Ultimate Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Tender, Juicy & Flavorful

Experience the magic of truly tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful pulled pork with this easy slow cooker recipe. Bathed in a rich, homemade sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, this dish promises the perfect BBQ pulled pork sandwich every time. Get ready for a weeknight hero that tastes like it cooked all day!

There’s nothing quite like the convenience and incredible results of cooking pork in a slow cooker. This method consistently delivers meat so tender it practically shreds itself, making it ideal for creating irresistible pulled pork sandwiches with minimal effort. Our slow cooker BBQ pulled pork recipe has been a treasured staple in our home for years, known for its consistent deliciousness and ease.

What sets this recipe apart is its simple yet robust homemade barbecue sauce. Crafted from readily available ingredients, this sauce comes together in less than 5 minutes. Once prepared, everything cooks effortlessly in your crock pot for a few hours, transforming a humble pork tenderloin into a culinary masterpiece. It’s truly one of the easiest ways to achieve restaurant-quality pulled pork right in your own kitchen!

Pork is a beloved protein in our household, cherished for its versatility and incredible flavor. Whether it’s the rich, melt-in-your-mouth Smoked Pork Belly we enjoy during summer gatherings, or the simple elegance of these Oven Baked Pork Chops, we are always eager to incorporate pork into our meals. This particular slow cooker BBQ pulled pork recipe holds a special place, as it’s been a family favorite ever since we first tried it shortly after getting married. It’s a testament to its enduring appeal and foolproof preparation.

Why the Slow Cooker is Your Best Friend for Pulled Pork

The slow cooker is an absolute game-changer when it comes to preparing pulled pork. Its low and slow cooking method breaks down tough connective tissues in the pork, rendering it incredibly tender and moist. This process allows the meat to absorb all the delicious flavors of the barbecue sauce, resulting in a deeply flavorful dish that simply falls apart with a fork. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it approach that guarantees a fantastic meal with minimal active cooking time, perfect for busy lifestyles.

The Secret to Incredible Flavor: Homemade BBQ Sauce

While you can certainly use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce, crafting your own for this recipe takes the flavor profile to an entirely new level. This homemade sauce is designed to be perfectly balanced – a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes with a hint of spice. It’s incredibly simple to whisk together in just a few minutes, proving that homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated. The fresh ingredients and customizable nature of this sauce truly elevate the pulled pork, making it an unforgettable experience.

Key Ingredients for Your Pulled Pork

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these incredible sandwiches. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pork Tenderloin: For this recipe, I highly recommend using a pork tenderloin. It’s a leaner cut that cooks relatively quickly and remains exceptionally tender and juicy. This makes it a fantastic choice for a faster slow-cooking experience.
• Ketchup: The base of our rich and savory BBQ sauce. We recommend a good quality ketchup for the best flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a crucial sweetness that balances the tanginess of the vinegar and mustard, creating that classic BBQ flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides the essential tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the pork and sugar, brightens the sauce, and contributes to the overall BBQ profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A deep, umami-rich ingredient that adds complexity and a savory depth to the sauce.
• Spicy Brown Mustard: Introduces a subtle warmth and a sharp, zesty note that enhances the overall flavor without being overly spicy.
• Black Pepper: A foundational seasoning that adds a touch of earthy spice.

As you can see, most of these ingredients are dedicated to crafting our delightful homemade barbecue sauce. This sauce is incredibly simple, striking a perfect balance between sweet and tangy. If you have a preferred store-bought BBQ sauce or even another cherished family recipe, feel free to substitute it – though we highly encourage you to try our homemade version for an unmatched flavor!

Step-by-Step: Making Delicious Pulled Pork

Creating these incredible pulled pork sandwiches is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering meal:

1. Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl or a liquid measuring cup, combine all the ingredients for the barbecue sauce: ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, spicy brown mustard, and black pepper. Whisk them together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar has dissolved. This takes less than 5 minutes and lays the foundation for your delicious pulled pork.
2. Place Pork in Slow Cooker: Carefully place the trimmed pork tenderloin into the base of your crockpot. Ensure it sits flat for even cooking.
3. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared homemade barbecue sauce evenly over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it’s fully coated. The sauce will permeate the meat as it cooks, infusing it with flavor.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours. Cooking on low heat allows the pork to slowly tenderize and become incredibly succulent without drying out. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and extends the cooking time.
5. Shred the Pork: Once the cooking time is complete, the pork should be fall-apart tender. Carefully remove the pork tenderloin from the slow cooker and place it on a clean cutting board or in a large shallow dish. Using two forks, easily shred the meat into desired pieces. It should pull apart with very little resistance.
6. Combine and Serve: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, tossing it gently with the remaining barbecue sauce in the pot. This ensures every strand of pork is coated in that delicious, rich sauce.

The Essential Sidekick: Creamy Coleslaw

While optional, adding a creamy, crunchy coleslaw to your pulled pork sandwich is highly recommended. It’s more than just a topping; it’s an integral part of the experience, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, warm pork. The coolness, creaminess, and crisp texture of the coleslaw elevate the entire sandwich, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying bite. Our simple coleslaw recipe is designed to be quick and easy, perfectly complementing the BBQ flavors.

Here’s what you’ll need for the coleslaw:

• Mayo: Forms the creamy base of the dressing, binding all the flavors together.
• Sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the tang of the lemon juice and vinegar.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, fresh acidity that perks up the dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Contributes a classic tangy flavor and a subtle sharpness to the coleslaw dressing.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.

