Savory Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Sandwiches
By Chef Ed

When it comes to bold, hearty comfort food that feeds a crowd and satisfies every taste bud, few dishes rival the charm of pulled pork. This classic Southern-inspired dish boasts rich flavor, tender texture, and versatile presentation, making it a staple for family dinners, backyard barbecues, and casual weekend indulgence. Chef Ed’s method stays true to the roots—slow-cooked to perfection, seasoned just right, and piled high on a toasted bun with slaw and pickles.

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork:

  • 4–5 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powderpulled pork, pulled pork recipe, chef ed, slow cooked pork, pork shoulder, southern bbq, bbq sandwiches, sandwich recipe, meat recipe, comfort food, pork rub, easy dinner, coleslaw sandwich, bbq sauce, smoked pork, homemade pulled pork, crockpot pork, Dutch oven pork, pork meal prep, hearty meal, picnic food, backyard bbq, toasted bun, tangy bbq, vinegar sauce, slow cook, weekend recipes, pork nutrition, high protein meal, protein rich dinner, Chef Ed recipes, food for crowd, classic sandwich, meat lovers meal, budget friendly dinner, slow roasted pork, pork with slaw, savory sandwich, pork roast, tailgate food, pork meal, party food, pork sandwich ideas, Sunday dinner, shredded pork sandwich, sweet and smoky pork, home cooked pork, pork comfort food
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Sandwiches:

  • 8 brioche or potato buns
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (Chef Ed recommends a tangy vinegar-based sauce)
  • Pickles, sliced
  • Coleslaw (homemade or store-bought)
  • Butter for toasting buns

Instructions

1. Season & Sear
Start by trimming excess fat from the pork shoulder, but keep enough for flavor. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Rub the seasoning mix evenly all over the pork. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to absorb flavor.

2. Slow Cook for Tenderness
Place the pork shoulder into a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce around (not on top of) the meat. Cook on low for 8–10 hours (or high for 5–6), until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.

3. Shred and Sauce
Transfer the cooked pork to a cutting board and shred with two forks, discarding any fatty bits. Return the meat to the pot and mix with juices or strain and add BBQ sauce depending on your texture preference. Let it rest in the sauce for 15–20 minutes on warm.

4. Toast the Buns
Butter the inside of each bun and toast in a skillet until golden. This step keeps the bun from getting soggy and adds a toasty flavor.

5. Assemble the Sandwich
Layer each bun with a generous heap of pulled pork, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, a scoop of coleslaw, and a few pickle slices. Cap it with the top bun and press gently.

Health Benefits

While pulled pork is undeniably indulgent, it’s also a great source of protein, iron, and B-vitamins. When slow-cooked, it requires little added fat, and apple cider vinegar helps tenderize the meat while offering a blood sugar-friendly edge. Serving with slaw adds a fiber-rich, crunchy vegetable element to balance the richness.

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  • Leftovers? Use the pulled pork in tacos, omelets, or over baked potatoes.
  • No Slow Cooker? Use a 300°F oven in a covered Dutch oven for the same slow-braised effect.
  • Slaw Upgrade: Try apple slaw or spicy jalapeño slaw to complement the pork’s smokiness.

Why It Works
This pulled pork sandwich hits all the right notes: smoky, tangy, savory, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s a dish that brings people together, rewards patience with incredible flavor, and leaves everyone full and smiling.

References

  • USDA FoodData Central. (2024). Pork Shoulder Nutritional Information.
  • Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2023). The Nutrition Source: Protein. Harvard.edu
  • American Heart Association. (2023). Tips for Healthy Cooking Methods