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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches - featured image

Juicy, tender pulled pork cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, perfect for easy sandwiches that are packed with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Ideal for casual dinners, gatherings, and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 to cups BBQ sauce (240360 ml), your favorite brand or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Soft sandwich buns or rolls (potato buns preferred), toasted if desired
  • Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry and trim excess fat, leaving enough to keep the meat juicy (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to make the spice rub.
  3. Generously coat the pork shoulder with the dry rub, pressing it in to stick (about 5 minutes).
  4. Place the rubbed pork shoulder in the slow cooker, fat side up.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
  6. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the pork in the slow cooker.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily. Avoid opening the lid frequently.
  8. Shred the pork using two forks or meat claws directly in the slow cooker. Stir in an additional ½ cup BBQ sauce if desired.
  9. Toast the sandwich buns lightly while the pork finishes cooking.
  10. Assemble sandwiches by piling shredded pork on buns and adding optional toppings like coleslaw or pickles.
  11. Serve warm immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain moisture. Shred pork while hot for easier shredding and better sauce absorption. For extra texture, broil shredded pork briefly before serving. Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup. Substitute gluten-free buns for a gluten-free meal. Variations include adding cayenne for spice or using leaner pork cuts for a healthier version.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, BBQ, sandwiches, comfort food, easy recipe, pork shoulder, family meal