When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the deliciousness of smoked pulled pork sandwiches. The tender, juicy meat, infused with rich smoky flavors, combines perfectly with a crunchy, fresh coleslaw and a tangy barbecue sauce. Best of all, this mouthwatering treat is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal choice for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, or even a cozy meal at home.
Moreover, the process of preparing these delightful pulled pork sandwiches can be both rewarding and fun. From choosing the right cut of meat to mastering the smoking technique, every step enhances the overall experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a novice home cook, the joy of creating this savory dish is sure to impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients for Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches:
For these mouthwatering smoked pulled pork sandwiches, you will need:
Pulled Pork:
– 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in pork butt
– 1 1/2 cups apple juice, divided
– 4 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
– 1/4 cup Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub, divided, plus more to taste
Coleslaw:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons white vinegar
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
– 1/2 medium green cabbage, shredded
– 1/2 medium purple cabbage, shredded
– 2 large carrots, shredded
For Serving:
– 4 burger buns
– Dill pickles
Once you have these ingredients ready, the preparation will be seamless! If you love smoky flavors, you might also enjoy exploring alternative recipes like these pulled pork sliders. Dive into them for another delicious take on a classic barbecue treat!
How to Prepare:
Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any gathering. Begin by preparing the pulled pork. Trim the excess fat from an 8-10 lb bone-in pork butt, leaving a ¼-inch fat cap. Preheat your Traeger grill to 250°F. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of apple juice, brown sugar, salt, and Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub and inject this mixture into the pork. Season the outer layer with the remaining rub. Place the pork directly on the grill, cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F—about 6 hours.
Next, increase the grill temperature to 275°F. Wrap the pork in foil, adding the remaining ½ cup of apple juice before sealing it tightly. Cook for another 3 hours until it hits 205°F. While that’s happening, whip up a creamy coleslaw by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, and seasoning with shredded cabbages and carrots.
Finally, shred the pork, discarding any bone and excess fat. Mix with Traeger Sweet & Heat Barbecue Sauce for added flavor. For serving, load the bottom half of burger buns with the succulent pork, top with coleslaw, and finish with dill pickles. For more delicious variations, check out Pulled Pork Sliders to tantalize your taste buds!
Essential Tips for Perfecting Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches:
To achieve mouthwatering smoked pulled pork sandwiches, proper preparation is vital. Start with a quality cut of pork, like a shoulder or butt, which benefits from low and slow cooking. Season generously with a flavorful dry rub. While smoking, maintain a consistent temperature between 225°F and 250°F for the best results. Additionally, wrapping your meat in foil during the cooking process can help retain moisture, ensuring tender, juicy pork.
Don’t forget to let the smoked pork rest after cooking; this step enhances flavor and tenderness. Once ready to assemble, opt for toasted buns to add texture. For an exciting variation, consider trying leftovers in delicious recipes, such as pulled pork sliders. For detailed guidance on smoked pulled pork, visit Fork Knife Swoon. These tips will elevate your sandwiches from ordinary to extraordinary!
Serving Suggestions for Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches:
Smoked pulled pork sandwiches are wonderfully versatile. To enhance your meal, consider adding a fresh coleslaw for a crunchy texture that complements the rich flavors of the pork. A light drizzle of barbecue sauce can elevate the dish, giving it a sweet and tangy flair. For a zesty twist, incorporate pickles or jalapeños to provide heat and contrast. You can also serve the sandwiches with homemade potato chips or corn on the cob for a satisfying side. If you have leftover pulled pork, why not transform it into tacos? This offers a creative way to enjoy the smoky goodness. For a fun party option, you might try making pulled pork sliders, which are perfect for sharing. Each variation adds delightful new flavors while keeping the essence of the smoked pulled pork sandwiches intact.
Storage Tips for Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches:
To keep your delightful smoked pulled pork sandwiches fresh, proper storage is essential. First, refrigerate any leftovers within two hours after cooking. Store the pulled pork in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and absorb any unwanted odors. It’s best to separate the meat from the buns and toppings when storing. This helps maintain the texture of the bread and freshness of any added ingredients.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pulled pork. Pack it in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the pork in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For a creative twist, consider making tasty leftover BBQ pulled pork tacos, which can be a delicious way to repurpose the remnants of your smoked pulled pork sandwiches. Reheat the pork gently, and you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time!
