Pulled pork sandwiches are a classic comfort food that brings together tender, flavorful pork shoulder with a rich, tangy bbq sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit with everyone.
If you don't usually cook with pork shoulder, you might need to visit the meat section of your supermarket. This cut of meat is essential for achieving the tender, shredded texture that makes pulled pork so delicious. Additionally, make sure you have bbq sauce on hand, as it is a key ingredient for flavor.
Ingredients for Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe
Pork shoulder: A cut of meat that becomes tender and easy to shred after slow cooking.
Bbq sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce that adds flavor to the pork.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the cooking process.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the pork.
Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor to the dish.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor to the dish.
Burger buns: The bread that holds the pulled pork, making it a sandwich.
Technique Tip for Making Pulled Pork
When preparing pulled pork, it's crucial to ensure the pork shoulder is well-trimmed of excess fat. This not only helps in achieving a more consistent texture but also prevents the sauce from becoming overly greasy. Additionally, for a deeper flavor, consider searing the pork shoulder on all sides in a hot pan before placing it in the slow cooker. This caramelizes the exterior and adds a rich, smoky depth to the final dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
pork shoulder - Substitute with beef brisket: Beef brisket has a similar texture and can be slow-cooked to achieve the same tenderness as pork shoulder.
pork shoulder - Substitute with jackfruit: For a vegetarian option, young green jackfruit mimics the texture of pulled pork when cooked and shredded.
bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor profile that can complement the pulled meat similarly to BBQ sauce.
bbq sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce offers a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that can work well as a BBQ sauce alternative.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used to maintain the moisture and flavor of the meat, suitable for vegetarians or those avoiding chicken.
chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can add a deeper, richer flavor to the dish, complementing the meatiness of the pulled pork.
brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and can help caramelize the meat similarly to brown sugar.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a unique sweetness and depth of flavor, making it a good alternative to brown sugar.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the pulled pork.
paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can add a bit of heat and complexity, making it a suitable substitute for paprika.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
garlic powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a milder, sweeter flavor that can work well in place of garlic powder.
onion powder - Substitute with fresh onion: Fresh onion can provide a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to onion powder.
onion powder - Substitute with leek powder: Leek powder offers a subtle onion-like flavor that can be a good alternative to onion powder.
burger buns - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls have a sturdy texture that can hold up well to the moist pulled pork filling.
burger buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps can provide a fresh and crunchy alternative to traditional burger buns.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Pulled Pork Sandwiches
How To Store / Freeze Your Sandwiches
- Allow the pulled pork to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and spoilage.
- Transfer the shredded pork into an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to include some of the sauce to keep the meat moist.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored.
- Store the pulled pork in the refrigerator if you plan to use it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer where it can last up to 3 months.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the pulled pork in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating and maintains the quality of the meat.
- Reheat the pulled pork in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a bit more bbq sauce or chicken broth if needed to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the pulled pork in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- If you have leftover burger buns, store them in a bread box or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before using.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- Preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the pulled pork in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- For a quick fix, use the microwave. Place the pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- If you have a stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the pulled pork and a splash of chicken broth or bbq sauce to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- For a smoky flavor, reheat the pulled pork on a grill. Wrap it in foil, place it on the grill over indirect heat, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Use a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Place the pulled pork in the slow cooker, add a bit of chicken broth or bbq sauce, and heat on low for 1-2 hours.
Essential Tools for Making Pulled Pork
Slow cooker: Used to cook the pork shoulder slowly over a long period, ensuring it becomes tender and flavorful.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the bbq sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the bbq sauce and chicken broth accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder precisely.
Forks: Used to shred the cooked pork shoulder into fine pieces.
Tongs: Useful for handling the pork shoulder before and after cooking.
Serving spoon: Used to mix the shredded pork with the sauce and to serve the pulled pork onto the burger buns.
Burger buns: The bread used to serve the pulled pork, providing a base and top for the sandwich.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Use a pressure cooker: Cut down cooking time by using a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker. It can cook the pork shoulder in about 1 hour.
Pre-mix the sauce: Prepare the bbq sauce mixture the night before to save time in the morning.
Shred with a mixer: Use a hand mixer to shred the pork quickly and evenly.
Toast the buns: Toast the burger buns while the pork is cooking to save time later.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze portions for quick meals in the future.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs Pork Shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 6 Burger Buns
Instructions
- 1. Place pork shoulder in slow cooker.
- 2. Mix BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- 3. Pour mixture over pork shoulder.
- 4. Cook on low for 8 hours.
- 5. Shred pork with forks and mix with sauce in slow cooker.
- 6. Serve on burger buns.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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