Pulled Pork Sandwich (Printable)

Tender shredded pork shoulder slow-cooked for 8 hours, tossed in tangy barbecue sauce and served on soft buns. A classic American favorite perfect for feeding a crowd.

# What You Need:

→ For the Pulled Pork

01 - 3.3 lbs boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed
02 - 2 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1 tsp black pepper
04 - 1 tbsp smoked paprika
05 - 2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
10 - 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 cup chicken broth

→ For the Barbecue Sauce

12 - 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving

→ For Serving

13 - 6 soft sandwich buns
14 - Coleslaw (optional)
15 - Dill pickle slices (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
02 - Rub the spice mixture generously over all surfaces of the pork shoulder, pressing gently to help the spices adhere.
03 - Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Pour apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the sides of the meat, avoiding direct pouring over the top.
04 - Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours until pork reaches internal temperature of 195°F and shreds easily with a fork.
05 - Transfer pork to a large bowl. Using two forks, pull meat apart into shreds. Discard any large pieces of excess fat.
06 - Skim excess fat from cooking liquid remaining in slow cooker. Return shredded pork to cooker, add barbecue sauce, and toss to coat. Cook on low for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
07 - Mound sauced pork onto split buns. Add additional barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and pickles as desired. Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The hands-off cooking time means you can set it and forget it until dinnertime
  • Leftovers somehow taste even better the next day
  • Feeds a crowd without much effort or expensive ingredients
02 -
  • Resist the urge to peek too often, every time you lift the lid you add cooking time
  • The pork needs to rest briefly in the liquid before shredding for better moisture retention
  • Skimming the fat keeps the sauce from becoming greasy
03 -
  • Liquid smoke in the broth mimics outdoor smoker flavor without the equipment
  • Letting the meat cool slightly in the juices makes shredding much easier
Go Back