These Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches are loaded with juicy flavour packed pulled pork smothered in a homemade BBQ Sauce, piled high onto buns and topped with coleslaw.
Give it to me! I’m a big fan of soft buns piled high with juicy fillings, from Sloppy Joes to big Pastrami sandwiches, and big juicy burgers!
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Steak Sandwich on Monday. Pulled pork today.
It seems like it’s sandwich week. No one told you? Don’t worry. No one told me either! 😂
Actually, I could have shuffled the posting schedule around. But I don’t want to. I’ve been busting to share this recipe for ages, and finally it’s here and I’m not holding it back any longer!!!
Get an eyeful of this….every meat lovers’ dream come true…juicy pulled pork smothered in homemade BBQ sauce.
Knees. Weak. Every. Single. Time.
This kind of food is all me. The “get stuck into it, get it all over your hands/mouth” type of food. The kind that’s all about gatherings, food that’s meant to be shared, food that’s meant to be eaten in informal settings.
And also food that tastes a million bucks and yet is so simple to make. This recipe is all about two things:
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That pork. That pork, that pork. Generously seasoned with a flavour packed rub, cooked until super tender but not mushy. It only needs an hour of marinating time because there’s so much flavour infusion during the slow cooking. Either in the slow cooker or oven. But if you’re pressed for time, you can absolutely use a pressure cooker – works a treat!
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The BBQ Sauce! Make it from scratch as I do, or use store bought and dress it up by mixing it with the pork juices. Either way, the addition of the pork juices really takes the sauce to the next level. My preference is to make the sauce separately using some, but not all, the pork juices. I’ve made a “self saucing” version before by putting all the BBQ Sauce ingredients in with the pork but found that the sauce tastes too porky.
A quick classic Coleslaw*, some golden buns, then lay it all out on the table and let everyone help themselves.
Party time! Australia Day, Super Bowl Sunday…or just any day!! – Nagi x
* In case you or your hips are anti-mayo, try this No Mayo Coleslaw (it’s very, very good!) or a creamy Yogurt Coleslaw dressing (also very, very good!)
More Burgers, Sliders and Sandwiches
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Big, juicy Hamburgers
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Steak Sandwich – super quick
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Chicken Burger – juicy seasoned chicken breast steak with the lot!
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Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burger – chicken marinated in a homemade flavour bomb Peri Peri sauce
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Cubanos – The famous Cuban roast pork sandwich from The Chef movie
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Pastrami Sandwiches – Rye bread piled high with homemade pastrami. EPIC!
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Veggie Burger – Meatless made amazing. Puts those doughy bricks at the shops to shame!
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Browse all Burgers and Sandwiches & Sliders recipes
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich recipe video!
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Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Ingredients
Rub
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 3/4 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Pork
- 1.5 - 2.2 kg/ 3 - 4.5 lb pork shoulder or butt , skinless and boneless (Note 1)
- 3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice (Note 2)
- 1 quantity Coleslaw
- 6 - 8 bread rolls
BBQ Sauce (Note 5)
- 1 cup pork juices from slow cooker, once cooked
- 2 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp each black pepper, onion (or garlic powder), mustard powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Mix together Rub then rub all over the pork. Optional: Marinate for 1 hour.
- Place in the slow cooker and pour over apple cider. Slow cook for 8 hours on low or pressure cook for 1 hr 30 minutes on high. (Note 3)
- Remove pork from liquid into a roasting pan. Reserve liquid.
- OPTIONAL: Roast pork for 20 - 30 minutes at 180C/350F until browned (Note 4). Meanwhile, make BBQ Sauce.
- Shred pork with forks - it should be fall apart tender (see video).
- Toss in BBQ sauce - use as much as you like, the recipe makes enough to coat the pork well but not dripping in sauce, plus a bit extra on the side.
- To make Pulled Pork Sandwiches, pile pork on warmed rolls and top with Coleslaw. I like to lay everything out for people to make their own.
BBQ Sauce
- Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat and whisk. Bring to simmer, then turn down the heat so it simmers gently. Cook for 1 hour. Remove from stove and use per recipe.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
LIFE OF DOZER
You can just imagine what’s going through his head as he gazes at a mammoth pile of pulled pork….
I made this for dinner tonight and it was awesome! I did not have apple cider, only apple cider vinegar so I decided to use coke for the roast itself and it was very moist. This is a must keep recipe!
FANTASTIC to hear Lauren! Thank you so much for letting me know. Hope you have a great weekend! – N xx
I was really looking forward to trying this recipe tonight and eagerly scrolled down to the instructions to get started. Unfortunately, I missed the part where the pork should be marinated for at least an hour before cooking and now I have to change my dinner plans. It would be great if you considered putting the marinating time directly in the instructions!
