Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
The Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich features tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder shredded and mixed with tangy, smoky barbecue sauce, served on soft hamburger buns. This fuss-free recipe is perfect for quick meals, family gatherings, or whenever you crave a comforting and flavorful sandwich. Simple to prepare and budget-friendly, it yields juicy, flavorful pulled pork that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker) or 1 hour 15 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free buns and BBQ sauce)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Pork Shoulder (or Pork Butt): 3-4 pounds
- BBQ Sauce: 1 to 2 cups (store-bought or homemade)
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Hamburger Buns: 6 buns (soft and sturdy)
Optional Add-ons
- Pickles: To taste
- Coleslaw: To taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Trim excess fat from the 3-4 pound pork shoulder and season generously with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. This seasoning will infuse the meat with deep flavor as it cooks slowly.
- Slow Cook the Pork: Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker or Instant Pot with a splash (about 1/4 cup) of water or broth. Cook on low for 8 hours in a slow cooker, or use the pressure cooker function on the Instant Pot for about 1 hour until the pork is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
- Shred and Mix with BBQ Sauce: Remove the cooked pork from the pot and shred it using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat. Mix the shredded pork thoroughly with 1 to 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce to ensure every bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Toast the hamburger buns if desired to add texture and warmth. Pile a generous amount of the BBQ pulled pork onto each bun. Add optional pickles or coleslaw for added crunch and tang. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- Low and Slow: Slow cooking ensures tender, juicy pork with rich flavor.
- Seasoning Matters: Season the meat well before cooking for balanced, savory taste.
- Quality BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite sauce to complement the pork perfectly.
- Rest the Meat: Let the pork rest briefly before shredding to retain juices.
- Warm Buns: Toast or warm buns just before serving for the best sandwich texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, pulled pork sandwich, slow cooked pork, barbecue sandwich, family dinner, comfort food
Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/easy-bbq-pulled-pork-sandwich/
