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Looking for a simple and satisfying weeknight dinner? These Easy Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Barbecue Sauce are the perfect solution. With tender, flavorful pulled pork piled high on soft sesame seed buns and topped with a tangy barbecue sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pulled pork sandwiches are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here’s why you’ll want to make them:
- Quick Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and barbecue sauce creates a mouthwatering taste.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust toppings and sauces to suit your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good sandwich, making it perfect for all ages.
- Leftover Friendly: Great for meal prep or using up leftovers.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 sesame seed sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced jalapeños
How to Make Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Start by seasoning the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, and cumin. Rub the spices all over the meat to ensure even coverage.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork on top and pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat.
- Mix the shredded pork with the barbecue sauce, adding more or less sauce to taste.
- Toast the sesame seed buns lightly under the broiler if desired. Pile the pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun, then top with your favorite toppings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results
- For extra flavor, let the pulled pork marinate in the spice rub overnight before cooking.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also cook the pork in a Dutch oven at 300°F for about 4 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 190°F for optimal tenderness.
Easy Variations
- Substitute the pork with chicken or beef for a different twist on pulled meat sandwiches.
- Try different barbecue sauces for varied flavor profiles, such as spicy, sweet, or mustard-based.
- Add a layer of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack before broiling the sandwiches for a gooey finish.
What to Serve With It
- Classic coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
- Sweet potato fries or regular fries for a hearty side.
- Baked beans for a traditional barbecue feel.
- A simple green salad to balance out the meal.
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. The pulled pork also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (or 4 hours on high)
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (or 4 hours 15 minutes)
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 4 sesame seed sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced jalapeños
Instructions:
- Season the pork with spices. Sauté onion and garlic, then add to slow cooker with pork and broth.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until tender.
- Shred the pork and mix with barbecue sauce.
- Toast buns if desired, then fill with pulled pork and toppings.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes: Marinate the pork overnight for deeper flavor. Reheat leftovers as needed.





















