Pulled pork sandwiches are a staple of American barbecue, and for good reason. The tender, juicy meat, the tangy barbecue sauce, and the soft, fluffy bun all come together to create a culinary masterpiece that’s hard to resist. But making the perfect pulled pork sandwich isn’t just about throwing some pork on a bun and calling it a day. It takes time, effort, and a little bit of know-how. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to make the ultimate pulled pork sandwich, from selecting the right cut of meat to adding the finishing touches.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to making pulled pork, the right cut of meat is essential. You want a cut that’s going to be tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The most popular cuts of meat for pulled pork are the pork shoulder and the pork butt. Both of these cuts are perfect for slow-cooking, which is essential for making tender, fall-apart pulled pork.
Pork Shoulder vs. Pork Butt
So, what’s the difference between a pork shoulder and a pork butt? The pork shoulder is a leaner cut of meat, which means it has less fat than the pork butt. This can make it slightly more challenging to cook, as it can dry out if it’s not cooked correctly. The pork butt, on the other hand, is a fattier cut of meat, which makes it more forgiving when it comes to cooking. The fat helps to keep the meat moist and tender, even when it’s cooked for a long time.
Why You Should Choose a Pork Butt
For this reason, we recommend choosing a pork butt for your pulled pork sandwich. The extra fat will help to keep the meat moist and tender, and it will also add more flavor to the finished dish. Plus, the pork butt is often less expensive than the pork shoulder, which makes it a more budget-friendly option.
Preparing the Meat
Once you’ve selected your pork butt, it’s time to start preparing it for cooking. The first step is to trim any excess fat from the surface of the meat. This will help the rub to penetrate the meat more evenly and will also make the finished dish less greasy.
Applying the Rub
Next, you’ll need to apply a rub to the meat. A rub is a mixture of spices and herbs that’s designed to add flavor to the meat. For pulled pork, you’ll want to use a rub that’s sweet, smoky, and tangy. You can either buy a pre-made rub or make your own using a combination of ingredients like brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
How to Apply the Rub
To apply the rub, simply sprinkle it evenly over the surface of the meat, making sure to coat all sides. You can also massage the rub into the meat to help it penetrate more evenly.
Cooking the Meat
Now that the meat is prepared, it’s time to start cooking it. There are several ways to cook pulled pork, including grilling, roasting, and slow-cooking. For this recipe, we’ll be using a slow cooker, as it’s the easiest and most convenient way to cook the meat.
Why You Should Use a Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is perfect for cooking pulled pork because it allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly over a long period of time. This helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and easy to shred. Plus, a slow cooker is easy to use and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy people.
How to Cook the Meat in a Slow Cooker
To cook the meat in a slow cooker, simply place it in the cooker and add your favorite barbecue sauce. Cook the meat on low for 8-10 hours, or until it’s tender and falls apart easily.
Shredding the Meat
Once the meat is cooked, it’s time to shred it. This is the fun part, as you get to see the meat transform from a tough, dense piece of meat into a tender, juicy pile of pulled pork.
How to Shred the Meat
To shred the meat, simply use two forks to pull it apart into bite-sized pieces. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the meat, which is a great way to get the job done quickly and easily.
Assembling the Sandwich
Now that the meat is shredded, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. This is the easiest part of the recipe, as all you need to do is pile the meat onto a bun and add your favorite toppings.
Choosing the Right Bun
For a pulled pork sandwich, you’ll want to use a soft, fluffy bun that’s sturdy enough to hold the meat and toppings. A brioche bun is a great option, as it’s soft and slightly sweet.
Adding Toppings
The toppings are where you can get creative with your pulled pork sandwich. Some popular toppings include coleslaw, pickles, barbecue sauce, and diced onions. You can also add some crispy bacon or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs to give the sandwich some extra flavor and texture.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your pulled pork sandwich to the next level:
- Use a variety of barbecue sauces to add different flavors to your sandwich. Some popular options include Kansas City-style, Carolina-style, and Alabama-style.
- Add some heat to your sandwich with a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Use a different type of meat, such as beef or chicken, to create a unique twist on the classic pulled pork sandwich.
- Add some crunchy texture to your sandwich with a few handfuls of crispy fried onions.
