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

Scale

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