Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich with Tangy Slaw

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender hickory-smoked pulled pork piled high on a soft bun with a crisp, tangy cabbage slaw. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 440 minutes pairs pork shoulder, hickory wood chips, kosher salt 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: 420 min Serves 8 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder in a bowl. Rub this dry spice mix evenly over a 4 lb pork shoulder, massaging it well into the meat.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups of hickory wood chips. Place the pork shoulder on the smoker grate fat side up and smoke for 6-7 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F, checking wood and temperature every hour.
  3. Step 3: While the pork smokes, mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, 1/2 cup grated carrot, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, and 1 tbsp honey in a bowl until well combined. Refrigerate the slaw until serving.
  4. Step 4: When the pork is done, remove from the smoker and let rest covered loosely with foil for 20 minutes. Then shred the meat using two forks.
  5. Step 5: To assemble, pile the pulled pork on 8 soft hamburger buns and top each with a generous scoop of the tangy cabbage slaw. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich with Tangy Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich 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 Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich 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 Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich 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 Hickory-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich with Tangy Slaw?

American bbq & smoked 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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