Pulled Pork Sandwich (Print Version)

Tender slow-cooked pork with smoky spices and tangy barbecue sauce on soft buns.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Pulled Pork

01 - 3.3 lbs boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed
02 - 2 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1 tsp black pepper
04 - 1 tbsp smoked paprika
05 - 2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 cup chicken broth

→ For the Barbecue Sauce

12 - 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving

→ For Serving

13 - 6 soft sandwich buns
14 - Coleslaw (optional)
15 - Dill pickle slices (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
02 - Rub the spice mixture generously over all surfaces of the trimmed pork shoulder, pressing gently to ensure adherence.
03 - Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Pour apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the sides of the meat, avoiding direct pouring over the pork.
04 - Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours until pork reaches internal temperature of 195°F and shreds effortlessly with a fork.
05 - Transfer pork to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of excess fat.
06 - Skim excess fat from cooking liquid remaining in slow cooker. Return shredded pork to cooker, add barbecue sauce, and toss to coat. Heat on low for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
07 - Heap sauced pulled pork onto bottom buns. Add additional barbecue sauce if desired, top with coleslaw and pickles, and crown with top buns. Serve immediately.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • The pork literally falls apart with nothing more than a gentle poke from a fork
  • Feeding six people has never felt this effortless or impressive
  • Leftovers somehow taste even better the next day
02 -
  • Rushing the cook time will give you tough, chewy meat that resists shredding
  • Letting the pork rest in the juices for even 15 minutes makes it infinitely more tender
  • Skimming the fat before saucing keeps the final dish rich but not greasy
03 -
  • Buy a pork shoulder with a nice fat cap for maximum flavor and moisture
  • Do not open the lid during cooking unless absolutely necessary
  • Use two forks and pull in opposite directions for the easiest shredding
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