Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches

Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches Recipe - American Classic Delight

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 10-12

Introduction

Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches are a classic American dish that is loved by many. The combination of tender, juicy pulled pork smothered in tangy barbecue sauce and topped with creamy coleslaw is simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner.

History

Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches have roots in Southern barbecue traditions, where slow-cooked pork is a staple. The process of slow-cooking the pork shoulder until it is tender enough to be easily shredded has been passed down through generations. The addition of barbecue sauce and coleslaw on a sandwich is a modern twist that adds layers of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Barbecue Base

1 x 5- to 5.5 lb (2.49 kg) boneless pork shoulder roast
2 cups cider vinegar
0.25 cup packed brown sugar
1 tbsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
hot pepper sauce, to taste
10 to 12 hamburger buns, split and toasted
2 cups coleslaw

Grilling

4 cups woodchips (use hickory or oak chips for the best flavor)
1 cup water

How to prepare

BBQ Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and hot pepper sauce.
Divide the sauce into two portions and set aside.

Pulled Pork

At least 1 hour before grilling, soak wood chips in enough water to cover. Drain before using.
Rub the meat with salt and black pepper.
In a charcoal grill with a cover, place preheated coals around a drip pan for medium indirect heat.
Add 0.5 inch of hot water to the drip pan.
Sprinkle half of the drained wood chips over the coals.
Place the meat on a grill rack over the drip pan.
Cover and grill for about 4 hours or until the meat is very tender.
Add more preheated coals, wood chips, and hot water every 1 to 1.5 hours. Use a hibachi or a metal chimney starter to preheat the coals.
Remove the meat from the grill and cover it with foil. Let it stand for 20 – 30 minutes.
Using a fork, shred the meat into long, thin strands.
Pour the sauce over the shredded meat and toss to coat.
Serve on toasted buns and top the meat with coleslaw.
Serve the remaining sauce on the side. Sell per piece, if desired.

Variations

Substitute the pork shoulder with chicken or beef for a different flavor.
Use different barbecue sauces to change up the taste.
Add sliced pickles or jalapenos for an extra kick.

Notes

For gas grills, preheat and then turn off any burners directly below where the food will go. The heat circulates inside the grill, so turning the food is not necessary.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the wood chips before grilling will help create a smoky flavor in the meat.

- Preheating the coals and adding more as needed will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and stays tender.

- Letting the meat rest before shredding it will allow the juices to redistribute, making it even more flavorful.

- Tossing the shredded meat in the barbecue sauce before serving will ensure that every bite is coated in delicious flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches can be served with a side of potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob. They pair well with a cold beer or a glass of sweet tea.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the pork shoulder over indirect heat for several hours is the key technique for making tender pulled pork. Adding wood chips for a smoky flavor and periodically adding more coals and water will ensure that the meat cooks evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use apple cider vinegar instead of cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter flavor.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar for a different sweetness.

- Use a different type of bread or bun for the sandwich base.

Make Ahead Tips

The pulled pork can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Arrange the coleslaw on the side for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as macaroni and cheese, grilled vegetables, or a green salad. They also go well with a cold beer or a glass of lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches are a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the hamburger buns. It may also contain allergens from the barbecue sauce and coleslaw, depending on the ingredients used.

Summary

Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches are a balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the smoky, tangy flavors of this classic American dish!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha who lived in the countryside. As soon as I stepped into her kitchen, I was hit with the most delicious aroma of smoky barbecue.

Martha greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and she immediately started bustling around the kitchen, pulling out ingredients and utensils with practiced ease. I asked her what she was making, and she replied, "Oh, just a little something I learned from my grandmother. Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches - a family favorite."

I watched in awe as Martha seasoned a large pork shoulder with a blend of spices and rubbed it with a homemade barbecue sauce. She then placed it in the slow cooker and let it simmer for hours, filling the house with the mouthwatering scent of slow-cooked meat and spices.

As we waited for the pork to cook, Martha shared the story of how she learned to make this recipe. She told me that her grandmother had passed it down to her, and it had been a staple at family gatherings for generations. Martha had tweaked the recipe over the years, adding her own twist here and there, but the core of it remained the same.

I couldn't wait to taste the finished product, and when Martha finally pulled the pork out of the slow cooker, it was tender and falling apart, infused with the rich flavors of the barbecue sauce. She shredded the meat with two forks and piled it onto soft brioche buns, topping it with a dollop of coleslaw for a bit of crunch.

I took a bite of the Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich and was instantly transported to a place of comfort and nostalgia. The flavors were bold and smoky, with just the right amount of sweetness from the barbecue sauce. It was a perfect balance of savory and tangy, and I knew I had to learn how to make this recipe for myself.

After that day, I started experimenting with different versions of the Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich recipe. I tried different cuts of meat, varied the spices in the rub, and played around with the barbecue sauce. Each time I made it, I would think back to that summer day at Martha's house and the joy I felt when I first tasted her version of the dish.

Over the years, I perfected my own version of the Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich recipe, incorporating elements from Martha's original recipe and adding my own personal touches. I would make it for family gatherings, cookouts, and potlucks, and it always received rave reviews.

Now, whenever I make Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches, I can't help but think of Martha and her grandmother, and the tradition of passing down recipes through generations. Cooking is more than just following a list of instructions - it's about creating memories and sharing stories with loved ones.

And so, every time I take a bite of a Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich, I am reminded of the bonds that food can create, and the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with those we care about. This recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, not just for its flavors, but for the memories and traditions that it represents.