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Pulled pork sandwiches have become a staple in American cuisine, beloved for their rich, smoky flavors and tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. Whether served at backyard barbecues, family gatherings, or casual weeknight dinners, these sandwiches offer a comforting and satisfying meal that appeals to all ages. The secret to achieving the perfect pulled pork lies not just in the choice of ingredients, but also in the cooking method. Slow-cooked meals create a depth of flavor that is hard to replicate with quicker cooking methods, allowing the spices and seasonings to penetrate the meat fully.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Discover the mouthwatering delight of Smoky Sweet BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches! This recipe features tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with a sweet and smoky spice rub, perfect for backyard barbecues or cozy family dinners. The unique blend of spices and rich BBQ sauce makes each bite irresistible. Learn the secrets to achieving flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork, and impress your guests with this satisfying, classic American dish that's sure to become a favorite.
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Ingredients
  

4-5 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust based on heat preference)

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)

8 hamburger buns

Coleslaw (for topping)

Pickles (optional for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pork Shoulder: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub. Coat the pork shoulder evenly with the dry rub, ensuring to cover all sides.

    Searing (Optional): In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork shoulder for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned. This step helps to deepen the flavors but can be skipped if you prefer a simplified version.

      Slow Cooking: Place the seared (or unseared) pork shoulder into a slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth around the meat, and then cover with half of the BBQ sauce. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.

        Shredding the Pork: Once the pork is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 15 minutes. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, removing any large pieces of fat.

          Mixing with Sauce: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining BBQ sauce. Stir well to ensure all the meat is coated with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 15-30 minutes on low to soak up more flavor.

            Prepare the Sandwiches: While the pork is soaking up the flavors, toast the hamburger buns on a grill or in a toaster oven until golden brown.

              Assemble the Sandwiches: On the bottom half of each toasted bun, pile a generous amount of the pulled pork. Top with coleslaw for a crunchy texture and add pickles if desired. Finish by placing the top half of the bun on.

                Serve: Serve the BBQ pulled pork sandwiches warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side, and enjoy!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                    20 minutes | 8-10 hours (slow cooker) | 8 servings