Sweet Smoky Slow Cooker Bbq Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever get that craving for something smoky, sweet, and seriously comforting? Honestly, who doesn't? Let me introduce you to slow cooker pulled pork , a dish that's all about maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Quick Hook
Craving comfort food? This BBQ pulled pork recipe uses a slow cooker for ultimate ease. Expect tender pork with a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. It's proper lush, innit?
Brief Overview
Pulled pork, especially when made with a Crock Pot , has its roots in Southern US barbecue traditions. It's where pork shoulder is slowly cooked until fall apart tender.
This easy slow cooker recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep. Then you let the slow cooker work its magic for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
This recipe yields enough pulled pork for 6-8 cracking sandwiches.
Main Benefits
Pork shoulder is actually a good source of protein and essential nutrients. This pulled pork recipe is just spot-on for casual gatherings, game days or a simple weeknight dinner recipe .
What makes this recipe special? It's the unbelievable flavor payoff for such little hands-on time. Plus, using a dump and go crock pot meals method, means virtually zero effort on your part after the initial prep.
So, ready to chuck everything in the slow cooker and let the magic happen? I am. Right, let's get to the ingredients. We're making proper Crock Pot pulled pork sandwiches , you know.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you'll need for these amazing Crock Pot meals . Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward. We are making Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches today.
Main Ingredients for Your BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe
Here's what you need, measurements and all! I've included both US and metric because, you know, gotta keep it international!
- Pork Shoulder: 3-4 lb (1.36-1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder roast, trimmed of excess fat. Quality check: Look for good marbling throughout the meat. That's where the flavour is.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) .
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp (5 g) .
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp (5 g) .
- Onion Powder: ½ tsp (2.5 g) .
- Black Pepper: ½ tsp (2.5 g) .
- Salt: ½ tsp (2.5 g) .
For the BBQ Sauce :
- Ketchup: 1 cup (240 ml) .
- Apple Cider Vinegar: ½ cup (120 ml) .
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup (100 g) packed, light or dark.
- Worcestershire Sauce: ¼ cup (60 ml) .
- Yellow Mustard: 2 tbsp (30 ml) .
- Molasses: 1 tbsp (15 ml) .
- Hot Sauce: 1 tsp (5 ml) (optional). I usually chuck in a bit of Tabasco!
For Serving ( Pulled Pork Sliders ):
- Hamburger Buns: 6-8 .
- Coleslaw: Optional, but highly recommended .
- Pickles: Again, optional, but they add a great tang .
Spice Up Your Life: Seasoning Notes
The spice combo here is key for that smoky BBQ pulled pork recipe vibe.
Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder create a flavourful base. A dash of hot sauce gives it a lil' kick (totally optional, mind you).
Don't be scared to experiment. If you haven't got smoked paprika normal paprika will do.
Essential Equipment for Dump and Go Crock Pot Meals
Right, let's talk tools. This is going to be super easy
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart (5.7 L) or larger crock pot . This is where the magic happens! It’s going to make the best easy slow cooker recipes !
- Large Skillet: For searing the pork.
- Tongs or Forks: For shredding the cooked pork.
Honestly, that's it. Nothing fancy needed for these great weeknight dinner recipes .
Now go forth and conquer those Crock Pot meals ! You are going to want to make some Crock Pot pulled pork sandwiches .
Sweet & Smoky Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Honestly, who doesn't love a good pulled pork sandwich? This recipe makes the most amazing, tender, fall apart pulled pork , and the best part? Your crock pot does pretty much all the work! We are talking about easy slow cooker recipes , my friend.
You can literally dump and go! It's perfect for those crazy weeknights when you just can't be bothered. This BBQ pulled pork recipe is bound to be a win with your entire crew.
Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together First!
Before you get started, a little mise en place goes a long way. Roughly means, get your stuff sorted first.
Trim the excess fat off that 3-4 lb (1.36-1.8 kg) pork shoulder roast . Mix your spices in a small bowl.
Whisk together your sauce ingredients. It's a bit of effort, but it makes everything so much smoother, trust me. Also, remember you're dealing with raw pork, so wash your hands and surfaces well before and after.
Safety first!
The Magic: step-by-step Pulled Pork Perfection
Here’s how you make some killer Crock Pot pulled pork sandwiches :
- Sear the pork on all sides in a hot skillet with oil. That's 2- 3 minutes per side , baby.
