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Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe

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This easy slow cooker BBQ pulled pork sandwiches recipe delivers incredibly tender, flavorful pulled pork with a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors. Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day, then enjoy a comforting meal that’s perfect for cozy evenings and crowd-pleasing gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 6–8 soft hamburger buns or brioche buns
  • Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
  • Pickles (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Trim any thick fat cap to about 1/4 inch.
  2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Mix well.
  3. Generously coat all sides of the pork shoulder with the dry rub. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, molasses, and liquid smoke (if using).
  5. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker, fat side up. Pour about half of the BBQ sauce over the meat. Reserve the remaining sauce.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
  7. Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat or bone.
  8. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour in the reserved BBQ sauce and stir to coat. Cook on LOW for another 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.
  9. Optional: For a thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until reduced, then pour back over the pork.
  10. Toast the buns under the broiler or in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  11. Assemble sandwiches: pile pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw and pickles if desired. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet with oil before adding to the slow cooker. Adjust salt based on the sodium content of your ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Let the shredded pork rest in the sauce for 10-15 minutes before serving for best flavor. Do not overcook; check at 8 hours on LOW. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, pulled pork, BBQ, sandwiches, pork shoulder, easy, comfort food, game day

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/easy-slow-cooker-bbq-pulled-pork-sandwiches-recipe/