BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 hours 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches are the epitome of comfort food, perfect for a relaxed family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner. With melt-in-your-mouth pork and a smoky, tangy sauce, this recipe transforms a humble pork shoulder into a flavorful feast.

Ingredients for BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The star of the show is the pork shoulder, known for its rich flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked. Onion and garlic form the aromatic base, infusing the meat with subtle sweetness. Chicken broth keeps everything moist and adds depth. The barbecue sauce brings that quintessential smoky sweetness, while apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick to balance the richness. A touch of brown sugar rounds out the flavors, and smoked paprika with chili powder lends a gentle smokiness and heat. Finally, toasted sandwich buns provide the perfect vessel for all that delicious pork.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a hot pan before placing it in the slow cooker.
  • Make sure to toast the buns for added texture and to prevent them from getting soggy.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sandwiches with a crisp coleslaw for a refreshing crunch. A side of baked beans or potato salad would also complement the smoky flavors perfectly. And don’t forget a cold, fizzy drink to wash it all down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork butt is a great alternative. It's similar to pork shoulder and will yield tender results.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?
You can use a Dutch oven in the oven at 300°F for about 4-5 hours.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe Walkthrough

Start by layering the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This forms a flavorful base for the pork to sit on. Season your pork shoulder generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Rub it well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Place the pork on top of the onions and garlic.

Pour the chicken broth over everything; it’ll help keep the pork moist and infuse it with flavor as it cooks. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low. Now, let it work its magic for 8 to 10 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pork is super tender and easily pulls apart.

Once cooked, carefully remove the pork and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart effortlessly. Drain the liquid from the slow cooker, but don’t forget to reserve about a cup of it. This will be key for flavor later on. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir in the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and that reserved cooking liquid. Let it cook on low for another 30 minutes to meld the flavors together.

Finally, serve the pork on toasted buns. Pile it high and let everyone add their favorite toppings. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless slow cooking makes it perfect for busy days.
  • The blend of spices and barbecue sauce delivers a bold, rich flavor.
  • No fancy equipment needed; just your trusty slow cooker.
  • Customizable toppings let everyone create their perfect sandwich.

Ingredients

3 lbs pork shoulder
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
8 sandwich buns, toasted

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder, then place it on top of the onions and garlic.
3. Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker and cover. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is very tender.
4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
5. Drain the liquid from the slow cooker, reserving about 1 cup.
6. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, add barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and the reserved cooking liquid. Stir to combine.
7. Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve the pulled pork on toasted buns with your choice of toppings.

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