The sweet and tangy flavors of barbecue pork sandwiches are a staple of summer gatherings and backyard cookouts. The tender, juicy pork, the crunchy coleslaw, and the soft, fluffy bun all come together to create a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. But what makes a truly great barbecue pork sandwich? Is it the type of pork used, the BBQ sauce, or the cooking method? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of barbecue pork sandwiches and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect, slow-cooked sandwich that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Choosing the Right Cut of Pork
When it comes to making barbecue pork sandwiches, the type of pork used is crucial. You want a cut that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The most popular cuts of pork for barbecue are the shoulder, butt, and picnic. These cuts are all relatively inexpensive and are perfect for slow-cooking.
Pork Shoulder: The Most Popular Choice
The pork shoulder is the most popular choice for barbecue pork sandwiches. It’s a tougher cut of meat that’s perfect for slow-cooking, and it’s relatively inexpensive. The pork shoulder is made up of two parts: the Boston butt and the picnic. The Boston butt is the upper portion of the shoulder, while the picnic is the lower portion.
Why Pork Shoulder is the Best Choice
So, why is the pork shoulder the best choice for barbecue pork sandwiches? Here are a few reasons:
- It’s tender and juicy: The pork shoulder is a tougher cut of meat that’s perfect for slow-cooking. When cooked low and slow, the connective tissues in the meat break down, making it tender and juicy.
- It’s full of flavor: The pork shoulder is a fatty cut of meat, which makes it perfect for absorbing all the flavors of the BBQ sauce.
- It’s relatively inexpensive: Compared to other cuts of pork, the shoulder is relatively inexpensive, making it a great choice for large gatherings.
Preparing the Pork
Now that we’ve chosen the right cut of pork, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Here are the steps to follow:
Trimming the Fat
The first step in preparing the pork is to trim the fat. You want to remove any excess fat from the surface of the meat, as this will help the BBQ sauce penetrate deeper into the meat.
Seasoning the Pork
Once the fat is trimmed, it’s time to season the pork. You can use a variety of seasonings, including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the seasonings all over the pork, making sure to coat it evenly.
Wrapping the Pork
After the pork is seasoned, it’s time to wrap it in foil. This will help keep the meat moist and promote even cooking.
Cooking the Pork
Now that the pork is prepared, it’s time to cook it. There are several ways to cook the pork, including grilling, smoking, and slow-cooking. For this recipe, we’ll be using a slow cooker.
Slow-Cooking the Pork
To slow-cook the pork, place it in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours. You can also cook it on high for 4-6 hours, but low and slow is the best way to go.
Why Slow-Cooking is the Best Method
Slow-cooking is the best method for cooking barbecue pork sandwiches because it allows the meat to cook evenly and absorb all the flavors of the BBQ sauce. Here are a few reasons why slow-cooking is the best method:
- It’s easy: Slow-cooking is a hands-off method that requires minimal effort. Simply place the pork in the slow cooker and let it cook.
- It’s tender: Slow-cooking breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and juicy.
- It’s full of flavor: Slow-cooking allows the meat to absorb all the flavors of the BBQ sauce, making it full of flavor.
Making the BBQ Sauce
Now that the pork is cooking, it’s time to make the BBQ sauce. There are several types of BBQ sauce, including vinegar-based, tomato-based, and mustard-based. For this recipe, we’ll be using a vinegar-based BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make the BBQ sauce:
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
To make the BBQ sauce, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Assembling the Sandwiches
Now that the pork is cooked and the BBQ sauce is made, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches. Here are the steps to follow:
Slicing the Pork
The first step in assembling the sandwiches is to slice the pork. You want to slice it thinly, so it’s easy to shred.
Shredding the Pork
Once the pork is sliced, it’s time to shred it. You can use two forks to shred the pork, or you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
Adding the BBQ Sauce
After the pork is shredded, it’s time to add the BBQ sauce. You want to add enough sauce to coat the pork evenly, but not so much that it’s dripping with sauce.
Assembling the Sandwiches
The final step in assembling the sandwiches is to add the pork to the bun. You can use a variety of buns, including soft, fluffy buns or crispy, crunchy buns. Add the pork to the bun, then top with coleslaw and pickles.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the perfect barbecue pork sandwiches:
- Use a variety of woods: If you’re smoking the pork, you can use a variety of woods to add different flavors. Popular woods include hickory, oak, and maple.
