BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches are a classic American favorite, offering tender, slow-cooked pork smothered in smoky, tangy barbecue sauce and served on soft buns. This recipe transforms a simple pork shoulder into a flavorful, juicy centerpiece perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or family dinners. The long, slow cooking process ensures that the pork pulls apart effortlessly and absorbs the rich, savory flavors of the BBQ sauce. Each bite delivers a combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy goodness that makes these sandwiches irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comforting, versatile, and easy to make. Whether cooked in a slow cooker or oven, the pork becomes tender and flavorful with minimal effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for casual meals, parties, or even meal prep for the week. Plus, the combination of tender meat and sticky BBQ sauce is just unbeatable.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Juicy, fall-apart tender pork
• Perfectly balanced smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors
• Easy to make in slow cooker, oven, or Instant Pot
• Ideal for gatherings, game days, or weeknight dinners
• Versatile toppings and serving options

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours (slow cooker) or 3–4 hours (oven)
• Total Time: 6–8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 sandwiches
• Calories: ~550 calories per sandwich (approx.)
• Course: Main Course / Sandwich
• Cuisine: American / BBQ

Ingredients

For the Pork

• 3–4 lbs (1.4–1.8 kg) pork shoulder (pork butt)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup chicken or beef broth

For the BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• 6–8 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
• Coleslaw (optional)
• Pickles (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare Pork: Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over the pork shoulder.
2. Slow Cooker Method: Place pork in a slow cooker. Pour apple cider vinegar and broth around the meat. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until tender.
3. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Place seasoned pork in a roasting pan, add vinegar and broth, cover tightly with foil, and roast for 3–4 hours until pork is fork-tender.
4. Prepare BBQ Sauce: In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic, and onion powders. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Shred Pork: Remove pork from slow cooker or oven and shred using two forks.
6. Combine: Mix shredded pork with desired amount of BBQ sauce.
7. Assemble Sandwiches: Pile pulled pork on buns, top with extra sauce, coleslaw, and pickles if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Season Pork: Mix spices and rub all over pork shoulder.
2. Cook Pork: Slow cook or roast until tender.
3. Make BBQ Sauce: Simmer ingredients until slightly thickened.
4. Shred Meat: Pull pork apart with forks for perfect texture.
5. Mix & Coat: Combine shredded pork with BBQ sauce.
6. Serve: Place pork on buns and add optional toppings.

Save it

How to Serve

Serve BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches hot on soft buns with coleslaw on the side or on top. Add pickles for tanginess and pair with baked beans, potato salad, or French fries for a classic BBQ meal.

Recipe Tips

• Cook low and slow for the most tender pork
• Reserve some cooking juices to mix with shredded pork for extra moisture
• Use soft buns to hold the meat without tearing
• For a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke or use smoked paprika

Variations (Detailed)

• Spicy Pulled Pork: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce
• Sweet & Tangy: Mix in honey or maple syrup with the sauce
• Carolina-Style: Use vinegar-based BBQ sauce instead of ketchup-based
• Instant Pot Version: Cook on high pressure for 60–70 minutes with natural release
• Pulled Pork Tacos: Serve shredded pork in tortillas with salsa and avocado

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze shredded pork with sauce for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat gently on stovetop or microwave

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker or oven-safe roasting pan
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan (for BBQ sauce)
• Forks for shredding

Conclusion

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches are a quintessential comfort food—smoky, tender, and packed with flavor. Easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for any occasion, this recipe transforms a simple pork shoulder into a mouthwatering meal that will impress family and friends alike. Soft buns, tangy sauce, and optional toppings make each bite unforgettable—a true classic that belongs on every barbecue table.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches are a classic American favorite, offering tender, slow-cooked pork smothered in smoky, tangy barbecue sauce and served on soft buns. This recipe transforms a simple pork shoulder into a flavorful, juicy centerpiece perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or family dinners.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Dinner

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 8 hrs Total Time 8 hrs 15 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 8

Ingredients

Servings

For the Pork

• 3 –4 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt) (1.4–1.8 kg)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup chicken or beef broth

For the BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• 6 –8 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
• Coleslaw (optional)
• Pickles (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Pork: Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub evenly over the pork shoulder.
2. Slow Cooker Method: Place pork in a slow cooker. Pour apple cider vinegar and broth around the meat. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until tender.
3. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Place seasoned pork in a roasting pan, add vinegar and broth, cover tightly with foil, and roast for 3–4 hours until pork is fork-tender.
4. Prepare BBQ Sauce: In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic, and onion powders. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Shred Pork: Remove pork from slow cooker or oven and shred using two forks.
6. Combine: Mix shredded pork with desired amount of BBQ sauce.
7. Assemble Sandwiches: Pile pulled pork on buns, top with extra sauce, coleslaw, and pickles if desired.

Keywords: BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches