Pulled pork sandwiches are a classic American dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a family gathering, or a quick weeknight dinner. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, especially when you use a crock pot. In this article, we’ll show you how to make mouth-watering pulled pork sandwiches in a crock pot, with a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.
The Benefits of Using a Crock Pot
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why using a crock pot is the perfect way to make pulled pork sandwiches. Here are just a few benefits:
- Convenience: A crock pot allows you to cook your pulled pork while you’re busy with other things, like work or taking care of the kids. Just throw all the ingredients in the pot, turn it on, and let it cook all day.
- Tender meat: The low heat and moisture of a crock pot make it perfect for cooking tougher cuts of meat, like pork shoulder. The result is tender, fall-apart meat that’s perfect for shredding and serving on a bun.
- Easy cleanup: Crock pots are a breeze to clean, especially compared to traditional cooking methods like grilling or pan-frying. Just throw all the ingredients in the pot, cook, and then wash it out when you’re done.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to making pulled pork sandwiches, the right cut of meat is crucial. You want a cut that’s tough enough to hold up to long, slow cooking, but tender enough to shred easily. Here are a few options:
- Pork shoulder: This is the most popular cut of meat for pulled pork, and for good reason. It’s tough, flavorful, and has a lot of connective tissue that breaks down beautifully during cooking.
- Pork butt: This cut is similar to pork shoulder, but it’s a bit fattier and more tender. It’s a great option if you want a slightly more indulgent pulled pork sandwich.
- Pork picnic shoulder: This cut is a bit leaner than pork shoulder or pork butt, but it’s still plenty tender and flavorful.
What to Look for When Buying Pork
When buying pork for your pulled pork sandwiches, there are a few things to look for:
- Freshness: Make sure the pork is fresh and has a good color. Avoid pork that’s pale or has a strange smell.
- Marbling: Look for pork with a good amount of marbling, or fat, throughout. This will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Size: Choose a pork shoulder or butt that’s around 2-3 pounds. This will give you enough meat for 4-6 pulled pork sandwiches.
The Basic Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of using a crock pot and the right cut of meat, let’s talk about the basic recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2-3 pound pork shoulder or butt
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup beer (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4-6 hamburger buns
- Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions
Here’s how to make the pulled pork:
- Season the pork: Rub the pork shoulder or butt with the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the pork to the crock pot: Place the seasoned pork in the crock pot and add the barbecue sauce and beer (if using).
- Cook the pork: Cook the pork on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- Shred the pork: After the pork is cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve: Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns with coleslaw (if desired).
Adding Some Extra Flavor
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, there are a few ways you can add some extra flavor to your pulled pork sandwiches. Here are a few ideas:
- Onions and garlic: Add some sliced onions and minced garlic to the crock pot with the pork. This will add a depth of flavor and some extra sweetness.
- Bell peppers: Add some sliced bell peppers to the crock pot with the pork. This will add a bit of crunch and some extra flavor.
- Jalapenos: If you like a little heat in your pulled pork, add some sliced jalapenos to the crock pot with the pork.
- Bourbon: Add a tablespoon or two of bourbon to the crock pot with the pork. This will add a rich, depth of flavor and some extra moisture.
Some Popular Pulled Pork Variations
Here are a few popular pulled pork variations you might want to try:
- Carolina-style pulled pork: This style of pulled pork is popular in the Carolinas and features a vinegar-based sauce. To make it, simply add some apple cider vinegar to the crock pot with the pork and barbecue sauce.
- Kansas City-style pulled pork: This style of pulled pork is popular in Kansas City and features a thick, sweet tomato-based sauce. To make it, simply add some ketchup and brown sugar to the crock pot with the pork and barbecue sauce.
- Memphis-style pulled pork: This style of pulled pork is popular in Memphis and features a sweet, tangy sauce. To make it, simply add some barbecue sauce and honey to the crock pot with the pork.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pulled Pork Sandwich
Here are a few tips for making the perfect pulled pork sandwich:
- Use a good bun: A good bun is essential for a great pulled pork sandwich. Look for a bun that’s soft and lightly toasted.
