Pulled Pork Sandwich

Pork shoulder: The main protein, this cut becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.

Bbq sauce: Adds a rich, tangy flavor to the pork.

Chicken broth: Keeps the pork moist and adds depth to the flavor.

Burger buns: Soft buns that hold the pulled pork and soak up the sauce.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the pork.

Paprika: Provides a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.

Garlic powder: Adds a robust, savory note.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.

To ensure your pork shoulder is evenly seasoned, make sure to thoroughly rub the spice mixture into every nook and cranny of the meat. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to create a delicious crust during the slow cooking process. When shredding the pork, use two forks and pull the meat apart in opposite directions to achieve the perfect texture. For an extra layer of flavor, you can mix some of the cooking juices back into the shredded pork before serving on burger buns.

• pork shoulder - Substitute with jackfruit: Jackfruit has a similar texture to pulled pork when cooked and shredded, making it a great vegetarian alternative.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce provides a sweet and tangy flavor similar to BBQ sauce, though it has a slightly different profile.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used to maintain the moisture and flavor without using animal products.

• burger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer a healthier alternative with more fiber and nutrients.

• brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide the same sweetness and caramelization as brown sugar, though it will add a slightly different flavor.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with fresh onion: Fresh onion can provide a stronger and more natural onion flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile that can add complexity to the dish.

• Allow the pulled pork to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the meat soggy.

• Transfer the shredded pork into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to keep the meat fresh.

• If you plan to eat the leftovers within a few days, store the container in the refrigerator. The pulled pork will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, place the airtight container or resealable bag in the freezer. The pulled pork can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor and texture.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the pulled pork in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating and maintains the meat's moisture.

• Reheat the pulled pork in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or bbq sauce to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the pulled pork in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can also reheat the pulled pork in the oven. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C), place the pork in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through.

• Serve the reheated pulled pork on fresh burger buns with a drizzle of extra bbq sauce if desired. Enjoy your delicious pulled pork sandwich just as if it were freshly made!

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pulled pork in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the pork is warmed through. For added moisture, you can sprinkle a bit of chicken broth or bbq sauce over the pork before covering it.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the pulled pork and a splash of chicken broth or bbq sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is thoroughly heated.

• Microwave Method: Place the pulled pork in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of chicken broth or bbq sauce to keep it moist. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute increments until the pork is hot.

• Slow Cooker Method: If you have a bit more time, place the pulled pork back in the slow cooker. Add a little chicken broth or bbq sauce to keep it moist. Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours, or until the pork is warmed through.

• Steam Method: Place the pulled pork in a heatproof dish that fits into a steamer basket. Add a small amount of chicken broth or bbq sauce to the pork. Steam over boiling water for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is hot.

• Sous Vide Method: Place the pulled pork in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag with the air removed. Submerge the bag in a water bath set to 165°F (74°C). Heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the pork is thoroughly warmed.

• Mixing bowl: use this to combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Measuring spoons: these will help you accurately measure the spices and seasonings.

• Slow cooker: this is essential for cooking the pork shoulder slowly and evenly over 8 hours.

• Tongs: use these to place the pork shoulder into the slow cooker and to remove it once cooked.

• Forks: these are used to shred the pork once it is tender.

• Burger buns: these will hold the delicious pulled pork for serving.

• Basting brush: use this to apply extra bbq sauce to the shredded pork if desired.

• Cutting board: place the pork shoulder on this when rubbing the spice mixture all over it.

• Knife: use this to trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder before cooking.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix the spices the night before to save time in the morning.

Use pre-made bbq sauce: Opt for a high-quality store-bought bbq sauce to cut down on prep time.

Slow cooker liner: Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup, saving you time after cooking.

Shred with a mixer: Use a hand or stand mixer to quickly shred the pork instead of using forks.

Toast buns in advance: Toast the burger buns while the pork is cooking to streamline assembly.