There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty sandwich filled with tender, juicy, pulled BBQ pork. This classic dish is a perfect balance of smoky-sweet flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture that will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue or simply craving a taste of summer, this Pulled BBQ Pork recipe is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll turn to time and time again.
Pulled BBQ Pork
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
– 1 cup BBQ sauce of your choice
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp paprika
– 1 tbsp garlic powder
– 1 tbsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Hamburger buns, for serving
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the pork shoulder. Trim off any excess fat and pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, rubbing the seasonings into the meat.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned pork shoulder and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step helps lock in the flavors and juices.
3. Transfer the seared pork shoulder to a slow cooker. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and additional seasonings if desired. Pour the mixture over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s well-coated.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful and tender the meat will be.
5. Once the pork is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. If the meat is still too firm, it needs to cook longer.
6. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it into the BBQ sauce mixture. Let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes on low heat to absorb all the flavors.
7. To serve, toast the hamburger buns lightly. Spoon a generous portion of the pulled BBQ pork onto the bottom half of the bun, then top it with the other half. You can also add coleslaw, pickles, or additional BBQ sauce to customize your sandwich.
Enjoy the delightful messiness of biting into a Pulled BBQ Pork sandwich loaded with savory goodness. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping. The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, so you can enjoy delicious pulled pork sandwiches throughout the week. So, fire up that slow cooker and get ready to savor every bite of this crowd-pleasing classic!
