Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Name: Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 510 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, boneless; 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar; 2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprika; 1 tsp (5g) chili powder; 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (60g) barbecue sauce; 4 hamburger buns; 1 cup (115g) coleslaw

By Wren Ashford · June 19, 2026 · Pulled Pork

Prep30 min

Cook480 min

Total510 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I made pulled pork sandwiches for my family. The smell of slow-cooked pork filled the entire house, and everyone couldn't wait to dig in. It was a moment that brought us all together, and since then, pulled pork has become a staple in our household.

There's something special about the combination of tender, smoky pork, soft buns, and a variety of toppings that just can't be beat. Whether you're a comfort food lover, a BBQ enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good sandwich, pulled pork is sure to become a favorite.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make delicious pulled pork sandwiches from scratch. From the initial prep work to the final assembly, I'll share my tips and techniques for achieving tender, flavorful pork that's sure to impress.

So, let's get started and explore the world of pulled pork sandwiches together! With this recipe, you'll be able to create mouth-watering sandwiches that are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner, a party, or just a quick lunch.

One of the best things about pulled pork is its versatility. You can serve it on a bun, with some crispy coleslaw and pickles, or with a side of creamy mac and cheese. The possibilities are endless, and I'll share some of my favorite serving suggestions with you later in this article.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pulled pork sandwiches are easy to make and require minimal supervision, making them perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings and sauces to create a unique flavor profile.
Pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser, and this recipe makes enough for 8-10 people, making it ideal for large families or groups of friends.
The dish is budget-friendly, as pork shoulder is an affordable cut of meat, and the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores.
Pulled pork sandwiches are a great make-ahead option, as the pork can be cooked and shredded ahead of time, and the sandwiches can be assembled just before serving.
The recipe is perfect for comfort food lovers, as it combines the richness of pork with the warmth and familiarity of a homemade sandwich.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great pulled pork is to cook it low and slow, which breaks down the connective tissues in the meat and makes it tender and easy to shred. This recipe uses a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, and chili powder to give the pork a rich, complex flavor that's both sweet and smoky.

The type of pork you use is also important. I recommend using a pork shoulder or Boston butt, which has a good balance of fat and lean meat. The fat helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful, while the lean meat provides a nice texture.

Another important factor is the temperature at which you cook the pork. It's essential to cook it to an internal temperature of at least 190°F (88°C) to ensure that it's tender and safe to eat. I'll show you how to use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature and ensure that your pork is cooked to perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make delicious pulled pork sandwiches, you'll need a few key ingredients, including a pork shoulder, some basic spices, and a few toppings. I'll walk you through each ingredient and explain why it's essential to the recipe.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose a pork shoulder with a good balance of fat and lean meat. You'll also want to select a few fresh toppings, such as coleslaw and pickles, to add some crunch and flavor to the sandwiches.

2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, bonelessLook for a pork shoulder with a good balance of fat and lean meat, as this will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful. You can also use a Boston butt or a pork butt, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
1/4 cup (60g) brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the pork, which complements the smokiness of the paprika and chili powder. You can also use white sugar or honey, but brown sugar is the best choice for this recipe.
2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprikaSmoked paprika gives the pork a deep, smoky flavor that's essential to the recipe. You can also use sweet paprika, but smoked paprika is the better choice for this dish.
1 tsp (5g) chili powderChili powder adds a spicy kick to the pork, which helps to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar. You can adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste, but be sure to add at least a small amount to give the pork some depth of flavor.
1 tsp (5g) garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory flavor to the pork, which complements the smokiness of the paprika and the sweetness of the brown sugar. You can also use fresh garlic, but garlic powder is the better choice for this recipe.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a touch of savory flavor to the pork. You can adjust the amount of salt to suit your taste, but be sure to add at least a small amount to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a touch of spice to the pork, which helps to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar. You can adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your taste, but be sure to add at least a small amount to give the pork some depth of flavor.
1/4 cup (60g) barbecue sauceBarbecue sauce adds a sweet, tangy flavor to the pork, which complements the smokiness of the paprika and the sweetness of the brown sugar. You can use your favorite barbecue sauce, or make your own using a combination of ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
4 hamburger bunsHamburger buns are the perfect vessel for pulled pork sandwiches, as they're soft and lightly sweetened. You can also use hoagie rolls or pretzel buns, but hamburger buns are the classic choice for this dish.
1 cup (115g) coleslawColeslaw adds a cool, creamy flavor to the sandwiches, which helps to balance out the richness of the pork. You can make your own coleslaw using shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and vinegar, or use store-bought coleslaw.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lidInstant-read thermometerSharp knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Pulled Pork Sandwiches

