17 BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Ideas You Need This Winter

Warm up your winter with these 17 mouthwatering BBQ pulled pork sandwich ideas, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying comfort food cravings. Get ready to savor every bite of these delicious creations!

Steps

Cut the pork roast into large pieces (around 4 inches) for even cooking.

Season the pork pieces with salt and pepper on all sides.

For slow cooker: Add water or broth and liquid smoke to the slow cooker, then add the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours until the pork is very tender.

For pressure cooker: Reduce water/broth to 1 cup. Add water or broth, pork, and liquid smoke to the pressure cooker. Secure the lid, seal the valve, and cook on high pressure for 55-60 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Remove the pork from the cooker and discard most of the remaining liquid, leaving about 1/4 cup.

Shred the pork using two forks, ensuring it breaks apart easily.

Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker or pressure cooker.

Add BBQ sauce to the pork and heat through or keep on warm until ready to serve.

Serve the pulled pork on buns with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Ingredients

3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, pork butt, or pork sirloin roast
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons liquid smoke
3 cups BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)

Nutritional Values

FAQ

Can I omit the liquid smoke in the recipe?

It’s best to include it as it adds a rich flavor, but if you prefer not to use it or don’t have any, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or another smoky spice for a similar effect.

Is it possible to freeze the pulled pork?

Absolutely! After cooking and mixing with BBQ sauce, let the pork cool slightly and then freeze in large freezer bags. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a slow cooker, on the stove, or in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.

Can this recipe be used for plain shredded pork, without the BBQ sauce?

Yes, the pork is delicious whether you add BBQ sauce or not, making it versatile for various dishes.

Is it feasible to double or triple the recipe?

This recipe scales up very well. For larger amounts, consider using an electric roaster at 250-275°F for several hours, depending on the quantity of pork.

What type of pork roast is best for this recipe?

Pork sirloin, shoulder, or butt roasts are ideal due to their fat content and marbling, which contribute to tender results. Pork loin and tenderloin tend to be too lean for this dish.

Tips

Choose the Right Cut of Pork: Opt for pork shoulder or butt roasts as they provide the best tenderness due to their fat content and marbling. Pork sirloin is also a good choice, but avoid leaner cuts like pork loin or tenderloin as they might not achieve the same tenderness.
Utilize Liquid Smoke for Flavor: Incorporating liquid smoke into the cooking process enhances the depth of flavor in the pork. If it’s unavailable, consider using smoked paprika or a similar smoky spice as an alternative.
Adjust Cooking Time for Tenderness: Ensure the pork is fall-apart tender by adding extra cooking time if necessary. Whether using a slow cooker or pressure cooker, you can extend the cooking duration until you achieve the desired texture.
Freeze for Convenience: This recipe freezes exceptionally well. After cooking and mixing with BBQ sauce, let the pork cool slightly, then freeze in portions. To enjoy later, thaw it in the fridge and reheat using your preferred method.

Clare