BBQ enthusiasts know that there’s nothing quite like a tender, flavorful pulled pork sandwich. In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through my favorite recipe for making the best pulled pork that melts in your mouth and pairs perfectly with a soft bun. Let’s get started!
To begin with, you’ll need a few necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll require:
- 3-4 pounds of pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce (your choice)
- Soft sandwich buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
First, I like to prepare my pork shoulder by trimming off excess fat. You don’t want to remove all of it, as the fat helps keep the meat juicy during cooking. After trimming, rub the pork with olive oil to help the spice rub adhere.
Speaking of which, in a small bowl, I combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This delicious blend enhances the natural flavors of the meat. I generously coat the pork shoulder with this spice mixture, making sure to cover all sides well.
Now, let’s get to the cooking! I recommend using a slow cooker or an oven for the best results. If using a slow cooker, place the seasoned pork in it and cook on low for about 8-10 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 300°F (150°C) and place the pork in a roasting pan covered tightly with foil. Bake for about 4-5 hours.
During the last hour of cooking, I like to brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce over the pork to infuse it with rich flavors. If you’re using the slow cooker, you can shred the meat right in the pot, mixing it with the sauce. If using the oven, I take the pork out and let it rest for about 15 minutes before shredding it using two forks.
Once the pork is beautifully shredded, I mix it with any remaining juices and BBQ sauce to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Now it’s time to assemble the sandwiches!
I take a soft sandwich bun and pile a generous portion of the juicy pulled pork onto it. If you like a little crunch, I highly recommend adding some coleslaw on top. The creamy texture of coleslaw adds an amazing contrast to the savory pulled pork.
Finally, serve your Juicy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches with extra BBQ sauce on the side and enjoy the mouthwatering goodness. With a side of fries or potato salad, you have yourself a perfect meal for gatherings or a cozy night in!
Juicy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 2 pounds of pork shoulder or pork butt
- 4 hamburger buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a spice rub.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it is well coated.
- Place the seasoned pork in a roasting pan and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Cook in the preheated oven for about 6 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- After resting, shred the pork using two forks.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded pork with BBQ sauce and mix until well coated.
- Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns, topped with coleslaw if desired.
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