Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches are a timeless favorite, offering tender, slow-cooked pork, smoky spices, tangy barbecue sauce, and a refreshing coleslaw topping. Perfect for gatherings, game-day feasts, or weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers bold flavors and irresistible texture.
Why Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches Are a Favorite
Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches are cherished for their perfect balance of savory, smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors. The slow-cooked pork melts in your mouth, while the crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast. This dish is versatile, easy to prepare, and satisfies every craving.
Ingredients for Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches
For the Pulled Pork:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
The Coleslaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 6 hamburger buns
- Extra barbecue sauce for drizzling

Step-by-Step Directions
1. Season the Pork
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder, ensuring all sides are coated.
2. Cook the Pork
Slow Cooker Method:
- Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker. Add barbecue sauce and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the pork in a covered roasting pan or Dutch oven. Add barbecue sauce and chicken broth.
- Bake for 3–4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
3. Shred the Pork
- Remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker or pan. Shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded pork to the sauce and stir to coat thoroughly.
4. Make the Coleslaw
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Add shredded cabbage and carrots, tossing to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Toast the hamburger buns, if desired, for added texture.
- Pile the pulled pork onto the bottom bun. Drizzle with extra barbecue sauce.
- Top with coleslaw and add the top bun. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches
- Choose the Right Cut of Pork
Pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal due to its marbling, which keeps the meat tender and flavorful during slow cooking. - Customize the Spice Rub
Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Add brown sugar for sweetness or more cayenne for extra heat. - Make-Ahead Option
The pulled pork and coleslaw can be prepared ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
What to Serve with Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches
Enhance your meal with these classic sides:
- Cornbread
- Potato salad
- Baked beans
- Sweet potato fries
- Pickled vegetables
More Delicious Recipes to Try
Looking for more tasty recipes? Check these out:
For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest page for ideas!
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make-Ahead Tip: Cook the pulled pork a day in advance and refrigerate it in the sauce. Reheat before serving.
- Freezing: Store shredded pork in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm the pork on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Add a splash of barbecue sauce or broth to keep it moist.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
Conclusion
Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches are a crowd-pleasing favorite, combining smoky, tender pork with tangy coleslaw and a flavorful barbecue sauce. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a family meal, this recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to impress.
Save this recipe and try it today! Don’t forget to explore the related recipes above for more tasty inspiration, and pin this on Pinterest for easy access!
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Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches are a smoky, tender delight. Juicy, slow-cooked pork paired with tangy coleslaw creates the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a quick lunch, this recipe delivers rich flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Pulled Pork:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
For the Coleslaw:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 6 hamburger buns
- Extra barbecue sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Season the Pork:
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork shoulder.
- Cook the Pork:
Slow Cooker Method:- Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker. Add barbecue sauce and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours, until the pork is tender.
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pork in a covered roasting pan or Dutch oven. Add barbecue sauce and chicken broth. Bake for 3–4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
- Shred the Pork:
- Remove the pork from the slow cooker or pan. Shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the sauce and stir to coat.
- Prepare the Coleslaw:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cabbage and carrots, tossing to combine.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Pile the pulled pork onto the bottom bun, drizzle with extra barbecue sauce, and top with coleslaw. Add the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the pulled pork a day ahead and refrigerate it in the sauce. Reheat before serving.
- Freezing: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat or leave it out for a milder version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker, Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ pulled pork, slow cooker pulled pork, easy dinner recipe, family-friendly barbecue recipe
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