Ultimate Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Tender, Juicy, and Flavorful
Experience the unparalleled taste of slow-cooked perfection with these Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Our recipe delivers incredibly tender, juicy pork, bathed in a sweet and tangy homemade barbecue sauce, creating the ultimate BBQ pulled pork sandwich that’s sure to become a family favorite.
The slow cooker is an absolute game-changer when it comes to preparing pork. It effortlessly transforms cuts of pork into unbelievably tender, fall-apart meat with minimal effort, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights or when you simply want a delicious meal without constant monitoring. This slow cooker BBQ pulled pork recipe has been a beloved staple in our home for years, consistently delivering mouthwatering results everyone raves about.
What makes this recipe truly special is its fantastic homemade barbecue sauce. Crafted with everyday pantry staples, it comes together in less than 5 minutes. Once the sauce is mixed, everything simmers together in the crock pot for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the pork to reach peak tenderness. It truly couldn’t be simpler to achieve such a rich and satisfying meal!
Pork is a star protein in our household, cherished for its versatility and incredible flavor. Whether it’s Smoked Pork Belly during the summer grilling season, offering an exceptionally rich and indulgent experience, or simple yet satisfying Oven Baked Pork Chops for a quick meal, we are huge fans of every cut. I first started making this slow cooker BBQ pulled pork recipe shortly after getting married, and its enduring popularity in our home speaks volumes about its deliciousness and ease.
Why This Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe Works Wonders
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. The slow cooker method is perfect for breaking down the pork fibers, ensuring every shred is incredibly tender and succulent. The homemade barbecue sauce is carefully balanced with sweetness from brown sugar, tang from apple cider vinegar, and depth from Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich flavor profile that perfectly complements the pork. Plus, it’s incredibly hands-off, allowing you to go about your day while your dinner cooks itself to perfection.
Imagine coming home to the aroma of savory barbecue pork simmering in your kitchen. This is the magic of slow cooking! It not only saves you time but also infuses the meat with deep, consistent flavor that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods. This recipe truly takes the stress out of meal prep and delivers a crowd-pleasing dish every time.
Key Ingredients for Your Pulled Pork
Creating these delicious pulled pork sandwiches requires a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry for the homemade barbecue sauce. Here’s a breakdown:
- Pork Tenderloin: Our preferred cut for this recipe. It cooks relatively quickly in the slow cooker and remains wonderfully tender and juicy. While a pork shoulder or pork loin can also be used, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly for those cuts (see notes in the recipe card for guidance).
- Ketchup: Forms the sweet and tangy base of our homemade BBQ sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that balances the tanginess of the other sauce ingredients.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Crucial for that signature tangy kick in barbecue sauce, it also helps tenderize the pork.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a deep, savory, umami flavor that adds complexity to the sauce.
- Spicy Brown Mustard: Offers a subtle warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor without making the sauce overly spicy.
- Black Pepper: A foundational seasoning that rounds out the flavors.
The majority of these ingredients are dedicated to crafting our irresistible homemade barbecue sauce. This sauce is incredibly straightforward to prepare, offering a harmonious blend of sweetness and tang that perfectly coats the pork. If you have a preferred store-bought barbecue sauce or another homemade recipe you adore, feel free to substitute it. However, we highly recommend giving our simple sauce a try – it truly elevates the dish!
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Making these slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for tender, flavor-packed results:
- Prepare the Homemade BBQ Sauce: In a bowl or a liquid measuring cup, combine all the sauce ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, spicy brown mustard, and black pepper. Whisk them together thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined and the sauce is smooth. This quick step is key to building the amazing flavor.
- Set Up the Slow Cooker: Place your trimmed pork tenderloin directly into the base of your crockpot. Then, pour the freshly mixed homemade barbecue sauce evenly over the pork, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker and cook on the “low” setting for 5 to 6 hours. The extended cooking time at a low temperature is what makes the pork incredibly tender and easy to shred. Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently, as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked through and fork-tender, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Using two forks, easily shred the meat into tender strands. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it with the remaining barbecue sauce to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated and infused with flavor.
- Assemble and Serve: Pile the warm, shredded BBQ pork onto hamburger buns. For the ultimate experience, don’t forget to top generously with our creamy coleslaw (recipe below)!
The Perfect Partner: Creamy Coleslaw for Pulled Pork
While the pulled pork is undoubtedly the star, a well-made coleslaw is not just an optional topping – it’s an essential component that truly completes the sandwich experience. This simple coleslaw adds a delightful cool, creamy, and crunchy contrast to the warm, rich, and tender pulled pork. It cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing bite that makes each mouthful incredibly satisfying.
