Description
Succulent BBQ pulled pork sandwich delivers mouthwatering Southern comfort right to your plate. Tender, juicy meat nestled between pillowy bread slices promises a flavor explosion that satisfies your deepest cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 pork shoulders or butts (about 2 pounds each, 0.9 kilograms each)
Liquids and Seasoning:
- 24 ounces (710 milliliters) root beer (not diet)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
- 2.5 cups (590 milliliters) barbecue sauce
- 1 dash hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Serving:
- 12 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating the interior with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully position the pork shoulder into the slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably.
- Create a flavorful liquid base by gently pouring root beer and water over the meat, then season with hot sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder for enhanced taste.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and set to high temperature, allowing the pork to cook for 6-7 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and easily falls apart.
- Using two forks, carefully remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a large mixing bowl, discarding the cooking liquid.
- Shred the meat thoroughly, breaking it down into fine, uniform strands using the fork method.
- Introduce barbecue sauce to the shredded pork, mixing carefully to ensure every strand is generously coated with the sauce.
- Warm the hamburger buns and generously pile the saucy pulled pork onto each bun for serving.
- Optional: Elevate the sandwich by topping with a scoop of creamy mac and cheese for an indulgent twist.
Notes
- Select a fatty cut like pork shoulder or Boston butt for maximum tenderness and flavor, ensuring juicy meat that falls apart easily.
- Experiment with different root beer brands to subtly enhance the meat’s natural sweetness and create unique flavor profiles.
- Consider using a sugar-free barbecue sauce for low-carb dieters or swapping traditional buns with lettuce wraps for a gluten-free alternative.
- Allow the pork to rest for 10-15 minutes after shredding to help redistribute moisture and intensify the overall taste of the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 516 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg