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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

tender slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches - featured image

A juicy, flavorful pulled pork sandwich recipe made easy in the slow cooker. Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal prep and maximum tenderness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (60 ml)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (240 ml), your favorite brand or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional)
  • Soft sandwich buns (brioche or potato rolls recommended)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving a thin layer for moisture and flavor. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and chili powder. Rub the spice mix evenly all over the pork shoulder. Let sit for 10 minutes if possible.
  3. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker, fat side up. Pour apple cider vinegar around the meat (not directly on top).
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
  5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or meat claws. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded pork with barbecue sauce and yellow mustard (if using). Stir well to coat evenly.
  7. Toast the sandwich buns lightly in the oven or on a skillet.
  8. Assemble the sandwiches by piling the pulled pork high on the buns. Add extra barbecue sauce and creamy coleslaw if desired.
  9. Optional: Drizzle some cooking juices from the slow cooker over the pork before serving to keep it moist.

Notes

Save the cooking juices from the slow cooker to drizzle over the pork for extra moisture. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes after cooking before shredding to help juices redistribute. Use gluten-free buns or cornbread muffins for a gluten-free meal. For a spicy variation, add cayenne or chipotle powder to the rub. Instant Pot can be used with slow cooker or pressure cook function (60-70 minutes).

Nutrition

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