I can’t wait to try this recipe soon!
I love all your recipes and haven’t used another source for recipes after having so many successes with yours! Thanks for your hard work!
Hi Nina – gosh, I forgot to put that step in as optional in the recipe, I’m terribly sorry! I will update it now 🙂
No worries! Thank you for updating the instructions.
I made this tonight and it was absolutely fantastic! It was so juicy and flavorful. Thank you for another wonderful recipe!
So glad you enjoyed it Nina! Thanks for taking the time to come back and share your thoughts on this recipe! – N x
How much burgers you made using 1 kg of meat?
Hi Alex, depends how big the rolls are, I’d say 4 – 6 🙂
I have been on a mission to find the perfect pulled pork recipe, I think I’ve found it. I have even converted my pork hating husband. I love my slow cooker on a hot summer day. Do you ever do lamb in your slow cooker Nagi? Thanks for your wonderful recipes, I have so many meals planned for my family now!
Hi Justine! I do everything in my slow cooker – except seafood! You mean you made this and converted him????
Dear Nagi, your recipe looks so yummy that I decided to try it tomorrow. In your video it looks like you put the pork in the oven after the slow cooker – is that right? Might have missed that somewhere 😉
Found some “boned and rolled pork shoulder” at our local butcher Illawarra Meat Co today… they are awesome. The pork comes rolled in a net. Shall I take it out of the net and lay it flat in the slow cooker or leave it in the net? My slow cooker is not round like yours, it`s rather egg-shaped. Although I`m German, I`m not an expert with pork other than fillet, believe it or not.. haha 😉
Oops, step 4 – there it is!!! Thank you! 😉 The pulled pork turned out really nice. Thought one heaped Tbsp sugar was enough considering the amount of sugar in Ketchup and it was! Otherwise perfect and so easy 🙂
Hi Nikki! Yep – step 4 🙂 I love the little bits of browned parts, adds a bit of extra flavour and texture! And yes unroll the pork shoulder, take it out of the net and cut off the skin (save it for crackling!! You can freeze it 🙂 )
Hi Nagi, Greetings from Tucson! I made your pulled pork recipe yesterday. Cooked the meat all night (8 hrs.). Misread that it used apple cider or apple juice thinking from the sauce recipe it was apple cider vinegar. Had the vinegar but not the juices so I covered the roast with apple sauce and I think it came out okay tastewise. In any case, the bbq sauce is to die for and I believe my hubby will truly enjoy it tomorrow when he gets home from Chicago.
I’ve had a basic coleslaw recipe for years, a family favorite, so I made that to go with the sandwiches. However, I’m going to try your recipe next time.
Still working on making some of your dressings besides the creamy garlic, which I LOVE. Thanks for all your great recipes and hugs to Dozer too.
WOO HOO!!!! I’m SO THRILLED to hear you tried this and that you liked the BBQ Sauce! Hugs passed onto Dozer, received happily (and expectant look in his eyes for treat to follow). Happy weekend Arleen! N xx
Hi Nagi! Can’t wait to try this recipe. I accidentally misread the weight for the pork and I bought 2 lbs instead of 4 (I was looking at the kilos ?). Either way would I do anything differently with the recipe for smaller sized pork? Thank you!
I love, love, love pork bbq. So much so that I bought a smoker so I could get that smoky flavour. This is definitely easier. Looks great.
You have a smoker???????
I have never made a pulled pork. Your BBQ sauce looks good and is made with every day ingredients.
I have just got my kitchen back. What shall I make first?
Did Dozer get a sliver of the pork?
That’s an impossible question! I don’t know what I would make first ? Do tell what you decide to make! PS You know full well Dozer got a giant bite of a sandwich….. ?
I got back my kitchen and what yummy dishes did I cook? Are you sitting up right in your chair/sofa? It was a soup of pasta, veg and pork. Ha, ha….I wanted to make a sweet soup of white fungus, wolf berries, red dates, pear and lotus seeds but it was already gone eight in the evening.
Hello!
The pork is marinating as I type:)
Just watched the video and the ingredients for the rub and the sauce are slightly different from the recipe as is the oven roasting time. Trying to be obidient here, laughing!, and wanted to check in with you to make sure I get it right.
Gahh thank you for picking that up! Forgot the cumin in the ingredients listed above but don’t worry, it’s only 1/2 tsp so will barely be noticeable. And for the BBQ sauce, I switch between onion and garlic powder so I fixed that too, either is fine. Could never tell the difference. And fixed the roasting time too! 20 – 30 minutes, depends how much fat is on the surface of the pork. 🙂 Hope you love it!!!
