Get ready to dive headfirst into the ultimate flavor explosion with these Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches! This recipe is about to turn your kitchen into a legendary food paradise, where the aroma of tender, juicy pork and the tangy, smoky BBQ sauce will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. So, y’all ready to break some delicious rules today?
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
This recipe is an absolute game-changer, folks! The combination of melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork, saucy and bold BBQ flavors, and the soft, fluffy buns is a flavor sensation that will have you coming back for more. Plus, it’s the perfect appetizer or main dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy, so get ready to be the talk of the town!
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a delicious blend of ingredients that come together to create a truly epic pulled pork experience. You’ll need pork shoulder, your favorite BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and a few other pantry staples. The best part? You can easily customize the flavors to your liking!
- 4-5 lb pork shoulder – The cut that makes the magic happen!
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce – Tangy, sweet, or spicy, your choice!
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – For that perfect caramelized crust
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika – Brings the smoky flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds depth and punch
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pork Shoulder: Chicken or brisket (for a different protein twist)
- BBQ Sauce: Swap in a spicy-sweet chipotle or a tangy Carolina-style mustard sauce (to change up the flavor profile)
How to Make Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
We’re about to turn your kitchen into flavor paradise, y’all! Get ready for a step-by-step journey to pulled pork perfection.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by rubbing the pork shoulder with a mixture of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder. This will create a delicious crust that will infuse the meat with incredible flavor.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, it’s time to work some magic in the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Let the pork shoulder simmer away in the tangy, smoky BBQ sauce until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender. The low and slow cooking method is the secret to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the pork is cooked to perfection, it’s time to shred it into glorious, saucy strands. Pile the pulled pork high on soft, fluffy buns and get ready to dive in. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings, like coleslaw, pickles, or even a sprinkle of crunchy fried onions.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra touch of flavor, you can brush the buns with a bit of melted butter or garlic-infused oil before assembling the sandwiches. This will take the flavor to the next level and create a delightful crunch.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Tangy Twist: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the BBQ sauce for a tasty tang
- Spice it Up: Mix in some spicy-sweet chipotle peppers for a kick of heat
- Bun Variety: Try different types of buns, like brioche or pretzel rolls, for unique flavor profiles
- Toppings Galore: Get creative with your favorite toppings, the possibilities are endless!
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Coleslaw, pickles, fried onions, and your favorite side dishes.
Storage: Leftover pulled pork can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in the oven.
Make-Ahead: The pulled pork can be made a day or two in advance, making this recipe perfect for hosting or meal prepping.
Nutrition Information
This recipe is a delicious indulgence that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Each serving (one sandwich) contains approximately 400 calories, 20 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbs, and 25 grams of protein. While it’s not the healthiest option, you can feel good about treating yourself to these Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, as they’re made with real, wholesome ingredients.
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pork is best for pulled pork sandwiches?
The best cut of pork for this recipe is the shoulder, also known as the pork butt. This cut has the perfect balance of fat and muscle, which makes it incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the pulled pork is even better when made a day or two in advance. Simply reheat the pork in the slow cooker or on the stove before assembling the sandwiches.
How can I make the pulled pork extra smoky?
To amp up the smoky flavor, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce or rub the pork with smoked paprika before cooking.
Can I use a different type of sauce besides BBQ?
While BBQ sauce is the traditional choice, you can certainly experiment with other sauces, such as a tangy Carolina-style mustard sauce or a sweet and spicy Asian-inspired sauce.
How do I keep the pulled pork from drying out?
The key to juicy, tender pulled pork is to cook it low and slow, either in the slow cooker or in the oven. Basting the pork with the cooking liquid or sauce during the cooking process will also help keep it moist and flavorful.
Try These Next
- Smoky Bourbon Bbq Pulled Pork Nachos
- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Nachos With A Crunchy Twist
- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 260 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches are a delicious and easy appetizer perfect for any gathering. Tender pulled pork is coated in a rich, smoky BBQ sauce and served on soft buns.
Ingredients
2 lbs pork shoulder
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
8 hamburger buns
Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. 2. Season the pork shoulder with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3. Place the pork in a roasting pan and add sliced onion and minced garlic.
4. 4. Cover the pan with foil and roast for 4 hours, until the pork is tender.
5. 5. Remove the pork from the oven and shred it with two forks.
6. 6. Mix the shredded pork with BBQ sauce until well coated.
7. 7. Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns with coleslaw if desired.
8. 8. Enjoy your delicious smoky BBQ pulled pork sandwiches!
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the pork shoulder overnight in the spices.
Feel free to adjust the BBQ sauce to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pulled pork, BBQ, sandwiches, appetizers