Slow-Cooked Perfection: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pulled Pork Sandwiches in a Crock Pot

Pulled pork sandwiches are a classic American dish that’s perfect for casual gatherings, picnics, and barbecues. The tender, juicy meat and the tangy, sweet flavors are a match made in heaven. While traditional pulled pork recipes require hours of grilling or smoking, you can achieve the same delicious results using a crock pot. In this article, we’ll show you how to make mouth-watering pulled pork sandwiches in a crock pot, complete with a step-by-step guide, tips, and tricks.

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

When it comes to making pulled pork, the right cut of meat is crucial. You want a cut that’s rich in connective tissue, which will break down during the slow-cooking process, resulting in tender, fall-apart meat. The most popular cuts for pulled pork are:

Pork Shoulder

Also known as a Boston butt or pork butt, this cut is ideal for pulled pork. It’s a tougher cut, which means it’s perfect for slow-cooking. The pork shoulder has a good balance of fat and lean meat, which will keep it moist and flavorful during the cooking process.

Pork Loin

While not as traditional as pork shoulder, pork loin can also be used for pulled pork. It’s a leaner cut, so it may require a bit more attention to prevent drying out. However, with the right seasonings and cooking time, pork loin can still produce delicious results.

Preparing the Meat and Crock Pot

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients and equipment:

• 2-3 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin
• 1/4 cup barbecue rub
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (optional)
• 4-6 hamburger buns
• Coleslaw (optional)
• Pickles (optional)

Seasoning the Meat

In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue rub, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, making sure to coat it evenly.

Preparing the Crock Pot

Place the seasoned pork in the crock pot, fat side up. If using a pork loin, you may need to trim some of the excess fat to prevent it from becoming too greasy.

Cooking the Pulled Pork

Cook the pork on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. You can cook it overnight and wake up to tender, juicy meat. If you prefer a crisper texture, you can broil the pork for 10-15 minutes after cooking.

Shredding the Meat

Once the pork is cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the meat quickly and easily.

Adding Barbecue Sauce (Optional)

If you want to add a bit of sweetness and tanginess to your pulled pork, you can add 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help the sauce penetrate the meat and add flavor.

Assembling the Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Now it’s time to assemble the pulled pork sandwiches. You’ll need:

• 4-6 hamburger buns
• Pulled pork
• Coleslaw (optional)
• Pickles (optional)

Building the Sandwiches

Place a generous amount of pulled pork onto each bun. Top with coleslaw, pickles, or any other toppings you like.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to take your pulled pork sandwiches to the next level:

Using Different Types of Wood

If you want to add a smoky flavor to your pulled pork, you can use different types of wood chips or chunks in your crock pot. Some popular options include hickory, applewood, and cherry wood.

Adding Aromatics

Onions, carrots, and celery are all great aromatics that can add depth and flavor to your pulled pork. Simply chop them up and add them to the crock pot with the pork.

Using Different Types of Barbecue Sauce

While traditional barbecue sauce is great, you can also experiment with different types of sauce, such as Kansas City-style, Carolina-style, or Alabama-style.

Adding Some Heat

If you like spicy food, you can add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the pulled pork for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Making pulled pork sandwiches in a crock pot is a simple and delicious way to feed a crowd. With the right cut of meat, seasonings, and cooking time, you can achieve tender, juicy meat that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or tacos. Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado or just a casual cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the slow-cooked perfection of pulled pork sandwiches.

What is the ideal cut of meat for pulled pork sandwiches?

The ideal cut of meat for pulled pork sandwiches is a pork shoulder or Boston butt. This cut is perfect for slow-cooking because it is tender, juicy, and has a good amount of fat, which helps to keep the meat moist during the cooking process. You can choose either a boneless or bone-in pork shoulder, but boneless is often preferred for easier shredding.

When selecting a pork shoulder, look for one that is around 2-3 pounds in size. This will yield enough meat for 4-6 pulled pork sandwiches, depending on serving sizes. You can also choose a larger or smaller pork shoulder, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I prepare the pork shoulder for slow-cooking?

To prepare the pork shoulder for slow-cooking, start by seasoning the meat with your desired spices and rubs. You can use a store-bought rub or create your own blend using ingredients like brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.

Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork shoulder on all sides until it is browned. This step is optional but helps to create a crispy crust on the outside of the meat. Once the pork shoulder is browned, place it in the Crock Pot and add your desired cooking liquid, such as barbecue sauce or broth.

What is the best cooking liquid for pulled pork sandwiches?

The best cooking liquid for pulled pork sandwiches is a matter of personal preference. Some popular options include barbecue sauce, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar. You can use one or a combination of these liquids to create a rich and flavorful sauce.

When choosing a cooking liquid, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. Barbecue sauce will give your pulled pork a sweet and tangy flavor, while beef broth will add a more savory flavor. Apple cider vinegar will add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. You can also add other ingredients like onions, garlic, and spices to the cooking liquid for added flavor.

How long does it take to cook pulled pork sandwiches in a Crock Pot?

The cooking time for pulled pork sandwiches in a Crock Pot will depend on the size of the pork shoulder and the desired level of tenderness. As a general rule, cook the pork shoulder on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

It’s essential to check the pork shoulder for tenderness after 6-8 hours of cooking. If it is not tender, continue to cook it in 30-minute increments until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork shoulder, which should reach 190°F for tender and juicy meat.

How do I shred the cooked pork shoulder?

To shred the cooked pork shoulder, use two forks to pull the meat apart into tender and juicy strands. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a meat shredder to shred the pork shoulder.

When shredding the pork shoulder, be gentle to avoid tearing the meat. You can also add a little bit of the cooking liquid to the shredded meat to keep it moist and flavorful. Once the pork shoulder is shredded, it’s ready to be served on a bun with your favorite toppings.

What are some popular toppings for pulled pork sandwiches?

Some popular toppings for pulled pork sandwiches include coleslaw, pickles, barbecue sauce, and diced onions. You can also add other toppings like jalapeños, cilantro, and avocado to give your pulled pork sandwiches a unique flavor.

When choosing toppings, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. Coleslaw and pickles will add a cool and crunchy texture, while barbecue sauce will add a sweet and tangy flavor. Diced onions will add a savory flavor, while jalapeños will add a spicy kick.

Can I make pulled pork sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes, you can make pulled pork sandwiches ahead of time. In fact, the pork shoulder will become even more tender and flavorful after it has been refrigerated or frozen.

To make pulled pork sandwiches ahead of time, cook the pork shoulder in the Crock Pot and then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the pork shoulder in the Crock Pot or in the oven until it’s warm and tender. You can also shred the pork shoulder ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.