How to Make Mouth-Watering Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Are you a fan of pulled pork sandwiches but find them intimidating to make at home? Fear not! With a few simple steps, you can have tender and flavorful pulled pork ready in no time. The beauty of this dish is that it requires minimal effort and can be cooked in a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

The first step is selecting the right cut of pork. While you can use any cut, the best option is a pork shoulder or butt. These cuts have more fat, which results in tender and juicy meat. Second, marinate the meat. A simple mix of spices and a liquid such as apple juice or vinegar will help infuse the meat with flavor. From there, it’s just a matter of letting the slow cooker do its magic. Once cooked, the pork easily shreds and can be served on a bun with your favorite toppings. Get ready to impress your guests with your newfound pulled pork skills!

Choosing the Right Cut of Pork

If you’re planning on making pulled pork sandwiches, then you need to start with the right cut of pork. The best cut of meat for making pulled pork is the shoulder. This is because it has an ideal balance of meat and fat, which helps to keep the meat tender and juicy.

When choosing your pork shoulder, it’s essential to look for one that has a good amount of marbling. This means there are small lines of fat running throughout the meat, which will help to keep it moist as it cooks.

Preparing Your Pork Shoulder

Before you can start making your pulled pork, you need to prepare your pork shoulder. The first step is to trim off any excess fat from the meat. While some fat is good to keep the meat moist while cooking, too much fat can make the meat greasy.

Once you’ve trimmed the fat, it’s time to season your pork shoulder. You can use a dry rub or a marinade to add flavor to your meat. Whatever seasoning you choose, be sure to rub it generously over the entire surface of the pork shoulder.

Cooking Your Pork Shoulder

Cooking your pork shoulder is the most crucial step in making pulled pork sandwiches. There are several methods you can use to cook your pork, but the most popular methods are smoking and slow-cooking.

Smoking your pork shoulder involves cooking it over low heat for several hours in a smoker, which will give your meat a delicious smoky flavor. On the other hand, slow-cooking involves cooking your pork shoulder in a slow cooker or oven at a low temperature for several hours until the meat is tender and falling apart.

Resting Your Pork Shoulder

Once your pork shoulder is cooked, it’s important to let it rest before pulling it apart. This will allow the juices to settle back into the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.

Cover your pork shoulder with foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding it with a fork or tongs.

Assembling Your Sandwich

Now that you’ve made your pulled pork, it’s time to assemble your sandwich. You’ll need some buns, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce.

Start by toasting your buns on a grill or in the oven. Once your buns are toasted, pile on a generous portion of pulled pork, top with coleslaw, and drizzle with barbecue sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storing Your Leftover Pulled Pork

If you have any leftover pulled pork, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place your pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Variations of Pulled Pork Sandwiches

If you want to switch up your pulled pork sandwich, try adding different toppings or ingredients. Some popular variations include adding sliced avocado, pickled onions, or jalapenos.

You can also try using different styles of barbecue sauce, such as spicy or tangy, to add more flavor to your sandwich.

Pulled Pork Tacos

Another great way to enjoy pulled pork is by turning it into tacos. Simply warm up some tortillas, add a generous portion of pulled pork, and top with your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sour cream.

Pulled Pork Quesadillas

If you’re looking for a cheesy and savory spin on pulled pork, try making pulled pork quesadillas. Simply add a generous portion of pulled pork, cheese, and your favorite veggies to a tortilla. Grill until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy, and enjoy!

Pulled Pork Nachos

If you’re in the mood for some comfort food, try making pulled pork nachos. Simply layer tortilla chips, pulled pork, cheese, and your favorite toppings, and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pulled Pork Pizza

If you’re feeling adventurous, try turning your pulled pork into a delicious pizza topping. Simply top your pizza dough with barbecue sauce, shredded pulled pork, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and enjoy your unique and flavorful pulled pork pizza!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulled pork is a savory and tangy dish that melts in your mouth and leaves you savoring every bite. To make the perfect pulled pork sandwich, you need to start with selecting the best ingredients. Here is a list of everything you’ll need:

1. Pork shoulder – 3 to 4 lbs
2. BBQ rub – 1/2 cup
3. Brown sugar – 1/4 cup
4. Apple cider vinegar – 1/4 cup
5. Olive oil – 2 tbsp
6. Coca-cola – 1 cup
7. Worcestershire sauce – 1/4 cup
8. Tomato sauce – 1 cup
9. Cumin powder – 1 tsp
10. Garlic powder – 1 tsp

Preparing the Pork Shoulder

The secret to making perfect pulled pork sandwich is choosing the right cut of meat. Pork shoulder is the ideal cut as it consists of the perfect fat-to-meat ratio that ensures juicy and flavorful meat. Once you have the meat, it’s time to start preparing it.

