Oh man, is there anything better than the smell of BBQ wafting through the air? Especially when you know it’s gonna be **BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches** night! Seriously, these sandwiches are pure magic. They’re juicy, they’re saucy, and they’re always a hit, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a big backyard bash. I’m telling you, this recipe makes it super easy to whip up restaurant-quality pulled pork right in your own kitchen.
I remember the first time I made pulled pork for a crowd. I was so nervous, but everyone went completely bonkers for it! Seeing their happy faces, covered in BBQ sauce, well, that’s what it’s all about. This recipe? It’s been my go-to ever since. Get ready to become a BBQ hero!
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Okay, real talk: why are these sandwiches so darn good? Let me tell you!
- Super Easy: Trust me, it’s mostly hands-off cooking, which means more time to relax (or, you know, grab a cold one!).
- Flavor Explosion: That smoky, tangy, sweet BBQ flavor is outta this world. You’ll be obsessed, I swear!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Feeding a bunch of hungry friends? This recipe is your secret weapon.
- Totally Customizable: Pile on your favorite toppings! Coleslaw, pickles, onions… the possibilities are endless!
- Meal Prep Champ: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious pulled pork all week long. Score!
Basically, these **BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches** are the definition of delicious, easy, and satisfying. What are you waiting for?
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff! Here’s what you’ll need to make these epic **BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches**:
- 3-4 pound pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Hamburger buns
Pretty simple, right? Don’t worry, the best part is seeing it all come together. Let’s get cooking!
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Pork Shoulder
Okay, so you’re ready to make some magic! The star of the show for these amazing **BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches**? The pork shoulder, of course. Trust me, picking the right one makes all the difference! Look for a shoulder that’s got some good marbling – those little white streaks of fat? They = flavor and tenderness, baby! Also, aim for a shoulder that’s about 3-4 pounds, the size I find to be most perfect.
Pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt (which is weird, I know!), is the perfect cut. It’s got that lovely mix of meat and fat that renders down beautifully during cooking, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork. Don’t be scared of the fat; it’s your friend! It keeps everything moist and delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Amazing BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Alright, friends, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and make some seriously delicious **BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches**. Don’t worry, it might seem like a lot of steps, but it’s mostly patience and letting the magic happen in the oven or smoker. I promise, the results are worth every second!
Preparing the Pork Shoulder
First things first: prepping that gorgeous pork shoulder! Pat it dry with some paper towels – trust me, this helps the rub stick. Now, drizzle it all over with olive oil. This acts like glue and helps your spice rub adhere. In a small bowl, whisk together salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, get your hands in there and rub that spice mixture ALL over the pork shoulder. Make sure every inch is covered! I like to really get in there with my fingers, making sure every nook and cranny gets a good dose of flavor. My personal tip? If you have some extra time, let it sit in the fridge, uncovered, for an hour or two (or even overnight!). This helps the rub penetrate the meat even more. Wow!
Smoking or Baking the Pork
Okay, time to get that pork cooked to perfection! Preheat your smoker or oven to 250°F (120°C). If you’re using a smoker, aim for that consistent low and slow heat. If you’re using your oven, no worries, it works great too! Place the pork shoulder in the smoker or oven and let it do its thing. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your pork shoulder, but plan on about 6-8 hours. The most important thing is the internal temperature: you want it to reach 195-205°F (90-96°C). You absolutely need a meat thermometer, unless you’re a mind reader (I’m not, sadly!).
Shredding and Saucing the Pork
Once the pork reaches that magic temperature, carefully remove it from the smoker or oven. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial! Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in super tender, juicy pulled pork. Next up – shredding time! Using two forks, get in there and shred that pork. It should just fall apart at this point, but if it doesn’t, it might need a little more cooking. Shred it all up, then put it into a big bowl. Now, for the best part – mix in that delicious BBQ sauce! Start with about a cup, but add more or less depending on your preference. I like to add a little at a time until it’s perfectly saucy!
Assembling Your BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Almost there, friends! Now, for the final, glorious step: assembling those **BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches**. Grab some hamburger buns – brioche buns are my personal fave, because they’re a little sweet, and they hold up really well to all that saucy goodness! Pile that pulled pork high on the buns. Add your favorite toppings: coleslaw (a must!), pickles, onions, or whatever your heart desires! Dig in and enjoy! Make sure you don’t burn your mouth when you take the first bite like I always do! Oops!
Equipment You’ll Need
Okay, so what do you need to actually *make* these amazing **BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches**? Don’t worry, you probably already have most of this stuff! Here’s the short list:
- Smoker or Oven
- Meat Thermometer
- Mixing Bowls
- Forks for Shredding
Easy peasy, right?
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
So, let’s talk about the ingredients, because sometimes, you gotta get creative, you know? First off, the BBQ sauce. Dude, the BBQ sauce you use can totally change the game! I usually go for a classic sweet and smoky sauce, but trust me, you can experiment. A tangy, vinegar-based sauce is fantastic if you want something different. Or, if like me, you’re trying to cut down on sugar, there are some pretty good low-sugar options out there now.
Now, pork shoulder. If you absolutely can’t find pork shoulder (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you *could* try a pork butt (same cut, different name!), or even a pork loin. But honestly, the pork shoulder is where it’s at. That marbling? Pure magic! As for the spice rub, feel free to adjust it to your taste. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick, or a touch of brown sugar for extra sweetness. My secret weapon? A dash of smoked paprika. It really amps up that smoky flavor – you’ll want to try it!
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Okay, so you’ve got your amazing **BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches**… but what to serve alongside them? This is where the fun really begins! For a classic combo, you absolutely *need* some creamy coleslaw. It’s the perfect cool, crunchy counterpoint to the rich, smoky pork. But don’t stop there! I also love serving them with some homemade fries, or these yummy easy Thanksgiving side dishes! Seriously, they’re not just for Thanksgiving – trust me. For something a little lighter, a fresh side salad, like my super delish Thanksgiving salad recipe, is always a great choice!
No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Okay, so you made a huge batch of those amazing sandwiches? Awesome! The beauty of **BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches** (besides the taste, obviously!) is that they’re practically made for make-ahead meals. Cooked pulled pork stores like a champ. Let it cool completely, then stash it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it! Pop the cooled pulled pork into a freezer bag or container, squeeze out the air, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Woohoo!
When you’re ready to eat, thaw the pork in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the microwave (easy, but might dry it out a little), or the oven. But my *favorite* way? Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of extra BBQ sauce and a little bit of water or broth! That keeps it super juicy. Trust me.
Estimated Nutritional Information for BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Alright, so, I’m not a nutritionist, but I can give you a rough estimate of what you’re looking at per sandwich. Keep in mind, this can vary depending on the amount of sauce and toppings you use, but this should give you a good idea!
Per sandwich, you’re looking at roughly:
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Again, this is just an estimate, and it doesn’t take into account the amazing coleslaw you’re definitely gonna add. Enjoy!
Print
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Make delicious BBQ pulled pork sandwiches at home.
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Hamburger buns
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker or oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- Place the pork shoulder in the smoker or oven.
- Cook for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F (90-96°C).
- Remove the pork from the smoker or oven and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Shred the pork with two forks.
- Mix the shredded pork with BBQ sauce.
- Serve on hamburger buns.
Notes
- You can use a slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours instead of a smoker or oven.
- Add coleslaw to your sandwich for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
