Discover smoky BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with tender pork, smoky spices, tangy BBQ sauce, and creamy slaw. Perfect for a flavor-packed feast!
Ultimate Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: A Flavor-Packed Feast for Your Taste Buds
When it comes to crafting the perfect sandwich, few things compare to the rich, hearty delight of pulled pork. Juicy, tender, and infused with just the right amount of smoky barbecue flavor, pulled pork sandwiches serve as a centerpiece for any gathering, from backyard barbecues to cozy family dinners. Today, I'm excited to share my go-to recipe for Ultimate Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches. This recipe combines the depth of smoked paprika and the tangy sweetness of homemade barbecue sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Let's dive into the delicious details!
Ingredients:
For the Pulled Pork:
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup chicken broth
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- A dash of hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 brioche buns or your choice of sandwich buns
- Coleslaw (optional, for garnish)
- Pickle slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This is your spice rub.
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil over the pork, then generously coat it with the prepared spice rub, ensuring all sides are well covered. Let the seasoned pork sit for at least one hour, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator, to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 2: Cook the Pork
3. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a large Dutch oven or roasting pan. Add the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth to the bottom of the pan.
5. Cover the Dutch oven or pan with a lid (or tightly with aluminum foil if using a roasting pan) and place in the preheated oven.
6. Bake the pork for approximately 4 to 5 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. Check occasionally, adding a bit more broth if necessary to keep the pork moist.
Step 3: Make the BBQ Sauce
7. While the pork is cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and an optional dash of hot sauce.
8. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until thickened and flavors melded. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble Sandwiches
9. Remove the cooked pork from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before using two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding excess fat.
10. Toss the shredded pork with half of the BBQ sauce, adding more if desired for extra flavor and moisture.
11. Toast the buns lightly for a bit of crispness. Pile the pulled pork generously onto the bottom halves of the buns.
12. Top with coleslaw and pickle slices, if desired, then close the sandwiches with the top bun.
Conclusion:
There you have it—your very own Ultimate Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches! This recipe is a wonderful balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, enveloping soft, juicy pulled pork. Perfect for any occasion, these sandwiches are sure to impress your guests and satisfy all appetites. Whether you savor them with a cold drink in hand or serve them alongside your favorite sides, you're in for a flavor-packed feast you won't soon forget. So fire up your oven, get your spices out, and enjoy every mouthwatering bite of this barbecue bliss!