The moment I first pulled apart tender, juicy pork shoulder with just a fork, my heart skipped a beat. The rich aroma of slow-cooked BBQ wafting through my kitchen was nothing short of divine. It’s one of those dishes that transforms an ordinary Tuesday evening into a festivity. Whether you’re gathering friends for game day or simply craving comfort food after a long week, pulled pork sandwiches are a mouthwatering solution.
The great thing about this recipe? You can effortlessly set it and forget it in the slow cooker, letting the flavors mingle and deepen while you go about your day. Plus, the creamy coleslaw provides a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the succulent meat. Imagine serving up heaping portions of this flavor explosion on soft hamburger buns – it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your household. Ready to dive into the magic of homemade pulled pork sandwiches? Let’s get cooking!
Why love pulled pork sandwiches?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of BBQ sauce, spices, and slow-cooked pork creates a burst of savory goodness that leaves you craving more.
Effortless Preparation: Simply season the pork, toss it in the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you—perfect for busy weeknights!
Crunchy Contrast: The coleslaw adds a refreshing crispness, balancing the richness of the pork for a delightful texture experience.
Versatile Delight: Serve these sandwiches at gatherings, game days, or family dinners—their crowd appeal is unmatched!
Homemade Satisfaction: There’s something special about making pulled pork sandwiches from scratch, ensuring every bite is filled with love and quality ingredients. Try them today and discover why they belong on your dinner table!
Pulled Pork Sandwich Ingredients
• Here’s what you’ll need to create your mouthwatering pulled pork sandwiches!
For the Pork
- 4 lbs pork shoulder – Choose a well-marbled cut for ultimate tenderness and flavor.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce – Use your favorite brand or homemade for a personal touch.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – This adds sweetness that balances the tang of the BBQ sauce.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – It adds acidity, tenderizing the pork and enhancing flavor.
- 1 tbsp paprika – Imparts a smoky depth and beautiful color to the dish.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder – Gives a savory kick that perfectly complements the BBQ flavors.
- 1 tbsp onion powder – Rounds out the flavor profile, creating a savory harmony.
For the Coleslaw
- 1/2 head cabbage, shredded – Fresh and crunchy, it’s the perfect base for coleslaw.
- 2 carrots, grated – Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to your slaw.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – Provides creaminess that binds the coleslaw together.
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – Gives a zesty zing that brightens the coleslaw flavors.
- 1 tbsp sugar – Balances the acidity and enhances the overall taste of the slaw.
For Serving
- 8 hamburger buns – Soft and fluffy, perfect for stacking your delicious pulled pork!
With these ingredients, you’re all set to indulge in amazing pulled pork sandwiches that will wow your friends and family!
How to Make Pulled Pork Sandwiches
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Season the Pork: Rub the pork shoulder generously with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar, ensuring every inch is coated to maximize flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker, then pour in the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar. This will create a flavorful base for your pork.
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Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker on low and let the pork cook for 8 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
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Prepare the Coleslaw: While the pork is cooking, mix the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar in a bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and creamy.
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Shred the Pork: Once the pork is finished cooking, use two forks to shred the meat right in the slow cooker, allowing it to soak up all the tasty juices.
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Assemble the Sandwiches: Serve the tender pulled pork on soft hamburger buns, topped with a generous scoop of coleslaw for that perfect crunch.
Optional: Drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the pulled pork for an added kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Pulled pork sandwiches are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade flavors without the last-minute hustle. You can season the pork shoulder and store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before slow cooking, which enhances the flavor as it marinates overnight. The coleslaw can also be prepared in advance; simply combine the ingredients and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, keep the coleslaw in an airtight container and dress it just before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy your pulled pork sandwiches, cook the pork in the slow cooker as instructed, shred it, and serve with freshly made coleslaw on hamburger buns for the perfect weeknight meal!
What to Serve with Pulled Pork with Coleslaw?
Picture a lively gathering with friends and family, where the air is filled with mouthwatering aromas, laughter, and joy as you savor each delightful bite.
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Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness and crispiness of these fries pair beautifully with the savory pulled pork, creating a satisfying contrast. They’re not only delicious but also add a pop of color to your plate!
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Cornbread Muffins: Soft and buttery, cornbread muffins are a classic side that perfectly complements the tangy BBQ flavors. Their slightly sweet flavor will have everyone reaching for seconds.
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Grilled Vegetables: Charred asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini not only bring freshness but also a smoky depth that enhances the pulled pork flavors, balancing richness with a burst of color and nutrients.