Health Benefits of Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches:
Smoked pulled pork sandwiches are not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Rich in protein, they support muscle growth and repair. Additionally, this dish can provide essential vitamins found in pork, such as B6 and B12. For another flavorful take on pulled pork, try these pulled pork sliders, perfect for a smaller serving option. Overall, these sandwiches can be a satisfying and healthy meal choice when prepared mindfully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches?
Smoked pulled pork sandwiches are delicious savory treats featuring tender, slow-cooked pulled pork, typically infused with smoky flavors. They are commonly served on soft buns, topped with coleslaw and barbecue sauce, and make for a perfect meal or snack.
How do I prepare the pulled pork for sandwiches?
To prepare the pulled pork, season a pork shoulder with your favorite rub and smoke it low and slow until it reaches the desired tenderness. This method enhances the flavor, making it ideal for those sumptuous sandwiches.
Can I use leftover pulled pork for other recipes?
Absolutely! You can repurpose leftover pulled pork into a variety of dishes. For instance, consider making leftover BBQ pulled pork tacos, which provide delightful variations for your meals.
What toppings pair well with smoked pulled pork?
Common toppings include creamy coleslaw, pickled jalapeños, or onion rings. These toppings offer a fantastic contrast of flavors and textures, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your smoked pulled pork sandwiches.
Can I make pulled pork in a slow cooker?
Certainly! A slow cooker is an excellent alternative to traditional smoking, allowing the pork to become tender and flavorful over several hours, which is perfect for those who want convenience without sacrificing taste.
What sides complement pulled pork sandwiches?
Classic sides include baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato salad. These accompaniments enhance the meal experience and are often favorites at barbecues and casual gatherings.
Print
Delicious Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: 540
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches feature tender, juicy pork butt slow-cooked with a sweet and savory rub, topped with a creamy coleslaw and served on fluffy burger buns for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
1 (8-10 lb) bone-in pork butt
1 1/2 Cup apple juice
divided
4 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 Tablespoon kosher salt
plus more to taste
1/4 Cup Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub
divided
1/2 Cup mayonnaise
1/2 Cup sour cream
2 Tablespoon white vinegar
1 Teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 Teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 Teaspoon celery seeds
1/2 Medium green cabbage
shredded
1/2 Medium purple cabbage
shredded
2 Large carrots
shredded
4 burger buns
dill pickles
To Taste Traeger Sweet & Heat BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Make the pulled pork: When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 250℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.
- Trim the pork butt of all excess fat, leaving 1/4 inch of the fat cap attached.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup apple juice, the brown sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub. Stir until most of the sugar and salt have dissolved.
- Inject the mixture into the pork butt, spacing every square inch or so. Season the pork butt with the remaining 2 tablespoons of Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub.
- Place the pork butt directly on the grill grates. Insert the probe into the center of the pork, avoiding the bone and any large pockets of fat. Close the lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches 160℉, about 6 hours.
- Remove the pork butt from the grill and increase the temperature to 275°F. Wrap the pork in two layers of aluminum foil, leaving one end of the foil open. Pour the remaining 1/2 cup apple juice into the opening, then secure the foil tightly. Place the pork in a large pan.
- Place the pan with the pork on the grill grates. Re-insert the probe. Close the lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches 205°F, about 3 hours more.
- Meanwhile, make the coleslaw: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, salt, pepper, and celery seeds. Add the green and purple cabbage and carrots and toss until well coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Remove the pork from the grill and unwrap. Shred the pork, removing and discarding the bone and any excess fat or tendons. Transfer to a medium bowl and season with more Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub and salt, to taste. Toss with Traeger Sweet & Heat Barbecue Sauce until well coated.
- To serve, pile the pulled pork on the bottom burger buns, then top with the coleslaw, pickles, and the top buns. Enjoy!
Notes
For an extra kick, consider adding hot sauce to the coleslaw or the pulled pork.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 9
- Category: Main Course
- Method: smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 40g
