This Pulled Pork Sandwich recipe delivers incredibly tender and flavorful pulled pork, perfect for a satisfying sandwich. The pork is slow-cooked to perfection, seasoned with a rich blend of spices, and combined with a tangy barbecue sauce. It’s an excellent choice for family gatherings or a weekend meal, requiring minimal hands-on effort.
Appliances and Special Utensils
Ingredients
- 4-5 lb pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Sandwich buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Pork: In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- Sear Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder and sear on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Deglaze: Pour chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to deglaze the bottom and incorporate any browned bits. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients: Add barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, then place the seared pork shoulder on top of the sauce mixture.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. The internal temperature should reach at least 190°F (88°C) (use a meat thermometer).
- Shred Pork: Remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use a large fork or meat claws to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce. Let it sit in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Serve: Serve the pulled pork on sandwich buns, optionally topped with coleslaw. Enjoy your delectable Pulled Pork Sandwich!
This recipe ensures a delicious Pulled Pork Sandwich with tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for any occasion.