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Easy Barbecue Sandwiches

Tender, slow-cooked pulled pork smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, piled high on a soft bun, and topped with crunchy coleslaw. A classic comfort food perfect for gatherings or a hearty meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 838 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pulled Pork:
  • 1 3–4 lb boneless pork shoulder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
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  • For the Coleslaw:
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste
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  • For Assembly:
  • 8 hamburger buns
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce store-bought or homemade
  • Pickles optional

Instructions
 

  • Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Rub the pork shoulder with onion soup mix, salt, and pepper. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 4 minutes per side.
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  • Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared pork to a slow cooker. In a bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the pork.
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  • Cook the Pork: Cover and cook on low for 7 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  • Make the Coleslaw: While the pork cooks, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, parsley, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Toss to combine and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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  • Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the juices.
  • Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the hamburger buns lightly. Spoon the pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a generous amount of coleslaw and pickles if desired.
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  • Serve: Place the top half of the bun over the filling and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce.
  • Leftover pulled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Serve with a side of chips or baked beans for a complete meal.
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Keyword pulled pork sandwich, BBQ sandwich, slow cooker pulled pork, Southern BBQ, homemade coleslaw