Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwiches

Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwiches Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 8-10 hours | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwiches are a delicious and easy meal to make for a crowd or for a simple weeknight dinner. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the pork to become tender and juicy.

History

BBQ pork sandwiches have been a staple in American cuisine for decades. The combination of tender pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and soft bread has been a favorite among many families and restaurants.

Ingredients

8 lb (3.63 kg) pork shoulder roast
0.25 cup apple juice
0.25 cup vinegar
0.5 cup brown sugar
4 tbsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp brown sugar
6 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp onion powder
2 cups ketchup
1 cup chili sauce
0.25 cup lemon juice
0.5 tbsp cayenne pepper
3 tbsp salt
8 tsp paprika
2 tbsp garlic powder
3 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp black pepper
2.5 tsp thyme
2.5 tsp oregano

How to prepare

Combine all ingredients and cook on low heat in a crockpot for 8 – 10 hours or until the meat easily pulls apart and appears cooked.
Serve the mixture on bread.

Variations

Use chicken or beef instead of pork for a different flavor.
Add pineapple or mango to the sauce for a tropical twist.
Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors, such as honey mustard or spicy chipotle.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to trim excess fat from the pork shoulder before cooking to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

- For a smokier flavor, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture.

- If you prefer a spicier sandwich, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the BBQ pork sandwiches with coleslaw, pickles, or a side of corn on the cob for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking in a crockpot allows the pork to become tender and flavorful without much effort. The low heat and long cooking time break down the tough fibers in the meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute apple cider vinegar for the vinegar.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.

- Replace the ketchup with tomato sauce for a less sweet sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce mixture and trim the pork shoulder the night before to save time on the day of cooking. Simply combine the ingredients in a container and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the BBQ pork sandwiches on toasted buns with a side of pickles and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the sandwiches with a cold beer, lemonade, or sweet tea for a refreshing drink to complement the savory flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover BBQ pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 450 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 45g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 20% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Mustard

Summary

These Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwiches are a good source of protein and iron, but they are also high in fat and calories. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwiches are a classic and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a crockpot, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that will please a crowd. Enjoy the tender and flavorful pork on a soft bun with your favorite sides for a meal that is sure to be a hit.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwiches. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly coffee and gossip session. As we chatted about our families and shared memories, Margaret suddenly got up with a sparkle in her eye and disappeared into the kitchen.

A few minutes later, she emerged with a slow cooker in one hand and a stack of ingredients in the other. She told me she was going to make something special for lunch and asked if I wanted to stick around to try it. Intrigued, I eagerly agreed and settled in at the kitchen table to watch her work her magic.

Margaret began by seasoning a pork roast with a blend of spices that filled the room with a tantalizing aroma. As she seared the meat in a hot skillet, she explained that this step was crucial for locking in the juices and enhancing the flavor of the final dish. Next, she mixed together a homemade barbecue sauce using ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and a few secret ingredients that she refused to divulge.

Once the pork was browned to perfection, Margaret transferred it to the slow cooker and poured the barbecue sauce over the top. She set the timer, covered the pot with a lid, and let it simmer away for hours on end. The scent of smoky, tangy pork filled the house, making my stomach growl with anticipation.

As we waited for the meat to cook, Margaret regaled me with tales of how she had come across this recipe. She explained that she had first learned to make Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwiches from her grandmother, who hailed from the deep South and had a knack for transforming humble ingredients into mouthwatering meals. Over the years, Margaret had put her own spin on the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit her family's tastes.

When the pork was finally tender and falling apart with the touch of a fork, Margaret carefully shredded it and stirred it into the thick, sticky sauce. She piled the meat onto soft hamburger buns and topped it with crunchy coleslaw, creating a masterpiece of a sandwich that looked almost too good to eat.

As we sat down to savor our lunch, I took my first bite of the Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwich and was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The pork was succulent and smoky, the barbecue sauce sweet and tangy, and the coleslaw provided the perfect crunch to balance out the richness of the meat. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that left me craving more.

After our meal, I begged Margaret to share the recipe with me so that I could recreate it at home for my own family. She happily obliged, writing down the ingredients and instructions on a scrap of paper that I tucked away in my purse for safekeeping.

Over the years, I have made Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwiches countless times for my loved ones, each batch as delicious as the last. This recipe has become a staple in my repertoire, a reminder of that fateful day when Margaret introduced me to the wonders of slow cooking and the joys of sharing good food with good friends.

So the next time you're in the mood for a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy your soul as well as your stomach, give this recipe a try. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.