Hi Nagi. Are you becoming a southern gal? Pulled pork with slaw is a staple here. Of course a side of mac and cheese and beans are necessary. 🙂
Someone might be getting a call for tips on beans soon….. ? N x
Thank you Nagi ! My go-to pulled pork recipe is wonderful!………but……..I need to be “around” for 8 hours. Rub, wait, baste, wait, turn, wait, etc. No real work, but having to be “around” drives me CRAZY! I’m SO going to try your recipe. The rub seasonings are sound, and I love that your BBQ sauce is not vinegary (I’m not a fan). I’ll try this the next time pork butt goes on sale! (not a fan of shoulder for pulled pork)
Woah I bet you make a KILLER pulled pork!!! I’ll be very curious to hear what you think about this one 🙂 And yes to BBQ sauce not too vinegary, and not too crazy sweet either. Actually, the Neely’s BBQ Sauce on which mine is based from Food Networks used to be crazy sweet, but thankfully they’ve fixed it! 🙂
This looks insanely delicious! I never get bored of sandwiches expecially when they are full of gorgeous BBQ pulled pork NOM.
ME TOO!!!! ❤️
This pulled pork looks so good and I sure wish I had a sandwich right now! Thank you for sharing the recipe, Nagi! 🙂
I WANT ONE RIGHT NOW TOO!!! ? Have a great weekend Deb! N xx
Yummy in my tummy!Nagi did it AGAIN!!Time to stock up on the BEANO!?!As will also HAVE to make a side of baked beans!!Hm?I bet you have a fantastic recipe for some!!Time to PINRAID!!?!Do they make “DOGGIE BEANO”?YIKES!D0ZER FLATULENCE!?
Oooooh! BAKED BEANS, YEE HA!!! Yes I have to share a recipe soon. Happy weekend Teri!! N xx
Hello Nagi,
I am a huge fan of your recipes. I often feel like ditching every recipe and recipe book that I have because your recipes are simple, limited ingredients and always turn out fantastic. I am so pleased I stumbled on your blog.
In regards to this recipe, we are a family of non-pork eaters (started by my father-in-law who was a butcher!). Can I substitute another type of meat for pork?
Many thanks for all the hard work you put in to make our lives easier, and more flavoursome!
Regards,
Angela
Wow what a compliment, thanks Angela! This works fabulously with beef too – a nice piece of brisket or other slow cooking cut of beef. BBQ and beef is a gorgeous combination and I use them interchangeably using the exact same recipe. I’m so glad you enjoy my recipes, thank you again for the lovely compliment! N xx
Oh I feel rather stupid because if i had read the notes it clearly says it is fantastic with beef. Sorry.
Apart from brisket, what is the next best thing. My husband can’t resist eating pulled brisket but then ends up sick because of it being rather fatty.
Thanks again for your help. You are amazingly helpful and, from the posts I have read, very kind as well.
Regards,
Angela
No worries Angela, happy to help! Chuck is my next favourite for shredding, and it is leaner. Oh, and my other tip is to pour the juices into a bowl/jar and refrigerate. The fat rises to the top and hardens so you can remove it, then use the (much) less fatty juices to make the sauce. N x
Will let you know how it goes. I am sure it will be perfect.
Angela
You are such a legend!
Is it okay to use slices of chuck or better as one piece (if you can buy it that way)?
many thanks again
Hardly!!! ? Whole is definitely better. Definitely not slices, cooks too quickly! Butchers definitely sell chuck in whole pieces, and it’s really great value. 🙂
Definitely making this! A firm favourite…& a great freezer meal . Thanks again Nagi xx
Oooh hope you do Roni! Really is SO DELISH!!!! N xx
This looks amazing! I make slow cooker bbq pulled pork quite often, but all the sauce and stuff goes in the slow cooker together, so it does goes very liquidy and a bit mushy so the whole recipe + caramelistion looks unbeatable!
The only way to eat a BBQ pork sandwich is with cole slaw! We also add a splash of Frank’s hot sauce and a thin lengthwise slice of dill pickle. As I make this recipe this weekend, I’ll be praying about our next 4 years. I’d appreciate your prayers too.
i have wanted a proper, straightforward slow cooker pulled pork recipe for soooooo long. Thank you; this is getting made. I might even make the coleslaw (and I generally HATE coleslaw.)
I know what you mean Elspeth! I’ve been tweaking this recipe all year, wasn’t happy with the one I was using last year so even though I photographed it, I didn’t even share it! N x