Get ready to create the most succulent, flavorful, and ridiculously easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich you’ve ever had. This recipe uses the magic of the slow cooker to transform a humble pork shoulder into a tender, shreddable masterpiece. Forget complicated steps; this is a set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers mouthwatering results every single time. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or game day, this sandwich is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
We’ve perfected the spice rub to create a beautiful crust and infuse the meat with flavor as it cooks low and slow for hours. When it’s finished, the pork is so tender it falls apart with the touch of a fork. Tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce and piled high on a soft bun, this is the ultimate comfort food experience.
Why This is the Best BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe
In a world of complicated recipes, this one stands out for its simplicity and incredible flavor. It’s designed for enthusiastic home cooks who want impressive results without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The slow cooker does all the work! With just 15 minutes of prep, you can come home to perfectly cooked pulled pork.
- Incredibly Tender & Juicy: Cooking the pork low and slow breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in exceptionally tender and moist meat that melts in your mouth.
- Perfectly Customizable: You control the sweetness and spice. Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or a cherished family recipe. You can even adjust the spice rub to your liking.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe is easily scaled up, making it the perfect main course for parties, potlucks, and family dinners. Plus, leftovers are fantastic! You can use them in quesadillas, nachos, or even on a pizza.
The Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. A few quality staples are all you need to create an unforgettable BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich.
The Best Cut of Pork for Pulled Pork
For the juiciest, most tender results, a pork shoulder is non-negotiable. Look for a 4-5 pound bone-in or boneless pork shoulder, also known as a “Boston butt” or “pork butt.” This cut has the ideal amount of fat marbling, which renders down during the long cooking process, basting the meat and keeping it incredibly moist.
For the Perfect Spice Rub
A flavorful rub is the secret to a delicious crust and deeply seasoned meat. Our blend is the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory:
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelized crust.
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a deep, smoky flavor that is essential for classic BBQ.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: These form the savory base of the rub.
- Chili Powder: Adds a mild, warming heat.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who like an extra kick of heat.
Choosing Your BBQ Sauce
Use your favorite! A classic smoky and sweet Kansas City-style sauce works wonderfully, but a tangy Carolina-style or a spicy Texas-style sauce would also be delicious. You’ll need about 2 cups, plus more for serving.
How to Make the Perfect BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Follow these simple steps to achieve pulled pork perfection. This hands-off method is incredibly easy and yields the most amazing results.
Step 1: Make the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. If you like a little heat, add the cayenne pepper. Mix everything until it’s well combined.
Step 2: Season the Pork
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere to the meat. Generously coat the entire surface of the pork with the spice mixture, pressing it gently into the meat. If time allows, you can do this the night before and let it rest in the fridge for even deeper flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the basin of your slow cooker. Add about a half cup of water, broth, or even apple cider to the bottom of the slow cooker to create steam. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The pork is ready when it’s fork-tender and easily falls apart.
Step 4: Shred and Sauce the Pork
Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or in a large bowl. It will be very tender, so it might fall apart. Let it rest for a few minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat. Skim the fat from the juices left in the slow cooker and discard it. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and pour in your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir gently to combine, ensuring all the meat is coated. Let it warm through for another 15-20 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwich
Toast your favorite buns—brioche, potato rolls, or classic hamburger buns all work great. Pile a generous amount of the saucy pulled pork onto the bottom bun. Top it with creamy coleslaw, pickles, or sliced onions if desired. Place the top bun on, and serve immediately. It’s a simple, delicious meal, much like our recipe for homemade sloppy joes.
Tips for the Juiciest Pulled Pork
- Don’t Trim the Fat: The fat cap on the pork shoulder is crucial for moisture. Place the pork in the slow cooker with the fat side up. As it cooks, the fat will render and baste the meat.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: While the high setting works, cooking on low for a longer period yields the most tender, fall-apart results. Patience is key!
- Don’t Over-Sauce: Add enough sauce to coat the meat, but don’t drown it. You can always add more sauce when you build your sandwich. This is just as important in other saucy meat dishes, such as our Slow Cooker French Dip.
What to Serve with Pulled Pork Sandwiches
A great BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich deserves equally delicious sides. Here are some classic pairings:
- Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, tangy crunch is the perfect contrast to the rich pork.
- Mac and Cheese: A rich and creamy stovetop mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food pairing.
- Cornbread: Sweet, moist cornbread is perfect for soaking up any extra BBQ sauce.
- Baked Beans: A classic BBQ side that never disappoints.
- Potato Salad: A creamy and tangy potato salad completes the meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover pulled pork is a gift! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the pork in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. You can also gently reheat it in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! For an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for about 90 minutes, followed by a natural release. For the oven, place the pork in a Dutch oven and cook at 325°F (165°C) for 3-4 hours, or until fork-tender.
Searing is optional but recommended for an extra layer of flavor. It helps to create a delicious caramelized crust on the outside of the pork. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still get a great result.
The pork is done when it is ‘fork-tender.’ This means you can easily shred it with a fork with very little resistance. For a 4-5 lb pork shoulder, this typically takes 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in a slow cooker.
You can store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes very well for up to 3 months.
The best cut is pork shoulder, often labeled as a ‘Boston butt’ or ‘pork butt.’ It has the perfect amount of fat marbling, which makes the meat incredibly tender and juicy after slow cooking.
The easiest way is to use two forks to pull the meat apart. You can also use ‘bear claws’ designed for shredding meat. For a faster method, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on a low setting, but be careful not to over-mix.
The Ultimate BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich (The Easiest, Juiciest Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all the spice rub ingredients: brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Add the water or chicken broth to the bottom. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
- Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a large bowl or cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any excess fat.
- Skim the fat from the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, add the BBQ sauce, and stir to combine. Let it heat through for another 15 minutes. Serve the pulled pork piled high on toasted buns.
Notes
Tip 2: Leftover pulled pork is fantastic on nachos, in tacos, or mixed into mac and cheese.
Tip 3: Feel free to customize the spice rub. Add a teaspoon of cumin for earthiness or mustard powder for a tangy kick.
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