Pulled pork sandwiches have always been a hit in my home. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a casual dinner, or even meal prepping for the week, this recipe never disappoints.
I remember the first time I made pulled pork—my kitchen was filled with the savory aroma of slow-cooked pork, and I knew it was going to be a winner.
In this article, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to make your own juicy pulled pork sandwiches. From the ingredients to step-by-step instructions, and even tips on the best buns and toppings, I’ve got you covered!
Ingredients List
To make the best pulled pork sandwiches, you’ll need:
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Buns (brioche or hamburger buns work best)
- Coleslaw, pickles, or other toppings (optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Juicy Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Step 1- Prepare the Pork:
Start by mixing all your dry seasonings—paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt—in a bowl. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
Step 2- Cooking the Pork:
- Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker, pour in the chicken broth, and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours).
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pork in a roasting pan, pour in the chicken broth, and cover with foil. Roast for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender and falling apart.
- Instant Pot: For a faster option, set your Instant Pot to high pressure and cook the pork for about 1 hour. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
Step 3- Shred the Pork:
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Mix in the BBQ sauce and brown sugar (if you like it sweet), and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
Step 4- Assemble the Sandwiches:
Toast your buns lightly, pile on the pulled pork, and top with coleslaw, pickles, or your favorite toppings.
Best Buns for Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Choosing the Right Bread
The bread can make or break your sandwich! For pulled pork sandwiches, I love using brioche buns for their slight sweetness and soft texture, but you can also go for classic hamburger buns or pretzel buns if you like a sturdier bite.
How to Make Flavorful Pulled Pork: Slow Cooker, Oven, or Instant Pot?
While the slow cooker is my personal favorite because it really lets the flavors meld over time, the oven and Instant Pot are great alternatives. The oven gives the pork a nice crust, and the Instant Pot is perfect if you’re in a hurry but still want that juicy tenderness.
Top Toppings for Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Coleslaw, Pickles, and More
I always love adding coleslaw for a crunch and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the smoky pork. Pickles give a zesty bite, and sometimes I even add crispy fried onions or jalapeños for a bit of heat. Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combo!
Sauce Matters: The Best BBQ Sauces for Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Your BBQ sauce choice will determine whether your sandwich is more on the sweet, smoky, or tangy side. I prefer a tangy vinegar-based BBQ sauce, but a sweet molasses BBQ sauce is also fantastic if you’re craving something a little richer.
Pulled Pork Sandwich Variations: Spicy, Sweet, and Smoky Twists
For a spicy twist, add some chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce into the BBQ sauce. Want it sweeter? Increase the brown sugar or use a honey-based BBQ sauce. For a smokier flavor, you can even throw in a bit of liquid smoke during the cooking process.
Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Pulled Pork Sandwiches
What pairs perfectly with a pulled pork sandwich? Some of my go-to sides include baked beans, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, or even sweet potato fries. You want something hearty but that won’t outshine the star of the meal—the sandwich!
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Pulled Pork for Sandwiches
If you have leftover pulled pork, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit more BBQ sauce if needed to keep it moist.
Can You Freeze Pulled Pork? Tips for Freezing and Reheating
Yes, pulled pork freezes beautifully! Once cooled, pack it into freezer bags or airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop with some extra BBQ sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pulled Pork Sandwiches
1- Not seasoning enough: Pulled pork needs a good amount of seasoning to develop those bold flavors.
2- Rushing the cook time: Patience is key. Let the pork cook low and slow for maximum tenderness.
3- Skipping the resting time: After cooking, let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding to lock in all the juices.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 18g
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder also called pork butt
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup BBQ sauce use your favorite brand or homemade
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar optional, for sweetness
- Buns brioche or hamburger buns work best
- Coleslaw pickles, or other toppings (optional)
Instructions
Step 1- Prepare the Pork:
- Start by mixing all your dry seasonings—paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt—in a bowl. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
Step 2- Cooking the Pork:
- Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker, pour in the chicken broth, and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours).
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pork in a roasting pan, pour in the chicken broth, and cover with foil. Roast for 3-4 hours, until the pork is tender and falling apart.
- Instant Pot: For a faster option, set your Instant Pot to high pressure and cook the pork for about 1 hour. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
Step 3- Shred the Pork:
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Mix in the BBQ sauce and brown sugar (if you like it sweet), and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
Step 4- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Toast your buns lightly, pile on the pulled pork, and top with coleslaw, pickles, or your favorite toppings.
Conclusion
Pulled pork sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser, full of flavor and customizable to your taste preferences. Whether you like them spicy, sweet, or smoky, you can make these sandwiches your own with the right toppings, sauces, and buns. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and perfect for feeding a crowd. I hope you give this recipe a try—it’s one of those comfort foods that never fails to impress!