Tender Smoky Pulled Pork

This hearty BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich recipe has been my summer entertaining secret for years. The melt-in-your-mouth tender pork paired with tangy barbecue sauce creates an irresistible combination that disappears quickly at any gathering.

I first made these sandwiches for my brother's backyard birthday party, and they were such a hit that they've become our official family celebration meal. Even my pickiest eaters request seconds!

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder 3-4 pounds: Provides the perfect fat-to-meat ratio for juicy pulled pork
• Barbecue sauce 1 cup: Choose a quality sauce with a balance of sweet and tangy notes
• Onion 1, sliced: Creates a flavorful base and helps prevent the meat from sticking
• Chicken broth 1 cup: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the meat
• Smoked paprika 1 tablespoon: Infuses authentic smoky flavor without needing a smoker
• Garlic powder 1 tablespoon: Adds aromatic depth and savory notes throughout
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always season generously for the best flavor development
• Hamburger buns 6-8: Look for fresh bakery buns with some structure to hold the meat
• Coleslaw for topping: Optional but highly recommended for texture contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Arrange the sliced onion in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavorful foundation and prevents the pork from sticking during the long cooking process.

Season the Meat:

Thoroughly coat the pork shoulder with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, massaging the seasonings into every crevice. This step creates a delicious outer crust and ensures flavor penetrates throughout.

Set Up for Slow Cooking:

Place the seasoned pork on top of the onion bed, then pour chicken broth around the sides without washing away the seasonings. Cover tightly with the lid to create a moist cooking environment.

Low and Slow Magic:

Cook on the low setting for 8-10 hours, avoiding the temptation to peek. The slow cooker needs to maintain consistent temperature for the collagen to break down properly, resulting in that fall-apart texture.

Shred to Perfection:

When the meat easily pulls apart with a fork, transfer it to a large bowl, discarding excess fat. Use two forks to pull the pork into tender shreds, working while hot for easiest separation.

Sauce Integration:

Fold the barbecue sauce into the shredded pork, starting with less and adding more to taste. The meat should be coated but not swimming in sauce to maintain the perfect balance.

Assembly:

Pile generous portions of the sauced pulled pork onto fresh hamburger buns, adding a spoonful of coleslaw if desired for a creamy, crunchy contrast to the tender meat.

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The smoked paprika is my secret weapon in this recipe. While traditional pulled pork gets its smoky flavor from hours in a smoker, this ingredient brings that authentic taste right to your slow cooker with zero extra effort. My father-in-law, a BBQ purist, couldn't believe this wasn't made in a smoker the first time I served it to him!

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches pair beautifully with classic summer sides like potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with vinaigrette offers nice contrast to the rich pork. I love setting up a DIY sandwich bar with different toppings like pickled onions, jalapeños, extra BBQ sauce, and different slaws so guests can customize their perfect sandwich.

Storage and Reheating

The pulled pork actually improves with a day in the refrigerator as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture, then warm slowly in a covered pan on the stovetop or in the microwave in short intervals. The meat also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months store it separately from the buns for best results.

Variations Worth Trying

This recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. Try a Carolina-style vinegar-based sauce for tangier results, or add a chipotle pepper to the slow cooker for smoky heat. Whiskey or bourbon makes an excellent addition to the cooking liquid for deeper flavor. For a healthier version, try using pork loin instead of shoulder though the results will be slightly less juicy but still delicious with enough sauce.

Time-Saving Tips

While the recipe requires minimal hands-on time, you can further streamline by seasoning the pork the night before and refrigerating it. For even quicker weeknight meals, freeze portions of the fully cooked pulled pork in meal-sized containers then simply thaw and reheat when needed. The most time-consuming part shredding can be dramatically sped up by using stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make BBQ pulled pork in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! For Instant Pot BBQ pulled pork, cut the pork shoulder into 3-4 inch chunks, use the same seasonings, and cook on high pressure for about 60 minutes with a natural pressure release. You'll achieve similar tender results in significantly less time.

→ What's the best cut of pork to use for pulled pork?

Pork shoulder (also called pork butt or Boston butt) is ideal for pulled pork because it has the perfect amount of fat marbling that renders during slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that shreds easily.

→ How can I store leftover pulled pork?

Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ What sides pair well with BBQ pulled pork sandwiches?

Classic sides include coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, or a simple green salad. Pickles and potato chips also make great accompaniments for a casual meal.

→ How can I make my BBQ pulled pork more flavorful?

For more flavor, consider adding a dry rub to the pork and letting it sit overnight before cooking. You can also mix in additional spices like cumin, brown sugar, or cayenne pepper. Using a combination of different BBQ sauces or adding apple cider vinegar can enhance the tanginess.

→ Can I make pulled pork without BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! You can make pulled pork with just the seasonings and broth, then offer various sauces on the side. This allows guests to customize their sandwiches and is great for those who prefer less sauce or different flavors.