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy coleslaw dressing:
- Mayo: Creates the creamy base for the dressing.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the tang.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides another layer of tanginess, complementing the BBQ sauce.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
To prepare, simply mix all the dressing ingredients (mayo, sugar, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper) together in a bowl until smooth. Once the dressing is ready, toss it with a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix. This pre-packaged mix is perfectly portioned and makes preparation incredibly quick and easy. Of course, you can always finely chop your own cabbage if you prefer, but the bagged mix is a fantastic shortcut for busy cooks. Store the coleslaw in the fridge until you’re ready to serve your sandwiches.
Delicious Side Dishes for Barbecue Pulled Pork
While a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw is a meal in itself, pairing it with some complementary side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts: Crispy, flavorful, and a great way to add a green vegetable to your meal.
- Smoked Potatoes: Infused with smoky flavor, these potatoes offer a hearty and delicious accompaniment.
- Lemon Herb Potato Salad: A refreshing and zesty potato salad that provides a lighter contrast to the rich pork.
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these are a perfect easy-to-make comfort food side.
- Corn on the Cob: A classic BBQ side that’s sweet and juicy.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory, baked beans are a quintessential pairing for pulled pork.
- Pickle Spears: The briny crunch of pickles adds another layer of flavor and texture that’s highly recommended.
Choosing the Right Cut of Pork for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This recipe specifically calls for a pork tenderloin, which we find yields fantastic results. Pork tenderloin is a lean and incredibly tender cut of meat that cooks relatively quickly in the slow cooker, usually in about 5 to 6 hours. It stays super juicy and forgiving, even if it cooks for a little bit longer than intended, making it an excellent choice for this recipe.
However, you absolutely can use other cuts of pork for pulled pork, such as a pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt) or a pork loin roast. When using these cuts, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time significantly. Pork shoulder, with its higher fat content and connective tissue, benefits from longer, slower cooking to break down and become fall-apart tender. For a pork shoulder or a larger pork loin, expect to cook it for 8-10 hours on low. Our recipe for Slow Cooker Pork Roast, for example, typically takes around 9 hours. These cuts will also give you that classic, rich pulled pork flavor due to their fat marbling. Whichever cut you choose, ensure it’s fork-tender before shredding. Always refer to the notes in the recipe card for specific cooking time adjustments based on your chosen cut of pork.
Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork Every Time
- Don’t Overfill Your Slow Cooker: For best results, your slow cooker should be between half and two-thirds full. If it’s too full, it might not cook evenly; if too empty, it could dry out.
- Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended): For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful crust, consider searing the pork tenderloin in a hot pan with a little oil for a few minutes on all sides before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Adjust Sauce Sweetness/Tanginess: Taste the barbecue sauce before adding it to the slow cooker. If you prefer it sweeter, add more brown sugar. For more tang, a splash more apple cider vinegar can be added.
- Shredding Techniques: You can shred the pork right in the slow cooker using two forks, allowing it to soak up more sauce. For larger batches, you can also use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the meat quickly.
- Rest the Pork: After cooking, letting the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding can help redistribute the juices, making it even more tender.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover pulled pork is fantastic for meal prep or quick future meals! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Pulled pork freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Gently reheat the pulled pork in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or extra barbecue sauce if it seems dry, until heated through.
- Microwave: For individual servings, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot.
- Slow Cooker: For larger quantities, you can reheat in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting until thoroughly heated.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes
Looking for other inspiring dinner ideas? Explore these fantastic recipes to add variety to your meal rotation:
- Texas Chili Recipe
- Chili Relleno Casserole
- Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
- Chicken Caesar Wrap
- Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Southwest Egg Rolls
- Cheeseburger Pizza
Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Erin Sellin
Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches – slow cooker pulled pork that is tender, juicy and delicious. Cooked in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce for the perfect bbq pulled pork sandwich!
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Whisks
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin, trimmed (about 1 pound)
- 1 1/2 cups Ketchup
- 3 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 3 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon Spicy Brown Mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Coleslaw Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 oz bag of coleslaw mix
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and pepper until well combined.
- Place pork in the base of the crockpot, pour sauce over the top.
- Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
- Meanwhile prepare the coleslaw by mixing together the mayo, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper together in a bowl. Add coleslaw mix and toss to combine. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
- Once the pork is cooked, use 2 forks to shred the meat.
- Serve on buns topped with coleslaw.
Notes
If using pork shoulder or a pork loin, increase the time to 8-10 hours on low.
Adapted from Light & Tasty 2006.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 464kcal |
Carbohydrates: 56g |
Protein: 10g |
Fat: 23g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g |
Cholesterol: 23mg |
Sodium: 1214mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 29g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
I’ve created a fun and engaging community on Facebook, and I would absolutely love for you to join us! It’s the perfect place to share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and stay up-to-date with all the new delicious content from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so you’ll never miss a new recipe)! If this sounds like your kind of community, you can request to join HERE.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU create!
Connect with Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts!
Stay in the loop and never miss a post by following me on my social media channels:
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram