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If you’re looking for a fun and filling meal that’s perfect for gatherings, look no further than this Stacked Pulled Pork Sandwich with Cucumber Topping. This recipe features layers of tender, flavorful pulled pork nestled between soft burger buns and topped with refreshing cucumber slices. The combination of savory and crunchy textures makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Stacked Pulled Pork Sandwich is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Flavorful Layers: The pulled pork is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Refreshing Topping: Cucumber adds a crisp and cool contrast to the rich pork.
- Easy to Assemble: Perfect for parties, these sandwiches are simple to put together, making them great for serving a crowd.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings and sauces to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 4 soft burger buns
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: pickled jalapeños for added heat
How to Make Stacked Pulled Pork Sandwich
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a spice rub.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Place the pork in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. Roast in the preheated oven for about 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. After resting, shred the pork using two forks.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded pork with the barbecue sauce until well combined. Adjust the amount of sauce according to your taste preference.
- While the pork is resting, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cucumber slices and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- To assemble the sandwiches, place a generous portion of pulled pork on the bottom half of each burger bun. Top with sautéed cucumbers and, if desired, pickled jalapeños.
- Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Results
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For the most flavorful pulled pork, consider marinating the meat with the spice rub overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat. Additionally, if you have a slow cooker, you can also prepare the pulled pork in it for a hands-off approach, cooking it on low for 8 hours instead of roasting in the oven.
Easy Variations
- Swap out the barbecue sauce for a mustard-based sauce for a tangy twist.
- Add coleslaw on top of the pulled pork for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use different types of bread, such as ciabatta rolls or whole-grain buns, for a unique texture.
- Incorporate other toppings like sliced red onions or avocado for added depth.
What to Serve With It
- Potato salad for a classic side dish.
- Grilled corn on the cob for a summertime touch.
- Sweet potato fries for a deliciously sweet contrast.
- Pickles or chips for some crunchy accompaniments.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave portions or warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of barbecue sauce if needed to keep it moist. The assembled sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for a short time if needed.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 4 soft burger buns
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: pickled jalapeños for added heat
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a spice rub.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Place the pork in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. Roast in the preheated oven for about 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. After resting, shred the pork using two forks.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded pork with the barbecue sauce until well combined. Adjust the amount of sauce according to your taste preference.
- While the pork is resting, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cucumber slices and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- To assemble the sandwiches, place a generous portion of pulled pork on the bottom half of each burger bun. Top with sautéed cucumbers and, if desired, pickled jalapeños.
- Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.
Notes: For the most flavorful pulled pork, consider marinating the meat with the spice rub overnight in the refrigerator.
