Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

There’s something genuinely comforting and heartwarming about a well-made pulled pork sandwich. The tenderness of the pork, combined with the tangy and sweet flavors nestled between two soft buns, is a delicious experience.

Whether you’re looking to meal prep, impress guests at a gathering or treat yourself to a delectable meal, these slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches are your go-to.

With minimal prep time and the ease of the slow cooker, you can achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness every time.

Ingredients

• Pork Shoulder: This cut is prized for its marbling, translating to a juicier pulled pork. Look for a fresh cut with a consistent pink hue and a bit of marbling to ensure a tender result.
• Pork Rub: A good rub can amplify the pork’s flavors. If you opt for a store-bought variant, be mindful of their salt content to ensure the result isn’t overly salty.
• BBQ Sauce: Go for either a store-bought or homemade sauce that matches your flavor preferences, whether tangy, smoky, or sweet.
• Apple Juice: Opt for a brand without added sugars. These typically use higher-quality apples, allowing the natural apple flavor to shine through and complement the pork.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: It provides a tangy kick, balancing the sweet components.
• Bread Bun: Soft yet sturdy buns like brioche or ciabatta are ideal. Then, for a healthier option, use whole-grain buns.
• Coleslaw: This crunchy mix adds a refreshing touch. You can either buy it or make your own with cabbage, carrots, and your choice of dressing. I used a simple mayo dressing.

Chef Tips

As a 3-year BBQ chef from an award-winning BBQ restaurant. Here are some of my pulled pork tips that can be used for your slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches.

Adding Smoky Flavor: If you want to add the smoky flavor that comes from grill or smoker to your slow cooker pulled pork, you can add a touch of liquid smoke to your slow cooker. Alternatively, adding some smoked paprika or another smoked pepper like chipotle can also help.

Post-Cooking Rest: While not strictly necessary for slow cooker pulled pork, allowing your pork to rest after cooking and before shredding will enhance its tenderness. If you’re aiming for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth texture, give the pork a 30 to 60-minute resting period before shredding.

Shredding Technique: If you’re after meatier chunks and varied texture, shred the pork with a wooden spoon (yes it will be tender enough). For a finer consistency, use shredding claws or forks. If the pork has been cooked for the full amount of time, it should easily pull apart.

Step by Step Instructions

1) Place the pork shoulder in your slow cooker. Evenly rub the pork with the pork rub, ensuring all areas are well-coated.

2) Pour the apple juice, apple cider vinegar, and BBQ sauce over the pork.

3) Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Set to cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours

4) Once cooked, use two forks or a wooden spoon to shred or break apart the pork. You want the pork shredded enough to fit nicely into the sandwiches.

Chef Tip: You can adjust the sauciness of the pulled pork with additional BBQ sauce here if you like. Simply mix it into the pulled pork until you have your desired consistency.

5) Season and taste the pork with salt if needed.

6) Assemble the sandwiches: Start with the bottom half of a bread bun, add the pulled pork and coleslaw, then finish with the top half of the bun.

Meal Prep Tip: If you plan to meal prep these pulled pork sandwiches, only assemble the sandwiches you plan to eat right now. It’s better to reheat the pulled pork separately and assemble them to order.

Storage and Leftovers

Immediate Storage: After enjoying your meal, let any leftover pulled pork cool down to room temperature. If you plan on meal prepping or storing for later, don’t assemble the sandwiches. Instead, keep the pork and the other stored components separately to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

Refrigeration: Once the pulled pork has cooled, put it in an airtight container. In the fridge, it’ll last up to 4 days.

Freezing: You can also freeze the pulled pork for longer storage. Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to get rid of any excess air. It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When you’re ready to reheat your pulled pork, there are a couple of ways to reheat. On the stovetop, gently warm the pork in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a bit of water or apple juice to keep it moist. For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place the pork in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short bursts, giving it a stir now and then for even heating. If you’ve frozen the pork, always thaw it in the fridge overnight before warming it up.

FAQs

More Recipes You May Like:

Looking for another high-protein recipe? Try this slow cooker bbq chicken, double smoked ham or flat iron steak recipe. They’re all delicious and easy to make.