Pin it Succulent pulled pork slow-cooked and finished over open flame, tossed in smoky BBQ sauce, and piled high on toasted buns. Perfect for a hearty, rustic dinner with vibrant herb notes and a touch of fire-charred flavor.
This recipe combines slow cooking with a smoky finish that elevates traditional pulled pork sandwiches to a new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients
- Pork & Marinade: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) boneless pork shoulder, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper
- Cooking Liquid: 250 ml (1 cup) apple cider or apple juice, 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken broth, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- BBQ Sauce & Herbs: 240 ml (1 cup) smoky barbecue sauce, 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped, 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
- Sandwich Assembly: 6 brioche or rustic sandwich buns, 1 small red onion thinly sliced, 1 cup coleslaw (optional), 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the pork shoulder all over with olive oil, then with the spice mixture.
- Step 2:
- Place the pork in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add apple cider, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until pork is very tender and shreds easily.
- Step 3:
- Preheat a grill or large cast-iron skillet over high heat.
- Step 4:
- Remove the pork from the cooking liquid, shred with two forks, and toss with half the BBQ sauce and chopped fresh herbs.
- Step 5:
- Place the shredded pork in a grill basket or directly on the skillet. Sear for 3 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork develops crispy, fire kissed edges.
- Step 6:
- Meanwhile, butter the inside of each bun and toast on the grill or skillet until golden.
- Step 7:
- Pile the pulled pork onto toasted buns. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce, top with red onions and coleslaw if desired. Serve immediately.
Pin it Sharing these sandwiches with family makes every meal feel like a special celebration full of smoky flavor and comfort.
Notes
Pair with a crisp lager or a zesty rosé for the perfect complement to the smoky pulled pork experience.
Required Tools
Slow cooker or Dutch oven is essential, along with a grill or large cast iron skillet for the finishing sear.
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (buns) and Soy (Worcestershire sauce and some BBQ sauces). May contain Egg and Dairy (buns and butter). Always check labels if serving those with allergies.
Pin it 
Enjoy this rustic sandwich fresh off the grill for the best smoky, tender pulled pork flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of pork is best for this dish?
Boneless pork shoulder is ideal as it becomes tender and shreds easily after slow cooking.
- → How do you achieve the fire-kissed flavor?
After slow cooking, the shredded pork is seared over high heat to develop crispy, charred edges that enhance smoky notes.
- → Can the BBQ sauce be homemade?
Yes, you can use your favorite smoky barbecue sauce or prepare one from scratch to customize flavors.
- → What fresh herbs complement the pulled pork?
Parsley, chives, and thyme are used to add bright, herbaceous layers that balance the smoky sauce.
- → Are there tips for toasting the buns effectively?
Buttering the buns lightly and toasting them on a grill or skillet until golden adds flavor and texture contrast.