The Ultimate Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe
Who doesn’t love a good pulled pork sandwich? It’s the kind of comfort food that warms the soul and makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this pulled pork sandwich recipe is your ticket to flavor town.
Today, I’m going to walk you through making the juiciest, most mouthwatering pulled pork sandwich, complete with a homemade barbecue sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this, there’s no going back to store-bought!
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Let’s start with the essentials. This recipe is all about layers of flavor, from the tender pork to the rich barbecue sauce and the fresh toppings that pull everything together.
For the Crock Pot:
- 2 lb. Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, turning into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- ½ cup water & ½ cup beef broth: These keep the pork juicy and flavorful as it cooks.
- 1 ½ Tbsp. Ground Black Pepper
- ½ tsp. Salt
- ¼ tsp. Ground Cumin
For the Homemade Barbecue Sauce:
- 2 Cups Ketchup
- 1 ½ cups Light Brown Sugar (optional: add another ¼ cup for extra sweetness)
- ⅓ cup Molasses
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tbsp. Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
- ⅓ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- ¼-⅓ Cup Water
- 1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Tbsp. Paprika
- 1 tsp. Salt
- ¼ tsp. Finely Minced Fresh Garlic (Muddled): Because fresh garlic makes everything better!
For the Sandwich Assembly:
- 4 Brioche Hamburger Buns: Because a sandwich is only as good as the bread you put it on.
- Cole Slaw & Sliced Kosher Pickles: The perfect crunchy contrast to the tender pork.
- Extra Barbecue Sauce: For those who like it saucy!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Now that you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to start cooking. This recipe is super simple, but the results are anything but basic.
Step 1: Make the Barbecue Sauce
Start by combining all the barbecue sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring it to a soft boil, stirring occasionally. Once everything is well combined and the flavors have melded together, set the sauce aside. This is where all the magic happens, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Prepare the Pork
In your crock pot, pour in the water and beef broth. In a small bowl, mix together the black pepper, salt, and cumin. Rub this seasoning mix all over your pork shoulder, making sure every inch is covered. Then, place the pork in the crock pot, flipping it once so the liquid gets all around the meat.
Now, take ¾ of your freshly made barbecue sauce and pour it over the pork. This sauce will infuse the meat with incredible flavor as it cooks low and slow.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for about 6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is tender enough to pull apart with two forks. Ideally, the internal temperature should be between 195℉ and 205℉.
Once the meat is perfectly tender, go ahead and shred it using two forks. Then, return the shredded pork to the crock pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for another 2 hours. This extra time lets the flavors really seep into the meat, making every bite irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble and Enjoy
When the pork is done, it’s time to assemble your sandwiches. Start by toasting your brioche buns for a bit of extra crunch. Then, pile on that juicy pulled pork, drizzle with extra barbecue sauce, and top with a scoop of cole slaw and a few slices of kosher pickles.
And just like that, you’ve got yourself the ultimate pulled pork sandwich! Serve it up with your favorite sides, grab a napkin (or three), and dig in.
Final Thoughts
This pulled pork sandwich is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of tender pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and crunchy toppings is just pure magic. Whether you’re making this for a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s bound to be a hit.
So, what are you waiting for? Fire up that crock pot and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.
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