- Add some toppings: Consider adding some toppings to your pulled pork sandwich, like coleslaw, pickles, or barbecue sauce.
- Use a thermometer: Make sure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 190°F.
- Let it rest: Let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it. This will help the juices redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
Some Popular Toppings for Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Here are a few popular toppings for pulled pork sandwiches:
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw is a classic topping for pulled pork sandwiches.
- Pickles: Thinly sliced dill pickles are a great addition to pulled pork sandwiches.
- Barbecue sauce: Add some extra barbecue sauce to your pulled pork sandwich for a boost of flavor.
- Onions: Thinly sliced onions are a great addition to pulled pork sandwiches.
Conclusion
Making pulled pork sandwiches in a crock pot is a simple and delicious way to feed a crowd. With a few basic ingredients and some simple cooking techniques, you can create tender, flavorful pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or just eating on its own. Whether you’re a pulled pork newbie or a seasoned pro, we hope this article has given you some inspiration and ideas for making the perfect pulled pork sandwich.
What is the ideal cut of meat for making pulled pork in a Crock Pot?
The ideal cut of meat for making pulled pork in a Crock Pot 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 and flavorful. You can choose either a boneless or bone-in pork shoulder, but boneless is generally easier to work with.
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 size. You can also use a larger or smaller pork shoulder, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I prepare the pork shoulder for cooking in the Crock Pot?
To prepare the pork shoulder for cooking in the Crock Pot, start by seasoning the meat with your desired spices and rubs. You can use a store-bought seasoning blend or create your own using a combination of salt, pepper, brown sugar, and other spices. Rub the seasoning 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 it 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.
How long does it take to cook pulled pork in a Crock Pot?
The cooking time for pulled pork in a Crock Pot will depend on the size of the pork shoulder and the desired level of tenderness. Generally, a 2-3 pound pork shoulder will take around 8-10 hours to cook on low or 4-6 hours to cook on high. You can check the meat for tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part of the shoulder. If it slides in easily, the meat is done.
It’s also important to note that the pork shoulder will continue to cook a bit after it is removed from the Crock Pot, so it’s better to err on the side of undercooking than overcooking. If you prefer a more tender pulled pork, you can cook the shoulder for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
What is the best way to shred the cooked pork shoulder?
The best way to shred the cooked pork shoulder is to use two forks to pull the meat apart into tender, juicy strands. Start by removing the pork shoulder from the Crock Pot and letting it cool for a few minutes. Then, use two forks to gently pull the meat apart, working from the thickest part of the shoulder outward.
As you shred the meat, you can also use a bit of barbecue sauce or broth to help keep the meat moist and add extra flavor. Simply drizzle the sauce over the shredded meat and toss to coat. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to shred the meat, but be careful not to overmix.
How do I assemble the pulled pork sandwiches?
To assemble the pulled pork sandwiches, start by spooning the shredded meat onto a bun or roll. You can use a soft, fluffy bun or a crusty roll, depending on your preference. Next, add your desired toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, and barbecue sauce.
You can also add some extra flavor to the sandwiches by sprinkling a bit of seasoning or rub over the top of the meat. Some popular options include paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. Finally, serve the sandwiches immediately and enjoy!
Can I make pulled pork sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can make pulled pork sandwiches ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving. You can cook the pork shoulder and shred the meat up to a day in advance, then store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
To reheat the shredded meat, simply place it in the Crock Pot or a saucepan over low heat and add a bit of barbecue sauce or broth to keep it moist. You can also reheat the meat in the microwave or oven, but be careful not to overheat it.
What are some popular variations on traditional pulled pork sandwiches?
There are many popular variations on traditional pulled pork sandwiches, including Carolina-style pulled pork, which is made with a vinegar-based sauce, and Kansas City-style pulled pork, which is made with a thick, sweet tomato-based sauce. You can also add some extra flavor to the sandwiches by using different types of barbecue sauce or rubs.
Some other popular variations include pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw and pickles, pulled pork sandwiches with grilled onions and bell peppers, and pulled pork sandwiches with a spicy kick from hot sauce or red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different types of buns or rolls, such as pretzel buns or ciabatta rolls.