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:
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!
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
Big, juicy Hamburgers
Steak Sandwich – super quick
Chicken Burger – juicy seasoned chicken breast steak with the lot!
Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burger – chicken marinated in a homemade flavour bomb Peri Peri sauce
Cubanos – The famous Cuban roast pork sandwich from The Chef movie
Pastrami Sandwiches – Rye bread piled high with homemade pastrami. EPIC!
Veggie Burger – Meatless made amazing. Puts those doughy bricks at the shops to shame!
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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….
Hi just wondering if I can use pork leg? 2.2kg
Hi Nagi, once again trying one of your awesome recipes, could you let the pulled pork stay warm in the slow cooker, having friends over to watch the AFL grand final and want an easy day. I have cooked pork today was going to do sauce tomorrow, the leave in slow cooker on warm.
looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi Janet! PERFECT for keeping warm in the slow cooker, I’d throw the sauce in there too to keep it even more moist. YUM!!!
Hey! This looks amazing. What is the recipe for the slaw dressing, if you don’t mind sharing?
Hi Shayna! Here you go – https://salesdock.info/coleslaw/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
I have made this recipe a number of times and it is always a big favourite. I have already combined the meat and BBQ sauce together. Can this be frozen even though they are combined?
YES! It looks split when you reheat but with a quick toss it comes together just fine! N xx
Hi Nagi,
I would like to try this recipe. Looks good! I have questions. I want to know how many hours will it take to slow cook on HIGH? Can i use pork loin? What can I use to replace the cider/apple juice?
Hope to hear from you.
Hi Dianne! I would do 6 hours on high, loin will work but it is not quite as juicy (but not a deal killer because of the lovely sauce!) and the cider vinegar can be substituted with 1/3 cup white wine vinegar or other mild vinegar. 🙂
Hi nag
What make and model slow cooker do you use please
Hi Shaun! I have the Breville Fast Slow Cooker which is a slow cooker and pressure cooker in one. I am in Australia. 🙂
Hi Nagi! I’m currently trying one of your recipe (again!) and in the video, you’ve added garlic powder which is not in the description of the pork rub. Should I add some ?
Thanks again for all your ideas !!
Hi Celine, yikes! How did I miss that? 🙂 And how did everyone who’s made this miss that too! 🙂 It’s 1 tsp, same amount as onion powder. Just updated the recipe!
Hi
If i wanted to use beef instead of pork, what type of meat do i use ? Does the cooking time and recipe differ ??
Hi Yasmine! Chuck is ideal, shreds nicely. Brisket will work too but the strands will be longer. Chuck is my favourite. If you use the same weights per recipe then the recipe will be the same. 🙂
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! 🙂