Start by trimming the excess fat off the meat and then season the pork with BBQ rub, brown sugar, garlic powder, and cumin powder. After seasoning the meat, it’s ready to go into the oven.

Cooking the Pork

To make the perfect pulled pork, set your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. You want a low and slow cooking process that will take approximately six hours to cook a 4-pound pork shoulder.

Place the seasoned pork on a baking sheet and place it in the oven. Pour a tablespoon of olive oil over the pork and let it cook for two hours before flipping it over. After another two hours, remove the pork from the oven and place it in a large dish.

Preparing the BBQ Sauce

Making the perfect BBQ sauce can be a daunting task, but with a few ingredients, you can easily whip up an irresistible sauce. In a large saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Coca-Cola. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from heat, and let it cool.

Shredding the Pork

After taking the pork out of the oven, let it cool for 20 minutes before shredding it into small pieces.

To shred the meat, use a pair of forks to pull the meat apart into the desired size and texture. If you have a mixer, you can use the paddle attachment to shred the meat in less time.

Adding the BBQ Sauce

Once you have shredded the pork, add the prepared BBQ sauce to the dish. Use a wooden spoon to mix the sauce and shredded pork together until it is evenly coated.

Assembling the Sandwiches

Now that everything is ready, it’s time to stack your perfect pulled pork sandwiches. Start by toasting the buns slightly before piling on the shredded pork.

Add a few slices of dill pickle and a few spoonfuls of coleslaw, and your sandwich is ready to enjoy.

Coleslaw Recipe

A pulled pork sandwich is incomplete without coleslaw. Here is a quick and simple recipe for coleslaw.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 head of cabbage, shredded
– 2 carrots, grated

Directions:
In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form the dressing.

In another bowl, add the shredded cabbage and grated carrots. Pour the dressing onto the vegetables and toss until they are well coated. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before using it to assemble your pulled pork sandwiches.

Side Dish Options

A pulled pork sandwich is a hearty meal, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pair it with some delicious sides.
Here are a few side dishes that perfectly complement pulled pork sandwiches:

– Baked beans
– Sweet potato fries
– Corn on the cob
– Mac and cheese
– Potato salad

Conclusion

There you have it, everything you need to know about making the perfect pulled pork sandwich. From choosing the right ingredients to assembling the sandwiches, you now have the tools to create a delicious and hearty meal that will impress your guests or excite your taste buds. Put these tips into action, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a pulled pork sandwich pro in no time.

3. The Perfect Pulled Pork Sandwich Ingredients

When you think of the ultimate pulled pork sandwich, the filling is always the star of the show. But the bread, sauces, and extras can really elevate it to the next level. Here are some key ingredients you’ll need to make pulled pork sandwiches that truly shine.

3.1 Pork

Obviously, the most important ingredient for pulled pork sandwiches is the pork itself. Boneless pork shoulder or butt are the best cuts to use, as they contain the perfect ratio of fat to meat to melt in your mouth. You’ll want to choose a roast that weighs around five pounds to feed a crowd, and don’t be afraid to trim some of the excess fat before cooking.

3.2 Rub and Marinade

To achieve optimum flavor, you’ll want to rub the pork with a blend of seasonings before cooking. A good rub should contain salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and black pepper. Massaging the rub into the meat and letting it marinate overnight will infuse the pork with flavor and tenderize it.

3.3 BBQ Sauce

No pulled pork sandwich is complete without a delicious sauce. Whether you prefer a vinegary Carolina-style sauce or a sweet and tangy Kansas City-style sauce, there are endless options to choose from. You can purchase pre-made sauce from the grocery store or make your own from scratch.

3.4 Bread

The bread you choose can make or break your pulled pork sandwich. A soft, slightly sweet bun is ideal for this type of sandwich, as it provides an excellent contrast to the rich, bold flavors of the pork and sauce. Brioche buns, potato buns, or Hawaiian rolls are all great choices.

3.5 Toppings and Sides

To really take your pulled pork sandwich to the next level, consider adding some tasty toppings and sides. Coleslaw, pickles, and sliced onions are classic accompaniments. For some extra smokiness, top your sandwich with a few slices of crispy bacon. And don’t forget the side dishes – potato salad, baked beans, and corn on the cob all pair perfectly with pulled pork.

In conclusion, the perfect pulled pork sandwich is all about balance and flavor. The juicy, tender pork is the star of the show, but the right bread, sauce, and toppings can take it to the next level. Use these tips and ingredients to create the ultimate pulled pork sandwich that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Enjoy your delicious pulled pork sandwiches!

Thank you for following along with this step-by-step guide on how to make pulled pork sandwiches. Now that you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Don’t forget to get creative with your toppings and sides to create a meal that’s uniquely yours. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and invite you to come back and check out our other recipes for more inspiration. Happy cooking!