Smoky-Sweet Pulled Pork Bliss: Ultimate BBQ Sandwiches

Best Barbecued Pork Sandwiches

Description:

I haven’t had any of my daughters’ friends over for lunch or dinner that turned this sandwich down. It’s worth cooking. The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 months.

Recipe Information:

Cook Time: 3 hours
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Pork, Meat, Spicy, Weeknight, Less than 4 Hours
Yield: 8 Sandwiches

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 578.5
Fat: 25.1g
Saturated Fat: 8.5g
Cholesterol: 80.6mg
Sodium: 1049.4mg
Carbohydrates: 63g
Fiber: 1.5g
Sugar: 40.6g
Protein: 24.2g

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
2 cups brown sugar
8 cups catsup
2 cups cider vinegar
2 cups water
1 cup dark brown sugar
3/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup black pepper
2 tsp salt

Instructions:

Rub pork with brown sugar.
Wrap loosely in foil.
Roast at 350°F (175°C) for 2 ½-3 hours until very tender.
Pull into shreds with fork.
Spoon ½ cup in each bun.
Top each with 1 tbsp barbecue sauce.

Detailed Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Pork: Rub the boneless pork shoulder with brown sugar, ensuring it is evenly coated. This step helps to add flavor and caramelization to the pork as it cooks.
Wrap the Pork: Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and wrap it loosely in foil. This will help to retain moisture during the cooking process, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
Roast the Pork: Place the wrapped pork shoulder in the preheated oven and roast for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the pork shoulder.
Prepare the Barbecue Sauce: In a large saucepan, combine catsup, cider vinegar, water, dark brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Simmer the Sauce: Once the sauce reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Shred the Pork: Once the pork shoulder is cooked through and tender, remove it from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any excess fat or gristle.
Combine Pork and Sauce: Transfer the shredded pork to a large mixing bowl and pour about half of the barbecue sauce over the top. Use tongs or a spoon to toss the pork until it is evenly coated in the sauce. Add more sauce as needed to achieve your desired level of flavor and moisture.
Assemble the Sandwiches: To assemble the sandwiches, spoon approximately ½ cup of the saucy pulled pork onto each hamburger bun, spreading it out evenly. Top each sandwich with an additional tablespoon of barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the barbecue pork sandwiches immediately, accompanied by your favorite side dishes such as coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob. These sandwiches are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue with friends and family.

Tips for Success:

Choosing the Right Cut: For the most tender and flavorful pulled pork, choose a boneless pork shoulder (also known as pork butt). This cut has the perfect balance of lean meat and marbled fat, which helps keep the meat moist and juicy as it cooks.
Slow and Low: Cooking the pork shoulder low and slow is key to achieving melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Be patient and resist the urge to increase the oven temperature, as this could cause the meat to become tough and dry.
Double Duty Sauce: This homemade barbecue sauce is so delicious, you’ll want to make a double batch and keep it on hand for future meals. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop before using.
Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize the barbecue sauce to suit your personal preferences. Add a touch of heat with some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce, or adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar. Make it your own!

Serving Suggestions:

Classic Sides: Serve these mouthwatering barbecue pork sandwiches with classic side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or macaroni and cheese.
Pickles and Onions: For added crunch and tanginess, top your sandwiches with sliced pickles and thinly sliced red onions. The contrast of flavors and textures takes these sandwiches to the next level!
Cornbread or Corn on the Cob: Round out your meal with some freshly baked cornbread or grilled corn on the cob. The sweet, buttery corn pairs perfectly with the savory pulled pork.
Refreshing Beverages: Wash down your barbecue feast with ice-cold beverages like sweet tea, lemonade, or your favorite craft beer. Don’t forget plenty of napkins for messy hands!

Make-Ahead and Storage:

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pulled pork and barbecue sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the pork and sauce separately on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling the sandwiches.
Freezing: The pulled pork freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or resealable freezer bags and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat leftover pulled pork, place it in a saucepan or skillet with a splash of water or barbecue sauce to prevent it from drying out. Heat gently over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Dietary Considerations:

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when served on gluten-free hamburger buns or bread. Double-check all store-bought ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
Low-Carb Option: For a lower-carb option, serve the pulled pork over a bed of mixed greens or wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of traditional hamburger buns.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Unfortunately, this recipe is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to the use of pork shoulder as the main ingredient. However, you can adapt the barbecue sauce recipe to use as a glaze for grilled vegetables or tofu.

Flavor Variations:

Sweet and Spicy: Add a kick of heat to the barbecue sauce by incorporating a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Balance out the heat with a bit of honey or additional brown sugar for sweetness.
Asian-Inspired: Give your pulled pork sandwiches an Asian twist by adding flavors like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and hoisin sauce to the barbecue sauce. Serve the sandwiches on fluffy bao buns or steamed rice for a delicious fusion dish.
Smoky Chipotle: For a smoky, spicy twist, stir in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the barbecue sauce. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the rich, savory pork for a mouthwatering taste sensation.

Expert Tips:

Use Quality Ingredients: For the best results, use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the pork shoulder and barbecue sauce. Look for fresh, well-marbled pork shoulder and opt for premium brands of catsup, Worcestershire sauce, and cider vinegar for superior flavor.
Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings in the barbecue sauce to suit your taste preferences. Taste as you go and add more salt, pepper, or spices as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Let the Pork Rest: Allow the cooked pork shoulder to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before shredding it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that it stays moist and flavorful.
Double the Recipe: This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep. Simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch of pulled pork sandwiches, and freeze any leftovers for quick and easy meals later on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

While boneless pork shoulder (pork butt) is the traditional choice for pulled pork sandwiches, you can also use other cuts such as pork loin or pork tenderloin. Keep in mind that leaner cuts may result in slightly drier meat, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make the barbecue sauce less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet barbecue sauce, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar or dark brown sugar in the recipe. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to help balance out the sweetness.

Can I cook the pork in a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Yes, you can definitely cook the pork shoulder in a slow cooker for convenience. Simply follow steps 1 and 2 to prepare the pork, then place it in the slow cooker along with the barbecue sauce. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours, until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Can I freeze the leftover barbecue sauce?

Yes, you can freeze any leftover barbecue sauce for future use. Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or resealable freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I serve the pulled pork on a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While traditional hamburger buns are the classic choice for pulled pork sandwiches, you can get creative and use other types of bread or buns such as ciabatta rolls, brioche buns, or even cornbread muffins. Choose whatever bread you prefer or have on hand for a delicious twist on this classic dish.

How long will the leftover pulled pork keep in the refrigerator?

Leftover pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Be sure to allow the pork to cool completely before transferring it to the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. Reheat the pork gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Final Thoughts:

These Best Barbecued Pork Sandwiches are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Tender, juicy pulled pork smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, sandwiched between soft hamburger buns – what’s not to love? Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a game day gathering, or simply craving a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So fire up the grill or preheat the oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience. Once you try these mouthwatering sandwiches, you’ll never look at pulled pork the same way again! 🍔🔥