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Pickles: The tart crunch of pickles adds a zingy contrast to the hearty pork, enlivening each bite and cutting through the richness. They also invite fun, nostalgic vibes to the table!
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Coleslaw Salad: Elevate your meal by serving a variety of coleslaw! Think different dressings, colors, or even add fruits like apples for a fun twist while keeping that refreshing crunch.
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Iced Tea or Lemonade: A tall glass of sweet iced tea with lemon or refreshing homemade lemonade provides the perfect balance to the bold flavors of the pulled pork. It will keep everyone cool and quenching their thirst!
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End the meal on a sweet note with warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies. They bring comfort and joy, making the entire dining experience unforgettable!
How to Store and Freeze Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Fridge: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the meat moist and flavorful, ready for quick meals.
Freezer: Freeze the pulled pork in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Make sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn, and keep the coleslaw separate.
Reheating: Thaw frozen pulled pork in the fridge overnight before reheating in the microwave or a saucepan. Add a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it juicy and fabulous.
Coleslaw: Store coleslaw in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best texture, mix just before serving or add a little mayo to freshen it up.
Expert Tips for Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Meat Selection: Choose a pork shoulder with plenty of marbling; it ensures juicy, tender pulled pork. Lean cuts may yield dry meat.
• Slow Cooker Magic: For perfect tenderness, resist the urge to open the slow cooker during the cooking process—it lets heat escape, extending cooking time.
• Flavor Boost: Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes after shredding before serving; this allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the flavors of your pulled pork sandwiches.
• Coleslaw Crunch: Make the coleslaw ahead of time and keep it chilled until serving; it will retain its crunch and fresh flavor.
• Custom BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces; whether sweet, tangy, or spicy, each option can dramatically change the flavor profile of your pulled pork sandwiches.
• Perfect Buns: Toast your hamburger buns lightly before assembling; a crunchy exterior adds texture and holds up better against the juicy filling.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to put your own twist on these delicious sandwiches and take the flavors to new heights!
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the coleslaw for a zesty heat that ignites the taste buds. Spice lovers will adore this fiery upgrade!
- Smoky Flavor: Try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for an enhanced smoky depth to your pulled pork. It’s a simple swap that packs a flavorful punch!
- Zesty Coleslaw: Use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar in the coleslaw for a bright, citrusy flavor that will freshen things up. Brightness complements the savory pork beautifully!
- Honey BBQ Sauce: Swap out traditional BBQ sauce for honey BBQ sauce to bring a hint of sweetness and glaze that makes every bite divine. This substitution adds a delightful molasses-like richness.
- Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps instead of hamburger buns for a gluten-conscious delight everyone can enjoy. Lettuce wraps keep it light and delicious!
- Vegan Substitute: Use jackfruit instead of pork for a plant-based version that still delivers incredible texture and flavor. This version is a clever and satisfying meat alternative!
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a teaspoon of apple cider to the coleslaw dressing for a tangy twist, making each bite even creamier and more luscious. Your taste buds will thank you for this delightful touch!
- Extra Crunch: Add slivered almonds or sunflower seeds to the coleslaw for an extra crunch that takes the texture to the next level. It’s a subtle twist that surprises and delights!
Pulled Pork with Coleslaw Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting pork shoulder?
Absolutely! Choose a pork shoulder that’s well-marbled with fat for optimal tenderness and flavor. Look for a cut that has a good amount of pink meat and minimal dark spots; this usually indicates freshness.
How should I store leftover pulled pork sandwiches?
Very simple! Store the leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have leftover coleslaw, store it separately as well, to maintain its crispness.
Can I freeze the pulled pork?
Yes, you can! To freeze pulled pork, place it in a freezer-safe bag and remove excess air. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
What can I do to prevent the pulled pork from being dry?
To prevent dryness, make sure to watch your slow cooker settings! Letting the pork cook on low for the full 8 hours is key. Additionally, don’t skip on adding enough BBQ sauce during cooking; it helps retain moisture and enhances flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure your hamburger buns are gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy these mouthwatering pulled pork sandwiches without worry!
How can I keep the coleslaw crunchy?
To keep your coleslaw perfectly crunchy, prepare it right before serving if possible. If you need to make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge in a sealed container and avoid mixing in the mayo until just before serving. This keeps it fresh and crisp!
Savory Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Crunchy Coleslaw Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rub the pork shoulder generously with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar, ensuring every inch is coated to maximize flavor.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker, then pour in the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar.
- Set your slow cooker on low and let the pork cook for 8 hours until tender.
- In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage, grated carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Stir until combined.
- Once the pork is finished cooking, shred the meat in the slow cooker.
- Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns, topped with a scoop of coleslaw.