1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3
Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
4
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder and sear it on all sides until it's browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5
Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and cook the pork for 6-8 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
6
Remove the pot from the oven and let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes.
7
Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
8
Strain the juices from the pot and discard any excess fat.
9
Add the barbecue sauce to the pot and stir to combine.
10
Add the shredded pork back to the pot and toss it in the barbecue sauce until it's fully coated.
11
Split the hamburger buns in half and toast them lightly.
12
Assemble the sandwiches by spooning the pulled pork onto the buns and topping it with coleslaw and any other desired toppings.

Expert Tips

Make sure to cook the pork to an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) to ensure that it's tender and safe to eat.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork, as this will give you the most accurate reading.
Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
Use a sharp knife to shred the pork, as this will help to prevent it from tearing and make it easier to shred.
Add the barbecue sauce to the pot and stir to combine, as this will help to coat the pork evenly and add flavor.
Assemble the sandwiches just before serving, as this will help to prevent the buns from getting soggy and the toppings from getting wilted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the pork to an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C), which can result in tough or undercooked meat.
Not letting the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it, which can result in dry or tough meat.
Not using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork, which can result in inaccurate readings.
Not straining the juices from the pot and discarding any excess fat, which can result in a greasy or soggy sandwich.
Not toasting the hamburger buns lightly before assembling the sandwiches, which can result in a soggy or stale bun.

Variations and Substitutions

Using different types of barbecue sauce, such as Kansas City-style or Carolina-style, to give the pork a unique flavor profile.
Adding other toppings to the sandwiches, such as diced onions or pickles, to add texture and flavor.
Using different types of meat, such as beef or chicken, to create a unique twist on the classic pulled pork sandwich.
Serving the pulled pork on a different type of bun, such as a hoagie roll or pretzel bun, to add variety to the dish.
Adding a side dish, such as coleslaw or baked beans, to complement the pulled pork sandwiches.

What to Serve With Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork sandwiches are best served immediately, while the pork is still warm and the buns are still toasted. You can serve them on their own or with a side of coleslaw, pickles, or baked beans.

Some other ideas for serving pulled pork sandwiches include adding diced onions or pickles to the sandwiches, serving them on a different type of bun, or adding a side dish such as mac and cheese or potato salad.

ColeslawPicklesDiced onionsBarbecue sauceBaked beansMac and cheese

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply place the pulled pork in an airtight container and refrigerate it at 40°F (4°C) or below.

To freeze the pulled pork, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it at 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you're ready to serve it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave or oven.

When reheating the pulled pork, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it's safe to eat. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven, or serve it cold on a sandwich or salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of pork to use for pulled pork?

The best type of pork to use for pulled pork is a pork shoulder or Boston butt, as these cuts have a good balance of fat and lean meat and are well-suited to slow cooking.

How long does it take to cook pulled pork?

The cooking time for pulled pork will depend on the size of the pork shoulder and the temperature at which it's cooked. Generally, it takes 6-8 hours to cook pulled pork in a slow cooker or 2-3 hours to cook it in the oven.

What is the internal temperature of cooked pulled pork?

The internal temperature of cooked pulled pork should be at least 190°F (88°C) to ensure that it's tender and safe to eat.

Can I make pulled pork ahead of time?

Yes, you can make pulled pork ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply cook the pork, shred it, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

What are some good toppings for pulled pork sandwiches?

Some good toppings for pulled pork sandwiches include coleslaw, pickles, diced onions, and barbecue sauce. You can also add other toppings, such as cheese or bacon, to give the sandwiches more flavor and texture.

Can I use a slow cooker to make pulled pork?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make pulled pork. Simply cook the pork on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, and then shred it and serve it on a sandwich or with your favorite sides.

How do I reheat pulled pork?

To reheat pulled pork, simply place it in the microwave or oven and heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also reheat it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, but be sure to stir it frequently to prevent it from burning or drying out.

Can I freeze pulled pork?

Yes, you can freeze pulled pork. Simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it at 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you're ready to serve it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave or oven.

The Full Recipe

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