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Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

slow cooker BBQ pulled pork sandwiches - featured image

A simple and easy slow cooker recipe for juicy, tender pulled pork sandwiches with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Perfect for casual gatherings and fuss-free meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds boneless pork shoulder (well-marbled)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (240 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 68 sandwich buns (preferably brioche)
  • Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, extra BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some fat for flavor and moisture. Pat the meat dry with paper towels (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork, pressing into every nook and cranny (about 5 minutes).
  3. Place sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker (2 minutes).
  4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onion and garlic.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture evenly over the pork (3 minutes).
  6. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily.
  7. Remove pork from slow cooker and transfer to a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding large chunks of fat (5-7 minutes). Add some cooking juices back for moisture and flavor.
  8. Toast buns if desired. Assemble sandwiches by piling pulled pork on buns and topping with coleslaw, pickles, or extra BBQ sauce. Serve immediately (5 minutes).

Notes

Use well-marbled pork shoulder for juiciness. Keep the slow cooker lid closed as much as possible to retain moisture. Let shredded pork rest in its juices for 10 minutes for better flavor absorption. Toast buns for added texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Adjust BBQ sauce choice to avoid overly sweet or watery sauces.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, pulled pork, BBQ, sandwiches, easy recipe, comfort food, barbecue, pork shoulder