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Tender Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Tender Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches - featured image
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A simple oven method to make tender, smoky pulled pork sandwiches perfect for summer gatherings. Slow-roasted pork shoulder coated in a flavorful spice rub and tossed in a homemade BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), well-marbled
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 6 hamburger buns or soft brioche buns
  • Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, extra BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to make the spice rub.
  3. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder if desired, leaving some fat for juiciness.
  4. Rub the spice mix all over the pork, pressing it in to stick well.
  5. Place the pork in a roasting pan or Dutch oven, fat side up, and cover tightly with a lid or foil.
  6. Roast in the oven for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C) and pulls apart easily. Check after 4 hours to avoid overcooking.
  7. While the pork roasts, prepare the BBQ sauce by mixing ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, yellow mustard, and liquid smoke in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 20 minutes.
  9. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large chunks of fat.
  10. Toss the shredded pork with the homemade BBQ sauce until well coated.
  11. Lightly toast the hamburger buns, then pile on the saucy pulled pork.
  12. Add optional toppings like coleslaw or pickles and serve immediately.

Notes

Keep the pork covered tightly during roasting to prevent dryness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 195°F (90°C) for perfect shredding. If BBQ sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Honey can be swapped with maple syrup for a twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, BBQ, smoked pork, oven pulled pork, summer recipe, BBQ sandwiches, easy pulled pork, slow roasted pork

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/tender-smoky-bbq-pulled-pork-sandwiches-recipe-easy-perfect-for-summer/