Grilled Memphis-Style Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Tangy Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked, smoky pulled pork served on soft buns topped with a bright and tangy slaw for a classic Memphis BBQ experience. This american-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, brown sugar, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a small bowl to make a dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the entire 3 lbs pork shoulder evenly with the dry rub, coating all sides thoroughly.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until fork-tender.
  4. Step 4: While the pork cooks, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/2 tsp celery seed in a bowl. Toss to create the tangy slaw.
  5. Step 5: When the pork is done, remove from slow cooker, shred with two forks, and discard any excess fat.
  6. Step 6: Toast 8 hamburger buns on a grill or skillet until golden, about 1-2 minutes per side.
  7. Step 7: Pile the pulled pork generously onto the toasted buns and top each with a heap of the tangy slaw. Serve warm for a hearty Memphis-style BBQ sandwich.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Memphis-Style Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Tangy Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Memphis-Style Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Tangy Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Memphis-Style Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Tangy Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Memphis-Style Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Tangy Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Memphis-Style Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Tangy Slaw?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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