- Rub that pork down with your spice mix. Get it everywhere.
- Pop the pork into your crock pot .
- Pour that delicious BBQ sauce right over the top.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours . You want that pork to shred like a dream.
- Shred the pork with two forks.
- Mix the shredded pork with the remaining sauce in the crock pot .
- Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw and pickles, if you are fancy!
Pulled Pork Pro-Tips and Tricks
Want to really nail this? Don't skip the sear! It adds SO much flavor. Also, cooking on low for 8 hours is definitely the best way to go, but high for 4 hours works in a pinch.
I once accidentally left mine cooking for an extra two hours and it was still amazing, so don't sweat it too much.
If you want to make it ahead, just shred the pork and store it in the fridge until you need it.
You know?
Recipe Notes: Sweet & Smoky Crock Pot Meals
Alright, so you're about to make some seriously good Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches . Here's the lowdown on making it even more awesome.
Think of these as your little secrets to success.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Sandwich Game
Okay, presentation matters, right? Slap that pulled pork on a toasted bun for extra texture. Honestly, a pile of classic coleslaw on top makes it divine .
Got some dill pickles? Throw 'em on. For drinks, Iced Tea is killer or you can serve it with a Crisp Lager or a Classic American Soda.
For a side, you cannot go wrong with some Sweet Potato Fries.
Storage Tips: Keep That Pulled Pork Fresh!
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Stick that Slow cooker pulled pork in an airtight container. It'll be grand in the fridge for 3-4 days .
Fancy freezing it? No problem! It can be frozen up to 3 months . Defrost it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, microwave it or warm it up in a pan on the stove.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Want a bit of a kick? Add some chopped jalapeños to the BBQ sauce. Trust me, it's delicious . Craving something different? Try an Asian inspired version with soy sauce, hoisin, ginger, and garlic.
So yummy.
Thinking about dietary adaptations? You can easily serve this BBQ pulled pork over a salad or sweet potatoes if you are looking for a lighter choice.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Each Pulled pork sandwich has roughly 450-550 calories, loads of protein, and decent fiber. Okay, so there's some sugar, but hey, it's BBQ! You're also getting a fair whack of sodium so don't go crazy with the salt elsewhere.
The Easy slow cooker recipes are a great source of proteins.
So there you have it! Now go forth and make some amazing Crock Pot pulled pork sandwiches . You've got this! Don't forget this is the best pulled pork recipe !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork for these crock pot meals?
While pork shoulder (Boston butt) is the gold standard for pulled pork due to its marbling and tenderness, you could use a pork loin or tenderloin in a pinch. However, these leaner cuts tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker, so keep a close eye on the cooking time and consider adding a bit more liquid to the crock pot.
No one wants dry, chewy pork it's a right royal pain!
My BBQ sauce came out too sweet. How can I fix it?
A BBQ sauce that's too sweet can be a bit of a drag, but fear not! You can easily balance it out. Try adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to introduce some tang. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can also cut through the sweetness.
Taste as you go until you reach that perfect sweet and-smoky balance. Sorted!
How long can I store leftover BBQ pulled pork, and how should I reheat it?
Leftover pulled pork is brilliant for easy lunches! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
For a more tender result, reheat it in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. You could even use the slow cooker on warm to reheat.
Can I make these slow cooker BBQ pulled pork sandwiches ahead of time and freeze them?
Absolutely! Pulled pork freezes beautifully. Let the cooked and shredded pork cool completely, then portion it into freezer bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as described above easy peasy!
I'm trying to cut down on sugar. Are there any lower sugar variations for this crock pot meals recipe?
Good on you for being health conscious! You can definitely reduce the sugar content in this recipe. Use a sugar-free or low-sugar ketchup and substitute the brown sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol. You could also use unsweetened applesauce to add some sweetness and moisture naturally.
Remember to check the labels of all your ingredients to keep the sugar content in check every little helps!
My pork is tough after slow cooking. What went wrong?
Tough pork after slow cooking usually means it wasn't cooked long enough. While the recipe suggests 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high, cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your pork shoulder. Next time, give it another hour or two.
The pork should be fall apart tender and easily shreddable. If it's already shredded, add a bit of broth or water and continue cooking on low until tender.
Sweet Smoky Slow Cooker Bbq Pulled Pork Sandwich
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 2-4g |