, mixing well. Add some of the cooking juices from the slow cooker to keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Make Coleslaw:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss in the shredded cabbage mix until everything is well coated and chilled.
7. Assemble Sandwiches:
If you like, toast the sandwich buns lightly. Pile generous amounts of pulled pork onto the bottom bun, add a scoop of coleslaw on top, and finish with the top bun.
8. Serve:
Serve the pulled pork sandwiches immediately, with extra barbecue sauce and coleslaw on the side for anyone who wants to add more toppings. Enjoy your delicious and savory creation!
These pulled pork sandwiches are sure to be a hit, filled with smoky flavors and crunchy slaw. Enjoy every bite! 🍽️
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes! While pork shoulder is the best option for tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with pork loin or even chicken. Just remember that cooking times may vary—chicken will take less time to cook compared to pork.
How Can I Store Leftover Pulled Pork?
Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Make the Coleslaw Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the coleslaw a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just mix it right before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy!
What Should I Serve with Pulled Pork Sandwiches?
These sandwiches pair perfectly with sides like baked beans, potato salad, or corn on the cob. For a lighter option, a simple green salad also works well!