If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and feels like a big, comforting hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Sweet and Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe. It’s all about tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder, kissed by a blend of spices that balance sweetness and smokiness perfectly. Piled high on a toasted bun and topped with tangy coleslaw, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a meal that’s ideal for family dinners, game days, or any occasion that calls for a little extra deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from creating that perfect tender texture in the pork to delivering layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Sweet and Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe come to life.
- Boneless pork shoulder (4-5 pounds): The star of the show, it’s perfect for slow cooking to a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Brown sugar (3 tablespoons, packed): Adds sweetness and helps form a caramelized crust on the pork.
- Chili powder (1 tablespoon): Brings a gentle warmth that balances the sweet perfectly.
- Garlic powder (1 tablespoon): Infuses the pork with savory depth and complexity.
- Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon): Essential for that irresistible smoky note in every bite.
- Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors while seasoning the meat evenly.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle earthy tone that rounds out the spices.
- Pepper (1/2 teaspoon or to taste): Adds just enough kick to keep things interesting.
- Chicken broth (3/4 cup): Keeps the pork moist while cooking and adds subtle savory notes.
- Worcestershire sauce (3 tablespoons): Gives complexity and a touch of umami that can’t be beat.
- Liquid smoke (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the smoky flavor without needing a smoker.
- Buns: Choose your favorite sandwich buns to toast and hold all that delicious pulled pork.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite style—whether sweet, spicy, or tangy—to complement the pork.
- Coleslaw: Either homemade or store-bought, it adds crunch and freshness that’s essential for balance.
How to Make Sweet and Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Heat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This low and slow cooking temperature is crucial for breaking down the connective tissues in the pork shoulder, making it tender enough to pull apart effortlessly.
Step 2: Cut and Prepare the Pork
Divide the pork shoulder into four smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. Don’t worry about removing the fat—this will keep the meat juicy and flavorful. If your roast has any string, gently remove it.
Step 3: Mix and Coat with the Spice Rub
Combine the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, cumin, and pepper in a small bowl. This spice mix is where the magic happens, creating that signature sweet and smoky flavor. Rub it all over each piece of pork, coating them completely. For an even deeper flavor, you can do this step the night before and let the pork marinate in the refrigerator.
Step 4: Add the Liquid Ingredients
Whisk together the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Pour this mixture carefully around the pork pieces in your Dutch oven. This combination keeps the pork moist during roasting and enhances the smoky complexity without overpowering the spices.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Pork
Cover your Dutch oven and place it in the oven for 2 hours. After that, remove the lid and continue cooking for another hour and a half. This uncovered cooking time helps form a delicious crust on the pork while allowing the meat to become fall-apart tender.
Step 6: Shred and Moisten the Meat
Take the pork out and transfer it to a baking sheet. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Ladle a bit of the cooking liquid over the shredded pork and toss it gently. This step keeps the meat juicy and flavorful, perfect for piling high on your buns.
Step 7: Toast Buns and Assemble
Lightly toast the insides of your sandwich buns by heating olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the buns cut-side down and toast until golden brown. Then, pile on the juicy pulled pork, drizzle with your favorite BBQ sauce, and top with crunchy coleslaw for that classic finish.
How to Serve Sweet and Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh pickles, sliced red onions, or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can add brightness and a pleasant contrast to the rich, smoky pulled pork. A little extra BBQ sauce drizzle on top is always a crowd-pleaser too.
Side Dishes
Classic side dishes really elevate this meal. Creamy mac and cheese, baked beans, or a fresh corn salad complement the flavors and textures beautifully. If you want to keep things light, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides an excellent balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try turning your Sweet and Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe into sliders for parties or serve the pulled pork over loaded fries or a baked potato for a fun twist. Using lettuce wraps instead of buns offers a low-carb alternative that’s equally tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to include some of the cooking juices to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to keep your pulled pork longer, freezing is a great option. Place the shredded pork and a bit of the cooking liquid in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pulled pork lasts for up to three months and is perfect for quick, satisfying meals later on.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pulled pork in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or BBQ sauce to keep it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and moisture retention.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker instead of an oven?
Absolutely! Slow cooking the pork shoulder on low for about 8 hours will also yield tender, flavorful pulled pork. Just follow the same spice rub and liquid additions, and you’ll have a great result.
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
Boneless pork shoulder, also called pork butt, is ideal because it has the right amount of fat and connective tissue that breaks down nicely during slow cooking, making it tender and juicy.
Is liquid smoke necessary?
Liquid smoke adds a powerful smoky flavor without needing a smoker, but if you don’t have it, smoked paprika combined with Worcestershire sauce will still give you a lovely smoky undertone.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Be sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and buns, and double-check your BBQ sauce and coleslaw ingredients to avoid any gluten-containing additives.
How do I keep the pork from drying out?
Keeping some of the cooking liquid mixed into the shredded pork is key to maintaining moisture. Also, cooking low and slow helps the fat render properly and keeps the meat juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe is a total game changer when you want something hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy that makes every bite memorable. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a go-to favorite for gatherings, family dinners, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something really special.
Print
Sweet and Smoky Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pulled Pork recipe offers tender, flavorful pork shoulder slow-cooked in a blend of spices and smoky liquid seasoning. Perfect for sandwiches with toasted buns, BBQ sauce, and coleslaw, this dish is an ideal crowd-pleaser at gatherings or family meals.
Ingredients
Pork and Spice Rub
- 4–5 pounds boneless pork shoulder
- 3 tablespoons (packed) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Liquid Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
For Serving
- Buns
- BBQ sauce (use your favorite)
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for slow roasting the pork shoulder. This low and slow cooking method ensures tender results.
- Prepare Pork: Cut the pork shoulder into 4 smaller pieces and remove any string from the roast. Retain the fat on the meat for flavor and moisture during cooking.
- Mix Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, cumin, and pepper. Thoroughly coat each pork piece with this spice mixture. For enhanced flavor, you can cover and refrigerate the seasoned pork overnight.
- Add Liquid: In another bowl, mix chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Pour this around the pork pieces in the Dutch oven to create steam and infuse smoky, savory notes while cooking.
- Cook Covered: Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and cook in the preheated oven for 2 hours. This step begins the slow breakdown of connective tissue to tenderize the meat.
- Uncover and Continue Cooking: Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 1.5 hours uncovered. This allows some moisture to evaporate for concentrated flavor while the pork becomes fall-apart tender.
- Shred Pork: Transfer the cooked pork to a baking sheet and shred it using two forks. Ladle some of the cooking liquid back over the shredded meat to keep it moist and flavorful, then toss to coat evenly.
- Prepare Buns: To toast buns, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add buns cut-side down and toast until golden brown, watching closely to avoid burning. Toast in batches if necessary.
- Serve: Assemble sandwiches by placing pulled pork on toasted buns, then topping with BBQ sauce and coleslaw. Enjoy your homemade pulled pork sandwiches hot and flavorful.
Notes
- You can prepare the spice rub and coat the pork the night before to enhance flavor.
- Do not remove the fat from the pork shoulder; it adds moisture and richness.
- If preferred, this recipe can be adapted for slow cooker by cooking on low for 8-10 hours instead of oven roasting.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste according to dietary requirements.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce and coleslaw style to customize the flavor profile.
