Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to use up leftover pork? Look no further than pulled pork sandwiches!
This classic dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re using leftover braised pork or making it from scratch, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make the perfect pulled pork sandwich, including tips for storing and reheating leftovers.
So grab your forks and get ready to dig in!
How To Make Pulled Pork Sandwiches With Leftover Pork?
There are a few different ways to make pulled pork sandwiches with leftover pork, but we’ll start with a basic recipe that you can customize to your liking. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 cups BBQ sauce
– 1 cup chicken stock
– 2 pounds leftover pork in 2-inch thick slices
– 1 can baked beans
– Hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (optional)
1. In a large saucepan over high heat, stir together BBQ sauce and chicken stock. Add leftover pork. Bring to a boil, lower to simmer, cover and cook about 1-1/2 hours, or until the pork is falling apart.
2. Remove from liquid, let cool about 5 minutes. Using 2 forks, pull the pork apart. Return to pan and stir.
3. Heat beans.
4. Place about 1/2 cup of leftover pork onto bun, add beans and coleslaw (if desired).
That’s it! This recipe is simple but delicious, and you can easily adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and other ingredients to suit your taste.
What Is Pulled Pork?
Pulled pork is a popular dish made from slow-cooked or smoked pork that has been shredded into small pieces. The meat is typically taken from the shoulder of a pig, which is also known as the Boston butt or the picnic roast. The meat is cooked for several hours until it becomes tender and falls apart easily. Pulled pork can be seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces, such as BBQ sauce, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. It can be served in a variety of ways, such as in sandwiches, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or on top of nachos. Pulled pork is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day and is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Choosing The Right Pork For Pulled Pork Sandwiches
When it comes to making pulled pork sandwiches, choosing the right cut of pork is crucial. While you can make shredded pork from a leaner cut like a top loin roast, the marbled content from the pork shoulder is best for making pulled pork. The pork shoulder is one of several large muscle groups called primal cuts. Primal cuts are then broken down further into sub-primal cuts, the names of which are more commonly seen in a retail environment.
The two most commonly used sub-primal cuts for pulled pork are the Boston butt and the picnic shoulder. The Boston butt is a fattier piece of meat and can have the bone in or it can be sold with it removed. The picnic shoulder, on the other hand, is almost always sold with the bone-in and sometimes the skin on. Both cuts come from the front shoulder and are ideal for slow cooking methods like smoking or braising.
While both cuts can be used for pulled pork sandwiches, most experts agree that the Boston butt is the best choice due to its tenderness, texture, and flavor. It contains the ideal amount of fat, resulting in delicate, melt-in-your-mouth meat. If you can’t find a Boston butt, the picnic shoulder is the next best option. It tends to be a little less flavorful and is leaner than the butt roast, but it still produces tender and delicious pulled pork.
When selecting your cut of pork for pulled pork sandwiches, it’s important to keep in mind that the more a muscle is used during the animal’s life, the tougher the meat. That’s why cuts like filet mignon are so desired — they are barely used during the animal’s life. The ideal cut for pulling is from a Circle B Ranch pork shoulder. This cut has an optimum fat content that yields to create tender, melty meat when cooked slowly.
Making Pulled Pork From Scratch
If you want to make pulled pork sandwiches from scratch, start by purchasing a pork shoulder roast, also known as pork butt or Boston butt. You can choose between boneless or bone-in, but make sure to trim the excess fat and cut it into four pieces.
Next, prepare a spice rub by combining brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin in a small bowl. Rub the mixture all over the pork and let it marinate overnight if possible.
When you’re ready to cook the pork, there are a few different methods you can use. For oven pulled pork, preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and pour coke around the pork in a Dutch oven pot. Cover with a lid and cook for three hours. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 hours until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
For slow cooker pulled pork, place the pork in a slow cooker and pour coke around it. Cover and cook on low for eight hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
For instant pot pulled pork, place the pork in an instant pot and pour coke around it. Cook on manual/high pressure for 70 minutes. Allow the pot to naturally release pressure for about 15 minutes longer.
Once the pork is cooked, shred it using two forks and add BBQ sauce if desired. To make pulled pork sandwiches with leftover pork, simply reheat the leftover pork in a saucepan with BBQ sauce and chicken stock until it falls apart. Serve on hamburger buns with baked beans and coleslaw if desired.
Using Leftover Pork For Pulled Pork Sandwiches
If you have leftover pork from a previous meal, it’s easy to turn it into pulled pork for sandwiches. The key is to make sure the pork is cooked until it’s tender and falls apart easily. Here are a few tips for using leftover pork to make pulled pork sandwiches:
1. Shred the Pork: Using two forks, pull the pork apart until it’s shredded. This will help create the texture of pulled pork that’s perfect for sandwiches.
2. Add BBQ Sauce: To add flavor to the shredded pork, mix in your favorite BBQ sauce. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own. Be sure to add enough sauce to coat the pork evenly.
3. Heat the Pork: To serve the pulled pork sandwiches warm, heat the shredded pork in a saucepan over low heat until it’s heated through.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Once the pulled pork is heated, assemble the sandwiches by placing a generous amount of pork on a bun and topping it with coleslaw or other toppings of your choice.
Using leftover pork to make pulled pork sandwiches is a great way to repurpose leftovers and create a delicious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. With a little creativity, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s easy to make.
Preparing The Buns And Toppings
To prepare the buns for your pulled pork sandwiches, start by toasting them lightly in a toaster or on a grill. This will give them a nice crunch and prevent them from getting soggy once the BBQ sauce is added. You can also brush the buns with a little bit of melted butter or olive oil before toasting them to add some extra flavor.
For toppings, coleslaw is a classic choice that pairs perfectly with pulled pork. You can make your own coleslaw by shredding cabbage and carrots and mixing them with a dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Alternatively, you can buy pre-made coleslaw from the store.
Other toppings that go well with pulled pork include sliced pickles, jalapenos, and sliced onions. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to add some extra flavor.
Once you have your buns and toppings ready, it’s time to assemble your pulled pork sandwiches. Start by placing a generous amount of pulled pork on the bottom bun. Then add your desired toppings, such as coleslaw or sliced pickles. Finish off with the top bun and enjoy!
Assembling The Perfect Pulled Pork Sandwich
Now that you have your pulled pork ready, it’s time to assemble the perfect pulled pork sandwich. Here are some tips to make it extra delicious:
1. Choose the right bun: A soft and slightly sweet bun, like a brioche or potato roll, is perfect for a pulled pork sandwich. You want a bun that can hold up to the juicy pork and won’t fall apart.
2. Add some crunch: A little bit of crunch can add a nice texture to your sandwich. Consider adding some crispy fried onions, coleslaw, or even pickles.
3. Use the right amount of sauce: You want enough sauce to add flavor and moisture to the sandwich, but not so much that it overpowers the pork. Start with a small amount of sauce and add more as needed.
4. Layer your ingredients: To make sure each bite has a bit of everything, layer your ingredients carefully. Start with the pulled pork, then add any toppings you like, and finish with the top bun.
5. Toast your bun: Toasting your bun will give it a nice crispy texture and help it hold up to the juicy pork and sauce. You can toast it in a toaster or on a grill pan.
6. Serve with sides: Pulled pork sandwiches are often served with classic BBQ sides like baked beans, potato salad, or corn on the cob. Consider adding one of these sides to complete your meal.
With these tips, you’ll be able to assemble a delicious pulled pork sandwich that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!
