Save Tender, smoky pulled pork slow-cooked in a tangy barbecue sauce, served on soft buns for the ultimate comfort food sandwich.
This recipe is a family favorite that I often prepare for weekend gatherings. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- Pork: 3 lbs (1.4 kg) boneless pork shoulder (pork butt) trimmed of excess fat
- Spice Rub: 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp ground black pepper, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce (plus more for serving), ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth or water, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Sandwiches: 8 sandwich buns, Coleslaw (optional for topping), Pickles (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, mix together all spice rub ingredients.
- Step 2:
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels and rub the spice mixture all over the meat.
- Step 3:
- Place the pork in the slow cooker.
- Step 4:
- In another bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the mixture over the pork.
- Step 5:
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Step 6:
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Step 7:
- Skim fat from the sauce and return shredded pork to the slow cooker. Stir to coat with sauce add more barbecue sauce if desired.
- Step 8:
- Toast buns if desired. Pile pulled pork onto buns and top with coleslaw and pickles if using. Serve immediately.
Save My family loves enjoying these sandwiches on lazy Sunday afternoons where everyone gathers in the kitchen to assemble their perfect sandwich.
Notes
Pulled pork can be made ahead and reheated it also freezes well. Serve with potato chips corn on the cob or baked beans for a full meal. For a gluten-free version use gluten-free buns and check barbecue sauce ingredients.
Required Tools
Slow cooker (crockpot), Mixing bowls, Measuring spoons and cups, Forks (for shredding), Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (in sandwich buns) Soy (possible in barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce). May contain Mustard (in some barbecue sauces) Fish (in some Worcestershire sauces). Always check labels for allergens if you have dietary restrictions.
Save This slow cooker BBQ pulled pork sandwich is the perfect balance between smoky and tangy saving you time while delivering homemade flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of meat is best for slow cooking pulled pork?
Boneless pork shoulder, also called pork butt, is ideal due to its marbling which keeps the meat moist and tender during long cooking.
- → How does the spice rub affect the final flavor?
The combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cumin creates a balanced sweet and smoky depth that complements the rich pork.
- → Can I prepare the pork ahead of time?
Yes, rubbing the pork with spices overnight helps the flavors penetrate deeply, enhancing tenderness and taste after cooking.
- → What is the benefit of slow cooking for 8 hours?
Slow cooking allows the meat to break down gradually, resulting in very tender, easily shredded pork infused with sauce flavors.
- → Are there any tips for serving pulled pork sandwiches?
Toast buns lightly for texture contrast and consider toppings like coleslaw or pickles to add freshness and balance richness.