- Add some heat: If you like spicy food, you can add some heat to the BBQ sauce. Simply add a few dashes of hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha.
- Use a variety of toppings: You can use a variety of toppings to add different flavors to the sandwiches. Popular toppings include coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce.
In conclusion, making barbecue pork sandwiches is a simple process that requires minimal effort. By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you can create a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
What type of pork is best suited for barbecue pork sandwiches?
The best type of pork for barbecue pork sandwiches is typically a tougher cut, such as a pork shoulder or Boston butt. This type of meat is ideal because it becomes tender and falls apart easily when slow-cooked. The connective tissues in the meat break down during the cooking process, resulting in a juicy and flavorful final product.
When selecting a pork shoulder or Boston butt, look for a cut with a good balance of fat and lean meat. The fat will help keep the meat moist and add flavor during the cooking process. You can also consider using other tougher cuts of pork, such as a pork belly or picnic ham, but a pork shoulder or Boston butt is the most traditional choice.
What is the best way to season the pork for barbecue pork sandwiches?
The best way to season the pork for barbecue pork sandwiches is to use a dry rub or marinade that combines a blend of spices, herbs, and other flavorings. A dry rub typically includes ingredients such as paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt, while a marinade may include ingredients such as vinegar, oil, and hot sauce. You can also add other flavorings, such as onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, to the rub or marinade for added depth of flavor.
When applying the dry rub or marinade, make sure to coat the pork evenly and let it sit for a period of time to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This can range from a few hours to overnight, depending on the strength of the flavors and the type of pork you are using. You can also let the pork sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking to help the seasonings penetrate the meat.
What is the best cooking method for barbecue pork sandwiches?
The best cooking method for barbecue pork sandwiches is slow-cooking, either using a crock pot, oven, or smoker. Slow-cooking allows the pork to cook low and slow, breaking down the connective tissues and resulting in a tender and juicy final product. You can also use a combination of cooking methods, such as searing the pork in a pan before finishing it in the oven or crock pot.
When slow-cooking the pork, make sure to cook it to an internal temperature of at least 190°F to ensure food safety. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding or chopping it. This will help the juices redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
How do I shred or chop the pork for barbecue pork sandwiches?
The best way to shred or chop the pork for barbecue pork sandwiches is to use two forks to pull the meat apart into shreds. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a meat claw to shred the pork. If you prefer a more uniform texture, you can chop the pork into small pieces using a knife or meat chopper.
When shredding or chopping the pork, make sure to do it gently to avoid tearing the meat. You can also add a little bit of barbecue sauce or other liquid to the pork to help it shred more easily. If you are using a stand mixer or meat claw, be careful not to over-shred the pork, as it can become mushy and unappetizing.
What type of barbecue sauce is best for barbecue pork sandwiches?
The best type of barbecue sauce for barbecue pork sandwiches is a matter of personal preference, but a sweet and tangy sauce is typically the most popular choice. You can use a store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own using a combination of ingredients such as ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices.
When selecting a barbecue sauce, look for one that is thick and syrupy, as it will help to coat the pork evenly and add flavor. You can also add other ingredients to the sauce, such as hot sauce or honey, to give it a unique flavor. If you are making your own sauce, be sure to taste it as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
How do I assemble the barbecue pork sandwiches?
The best way to assemble the barbecue pork sandwiches is to place a generous portion of the shredded or chopped pork onto a bun, followed by a spoonful of barbecue sauce and any desired toppings. You can use a variety of buns, such as a soft bun or a crusty baguette, and add toppings such as coleslaw, pickles, and onions.
When assembling the sandwiches, make sure to handle the pork gently to avoid compacting it too much. You can also toast the buns on the grill or in the oven to give them a crispy texture and add flavor. If you are serving the sandwiches at a barbecue or picnic, consider setting up a toppings bar with a variety of options to let everyone customize their own sandwich.
Can I make barbecue pork sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can make barbecue pork sandwiches ahead of time, either by cooking the pork and refrigerating or freezing it, or by assembling the sandwiches and refrigerating or freezing them. If you are cooking the pork ahead of time, make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it, and reheat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F before serving.
If you are assembling the sandwiches ahead of time, make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them fresh. You can also consider making the pork and barbecue sauce ahead of time and storing them separately, then assembling the sandwiches just before serving. This will help to ensure that the sandwiches are fresh and flavorful.