Conclusion
Making the perfect pulled pork sandwich takes time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. By following these steps and using a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and tender pulled pork sandwich that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So next time you’re in the mood for a tasty and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try and see for yourself why pulled pork sandwiches are a classic American favorite.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork butt | 2 pounds |
| Rub | 1/4 cup |
| Barbecue sauce | 1 cup |
| Buns | 4-6 |
| Coleslaw | 1 cup |
| Pickles | 1 cup |
| Diced onions | 1/2 cup |
| Bacon | 4-6 slices |
| Chopped fresh herbs | 1/4 cup |
- Trim any excess fat from the surface of the meat.
- Apply the rub to the meat, making sure to coat all sides evenly.
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What is the best type of pork to use for pulled pork sandwiches?
The best type of pork to use for pulled pork sandwiches is a boneless pork shoulder, also known as a Boston butt. This cut of meat is ideal because it is tender, juicy, and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. The fat content helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process.
When selecting a pork shoulder, look for one that is around 2-3 pounds in size. This will provide enough meat for 4-6 pulled pork sandwiches, depending on serving sizes. You can also use a larger or smaller pork shoulder, but keep in mind that the cooking time will vary accordingly.
How do I prepare the pork shoulder for cooking?
To prepare the pork shoulder for cooking, start by seasoning it with a dry rub of your choice. This can include a combination of spices, herbs, and other ingredients such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
Next, let the pork shoulder sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat. This step is important because it helps to create a flavorful crust on the outside of the pork shoulder during cooking. After the pork shoulder has sat for 30 minutes, it is ready to be cooked.
What is the best way to cook a pork shoulder for pulled pork sandwiches?
The best way to cook a pork shoulder for pulled pork sandwiches is to use a low and slow cooking method. This can be achieved by using a slow cooker, oven, or smoker. Cooking the pork shoulder low and slow helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and easy to shred.
Regardless of the cooking method you choose, make sure to cook the pork shoulder to an internal temperature of at least 190°F. This will ensure that the meat is safe to eat and tender enough to shred easily. Once the pork shoulder is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it with two forks.
How do I shred the cooked pork shoulder?
To shred the cooked pork shoulder, use two forks to pull the meat apart into tender, juicy strands. Start by inserting the forks into the meat and gently pulling them apart. Continue to shred the meat until it is all pulled apart and there are no large chunks remaining.
It’s also possible to use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the pork shoulder. Simply place the cooked pork shoulder in the mixer bowl and beat it with the paddle attachment until it is shredded to your liking. This method is faster and easier than using two forks, but it can also be more messy.
What is the best type of barbecue sauce to use for pulled pork sandwiches?
The best type of barbecue sauce to use for pulled pork sandwiches is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, while others like a thicker, more robust sauce. You can use a store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own using a combination of ingredients such as ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.
When choosing a barbecue sauce, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. If you want a sweeter pulled pork sandwich, choose a barbecue sauce with a higher sugar content. If you prefer a tangier pulled pork sandwich, choose a barbecue sauce with a higher vinegar content.
How do I assemble the perfect pulled pork sandwich?
To assemble the perfect pulled pork sandwich, start by placing a generous portion of shredded pork onto a bun. You can use a soft, white bun or a more rustic, crusty bun, depending on your preference. Next, add a few spoonfuls of barbecue sauce on top of the pork, followed by any desired toppings such as coleslaw, pickles, or onions.
Finally, place the top bun on the sandwich and serve immediately. You can also toast the buns on a grill or in a toaster before assembling the sandwich for a crispy texture. Consider using a bun with a slightly sweet flavor to balance out the tanginess of the barbecue sauce.
Can I make pulled pork sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can make pulled pork sandwiches ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pork shoulder and shred it just before serving. This ensures that the meat is tender and juicy, and that the flavors are at their best. However, you can cook the pork shoulder ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
If you need to make pulled pork sandwiches ahead of time, consider cooking the pork shoulder a day or two in advance and refrigerating it overnight. Then, shred the meat and assemble the sandwiches just before serving. You can also freeze the cooked pork shoulder for up to 3 months and thaw it when you’re ready to make pulled pork sandwiches.