BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

BBQ pulled pork is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of flavor and tradition deeply rooted in American cuisine. This beloved dish has earned its place at family gatherings, tailgate parties, and summer barbecues alike, captivating palates with its rich taste and delightful texture. The secret to achieving the perfect pulled pork lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the meat to become tender and absorb the smoky, sweet flavors that define this iconic meal.

Discover the ultimate Smoky & Sweet BBQ Pulled Pork recipe that's perfect for gatherings and summer barbecues. This dish celebrates rich flavors and tender textures from slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with a special spice blend and zesty sauces. With a delightful combination of smokiness, sweetness, and the option to customize with toppings like coleslaw and pickles, it's a mouthwatering experience you won't want to miss. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal they'll love!

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Ingredients

4-5 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons paprika

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon salt

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought, your choice)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)

4-6 hamburger buns

Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, jalapeños

Instructions

Prepare the Pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, brown sugar, and salt. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Sear the Meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes per side). This step helps build a deep flavor.

Slow Cook the Pork: Transfer the seared pork shoulder to a slow cooker. In another bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Pour this mixture over the pork.

Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.

Shred the Pork: Once cooked, transfer the pork to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat.

Mix with Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it well with the remaining sauce. Allow it to cook on low for another 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Pile the BBQ pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun, then add your preferred toppings such as coleslaw, pickles, or jalapeños. Top with the other half of the bun.

Serve: Enjoy your Smoky & Sweet BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches immediately with your favorite side dishes like potato chips, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

15 minutes | 10 hours (including cooking time) | Serves 6-8