Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe: The Ultimate Tender, Juicy, and Flavor-Packed Classic
If there’s one meal that defines comfort food and backyard BBQs, it’s the pulled pork sandwich. Tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder piled high on a soft bun and drenched in smoky BBQ sauce — it’s the kind of sandwich that brings everyone to the table.
In this Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe, you’ll learn how to make the perfect version from scratch — with melt-in-your-mouth pork, a tangy homemade BBQ sauce, and all the best serving ideas. Whether you’re using a slow cooker, oven, or smoker, this recipe guarantees juicy, flavorful results every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe
- Juicy and tender every time: The pork shoulder cooks low and slow until it’s fall-apart perfect.
- Rich BBQ flavor: A combination of spices and smoky sauce brings out incredible depth of flavor.
- Perfect for crowds: Whether it’s game day, a summer cookout, or Sunday dinner, this recipe easily feeds a crowd.
- Make-ahead friendly: The pork tastes even better the next day — great for meal prep or leftovers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make the best pulled pork sandwich recipe at home:
For the Pork:
- 4 to 5 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt) – boneless or bone-in
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for searing
- 1 cup chicken broth or water – adds moisture during cooking
Dry Rub Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika (smoked if possible)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
BBQ Sauce (Homemade or Store-Bought):
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Soft sandwich buns or brioche rolls
- Coleslaw (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Extra BBQ sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub it with olive oil to help the seasoning stick. Combine all the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl and massage it thoroughly into the pork.
Pro tip: For maximum flavor, let the seasoned pork rest in the fridge for 2–12 hours before cooking.
Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method
You can make this pulled pork sandwich recipe in three delicious ways:
1. Slow Cooker Method (Easy & Hands-Free)
- Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours, until the pork easily shreds with a fork.
2. Oven Method (Perfect for Crispy Edges)
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place pork in a roasting pan and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 4–5 hours, basting occasionally, until fork-tender.
- Uncover for the last 30 minutes to get a lightly caramelized crust.
3. Smoker Method (For True BBQ Flavor)
- Heat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Smoke the pork shoulder for 8–10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195–205°F (90–96°C).
- Wrap in foil for the last few hours to keep it moist.
Step 3: Shred the Pork
Once the pork is tender, transfer it to a large bowl or cutting board. Use two forks to pull it apart into shreds. Remove any excess fat.
Step 4: Mix with BBQ Sauce
Pour your BBQ sauce over the shredded pork and toss well to coat. If you made it in the slow cooker, you can mix the pork right in the pot with the cooking juices for extra flavor.
Let it simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes to soak up the sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches
Toast your sandwich buns lightly (this helps them hold up to the saucy pork). Pile the warm pulled pork high onto each bun and top with creamy coleslaw for crunch and freshness.
Serve immediately — and don’t forget napkins!
Tips for the Best Pulled Pork Sandwich
- Use the right cut: Pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal because of its fat content — it stays juicy even after long cooking.
- Don’t rush it: Low and slow cooking is key to that tender, pull-apart texture.
- Add liquid: A little broth or vinegar helps keep the pork moist.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the pork sit for 10–15 minutes before shredding — this keeps the juices inside.
- Balance flavors: The sweet, tangy BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with creamy, crunchy coleslaw.
Pulled Pork Sandwich Variations
You can get creative with this pulled pork sandwich recipe — here are some fun twists:
- Spicy Pulled Pork Sandwich: Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to your BBQ sauce.
- Hawaiian Style: Top with pineapple slices or a pineapple BBQ glaze.
- Carolina Style: Use a vinegar-based BBQ sauce and serve with mustard slaw.
- Tex-Mex Pulled Pork: Add chipotle peppers and top with pickled jalapeños and avocado slices.
- Asian Fusion: Mix the pork with hoisin sauce and sriracha, then serve on sesame buns.
What to Serve With Pulled Pork Sandwiches
A pulled pork sandwich is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right sides makes it unforgettable. Try these classic BBQ sides:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Cornbread or biscuits
- Baked beans
- Macaroni and cheese
- Potato salad
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Pickles or cucumber salad
Storage and Reheating
Store:
Refrigerate leftover pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze:
Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat:
Warm gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or BBQ sauce to keep it juicy.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead of parties or busy weeknights. You can cook the pork 1–2 days ahead, refrigerate it, then reheat and assemble the sandwiches when ready to serve.
Bonus tip: The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best pork cut for pulled pork sandwiches?
A: Pork shoulder or pork butt — both have the ideal fat-to-meat ratio for tender, flavorful results.
Q: Can I use BBQ sauce from the store?
A: Absolutely! Choose one you love, or try a mix of smoky and sweet varieties for balance.
Q: Can I make pulled pork sandwiches without BBQ sauce?
A: Yes! Try tossing the pork in apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper for a tangy Carolina-style version.
Q: How do I keep my pulled pork from drying out?
A: Always cook low and slow, keep some cooking liquid, and avoid over-shredding.
Nutrition Information (Per Sandwich, Approximate)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
Final Thoughts
This Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe is the ultimate comfort food — tender, juicy pork loaded with smoky, sweet BBQ flavor and served on a soft bun with creamy slaw. It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
Whether you’re cooking it in your slow cooker, oven, or smoker, this recipe guarantees the perfect bite every time. Once you make it, you’ll understand why pulled pork sandwiches have become a timeless classic in American cuisine.
So fire up that slow cooker or preheat your oven — it’s time to make the best pulled pork sandwich you’ve ever had!