To prepare the coleslaw, simply whisk together the mayo, sugar, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Then, add a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix and toss thoroughly to coat all the cabbage and carrots. Using a bagged coleslaw mix saves time and ensures a consistent texture, making this side dish incredibly easy to prepare. If you prefer, you can also finely chop fresh cabbage and carrots for a homemade touch. Store the prepared coleslaw in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your sandwiches, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to slightly soften.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with BBQ Pulled Pork

A delicious pulled pork sandwich deserves equally delicious sides. Here are some fantastic options that complement the rich, smoky, and tangy flavors of the pork:

• Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts: Crispy, savory, and a great way to add some green.
• Smoked Potatoes: For an extra layer of smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with BBQ.
• Lemon Herb Potato Salad: A refreshing and herbaceous potato salad that offers a bright contrast.
• Air Fryer Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and a classic pairing.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy, a summer classic that always works with BBQ.
• Baked Beans: A hearty and flavorful staple for any BBQ meal.
• Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting, a crowd-pleaser for sure.
• Pickle Spears: Their briny crunch offers a wonderful acidic counterpoint to the rich pork.

Choosing the Right Cut of Pork

This recipe specifically calls for a pork tenderloin, and there’s a good reason for that. While it can sometimes be slightly pricier than cuts like a pork shoulder (Boston butt) or pork loin roast, the tenderloin offers distinct advantages that make it worth the investment for this particular dish. A pork tenderloin cooks to a shreddable consistency in just about 5-6 hours on low, making it a quicker option for slow-cooked pulled pork. Its lean nature also means it stays incredibly tender and juicy, even if it happens to cook for a little bit longer than planned.

However, you absolutely can use a pork shoulder (also known as a Boston butt or pork butt) or a pork loin roast if you prefer. These cuts are traditionally used for pulled pork due to their higher fat content and connective tissue, which break down beautifully during long, slow cooking, resulting in exceptionally rich and moist meat. The main difference will be the cooking time. For a pork shoulder or loin, you will need to increase the cooking time significantly. For example, a typical Slow Cooker Pork Roast of these cuts often takes around 8-10 hours on low to achieve that desired fall-apart texture. Refer to the notes in the recipe card for specific adjustments to cooking times if you opt for a different cut of pork.

Expert Tips for the Best Pulled Pork

• Don’t Peek! Resist the urge to lift the lid of your slow cooker. Each time you open it, the temperature drops, and it takes about 20-30 minutes for the cooker to regain its heat, significantly extending your cooking time.
• Shredding Made Easy: If you have a stand mixer, you can use the paddle attachment to shred the pork directly in the mixing bowl. This is a super quick and efficient method, especially for larger batches. Just be careful not to over-shred.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, after shredding the pork and returning it to the slow cooker, you can remove some of the liquid. For an even thicker sauce, you can remove all the liquid, simmer it in a saucepan on the stovetop until reduced, then mix it back with the pork.
• Serving Temperature: Pulled pork is best served warm. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, keep it on the “warm” setting in your slow cooker until serving.

Make Ahead & Storage

Pulled pork is an excellent dish for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, as it reheats beautifully.

• Make Ahead: You can cook the pulled pork entirely a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator with its sauce. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too dry.
• Storage: Leftover pulled pork should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, pulled pork freezes exceptionally well. Place cooled pulled pork and its sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Delicious Dinner Recipes to Explore

If you loved this easy and flavorful slow cooker recipe, be sure to check out some of our other crowd-pleasing dinner ideas:

• Quick Texas Chili Recipe: A hearty and comforting classic perfect for any night.
• Chili Relleno Casserole: A cheesy, satisfying casserole inspired by the popular Mexican dish.
• Instant Pot Chicken Adobo: Flavorful Filipino chicken made quick in your Instant Pot.
• Chicken Caesar Wrap: A fresh and convenient meal for lunch or a light dinner.
• Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin: Another fantastic way to cook pork tenderloin with minimal fuss.
• Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps: A light, fresh, and customizable meal option.
• Southwest Egg Rolls: Crispy, spicy, and perfect as an appetizer or a fun dinner.
• Cheeseburger Pizza: Two comfort food favorites combined into one delicious dish.

4.56 from 9 votes

Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches

By
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!

Prep:

5 minutes
mins

Cook:

6 hours
hrs

Total:

6 hours
hrs
5 minutes
mins

Servings:
6

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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

• ▢
  
  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

• In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, spicy brown mustard, and black pepper until completely combined and smooth.
• Place the pork tenderloin into the base of your slow cooker. Evenly pour the prepared barbecue sauce over the top of the pork, ensuring it’s well coated.
• Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours. The pork should be fork-tender and easily shreddable.
• While the pork cooks, prepare the coleslaw. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayo, sugar, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper for the dressing until smooth. Add the coleslaw mix and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Store the coleslaw in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Once the pork is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a clean surface. Using two forks, shred the meat into desired bite-sized pieces. It should pull apart very easily.
• Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss it with the remaining barbecue sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Serve the delicious pulled pork warm on hamburger buns, topped generously with the prepared coleslaw.

Notes

If you choose to use a pork shoulder (Boston butt) or a pork loin roast instead of tenderloin, increase the cooking time to 8-10 hours on the LOW setting to ensure the meat becomes fall-apart tender.

This recipe has been adapted from a classic found in Light & Tasty magazine, 2006 edition.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
g

|

Calories:
464
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
56
g

|

Protein:
10
g

|

Fat:
23
g

|

Saturated Fat:
4
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
18
g

|

Cholesterol:
23
mg

|

Sodium:
1214
mg

|

Fiber:
3
g

|

Sugar:
29
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

5 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

6 hours
hours

Total Time:

6 hours
hours
5 minutes
minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
6

Calories:
464

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

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