Nothing says comfort food quite like tender, juicy Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, preparing a family meal, or just craving a hearty sandwich, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results with minimal effort. The pork shoulder, coated in a flavorful spice rub, slow-cooks until it’s fall-apart tender, soaking up the tangy, smoky barbecue sauce. Served on soft burger buns with optional coleslaw and pickles, these sandwiches strike the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
What makes this recipe so versatile is the option to prepare it in a slow cooker or on the stove top, allowing you to adapt based on your schedule. The slow cooker method is perfect for busy days, letting you set it and forget it while the pork cooks low and slow. For a quicker approach, the stove top method gives you the same tender, juicy results in just a few hours. Whichever method you choose, the result is a batch of irresistibly flavorful pulled pork that pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings, making it an easy and crowd-pleasing favorite.
Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time:
– Slow Cooker: 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high
– Stove Top: 3-4 hours on low simmer
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
For the Pork:
– 1.8-2.2 kg pork shoulder
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp paprika
– 1 tbsp garlic powder
– 1 tbsp onion powder
– 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 240 ml chicken stock
– 120 ml apple cider vinegar
– 360 ml barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
For Serving:
– 8-10 burger buns
– Coleslaw (optional)
– Extra barbecue sauce
– Dill pickles (optional)
- Removable hob-proof aluminium pot – sear and stew in the same pot, doubles as a serving dish
- Shatter resistant cooking pot – Less likely to break if dropped or knocked
- Dishwasher proof pot and lid – Makes meal times even less hassle
- 6.5 Litre Capacity – Serves 10 starters or six main portions comfortably, ideal for families
- Three cooking settings – Ensure your meals are ready when you are
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update on 2025-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Slow Cooker Method
1. Prepare the Pork:
– In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cumin.
– Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
2. Layer the Ingredients:
– Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
– Add the pork shoulder on top.
3. Add Liquids:
– Pour the chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, and barbecue sauce over the pork.
4. Cook:
– Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Pork:
– Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
– Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the juices.
6. Serve:
– Serve the pulled pork on burger buns with coleslaw, extra barbecue sauce, and pickles, if desired.
Stove Top Method
1. Prepare the Pork:
– In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cumin.
– Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
2. Sear the Pork:
– Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot (e.g., Dutch oven) over medium-high heat.
– Add a small amount of oil and sear the pork on all sides until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. Cook Aromatics:
– In the same pot, add the sliced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened (2-3 minutes).
4. Add Pork and Liquids:
– Return the pork to the pot. Pour in the chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, and barbecue sauce. Ensure the liquid comes about halfway up the pork; add more stock if needed.
5. Simmer:
– Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 3-4 hours, turning the pork occasionally, until it is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
6. Shred the Pork:
– Remove the pork from the pot and shred it with two forks.
– Return the shredded pork to the pot and mix it into the juices.
7. Serve:
– Serve on burger buns with coleslaw, extra barbecue sauce, and pickles, if desired.
Cooking Tips:
– Choose a pork shoulder with good marbling for the most flavorful results
– Don’t skip the resting period before shredding
– For extra flavor, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid
– If the pulled pork seems dry after shredding, add more of the reserved cooking liquid
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
– The pulled pork freezes well for up to 3 months
VARIATIONS:
– Add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for some heat
– Use different BBQ sauce styles (Kansas City, Memphis, Carolina) for variety
– For a healthier version, serve on lettuce wraps instead of buns
– Add a splash of bourbon to the cooking liquid for extra flavor
Enjoy your homemade slow cooker BBQ pulled pork sandwiches!
- Homemade Cooking Made Easy: Make your family favourites with our Sear & Stew Slow Cooker, with 3 heat settings, you can sear and slow cook your food in just one pot, speeding up your cooking and cutting down on the washing-up
- 3.5L Capacity: Cook up a storm with our 3.5 litre Sear & Stew pot! Enjoy hassle-free family feasts or even just a simple single-person dinner for one at the end of a tiring day
- Sear on the Stove: The removable pot is hob proof, so you only have to use one pot from start to finish – sear and sauté any ingredients first for increased flavour, and then transfer to the slow cooker
![Crock-Pot Slow Cooker | Removable Easy-Clean Ceramic Bowl | 1.8 L Small Slow Cooker (Serves 1-2 People) | Energy Efficient | Black [CSC080]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-40FfAmkL._SL160_.jpg)
- Perfect for casseroles, curries, and chilli, plus soups and even desserts
- 1.8 litre capacity – ideal for small households
- Removable stoneware ceramic bowl – ideal for serving at the table and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
- VARIABLE COOKING CONTROL – This slow cooker features 3 different heat settings – Cook at a high or low temperature or even keep already cooked food warm
- INDICATOR LIGHT – This slow cooker has an inbuilt indicator light so that you can easily see what the status is of your slow cooker
- REMOVABLE STONEWARE POT – We built this slow cooker with convenience in mind – We’ve made the stoneware pot removable for easy and mess-free cleaning
- Dishwasher-safe Ceramic Pot: The 3.5L ceramic pot is easily removable and can be placed in the dishwasher, taking away the hassle from cleaning up after a hearty midweek meal
- 3 Heat Settings: Easily switch between your choice of low, medium & high settings for a range of cooking options Warming food for parties or creating a comforting family meal with ease
- Large Capacity: With ample space to hold all your ingredients, you’ll be free to create more elaborate dishes in one go – reducing time spent in the kitchen without compromising on quality cuisine
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update on 2025-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API