Primal 'Cue Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked smoked pulled pork dressed in a tangy barbecue sauce and served on toasted buns for a classic BBQ sandwich experience. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder/butt, trimmed, smoked paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 4 lbs trimmed pork shoulder evenly all over with the dry rub. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat smoker to 225°F. Place pork shoulder on the smoker grate and smoke for 6-8 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is tender.
  4. Step 4: Mix 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a spray bottle and spritz the pork every hour to maintain moisture.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from smoker and let rest for 30 minutes. Shred meat using two forks, discarding excess fat.
  6. Step 6: Toss shredded pork with 1 cup barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Step 7: Toast 8 hamburger buns lightly, then pile each with smoked pulled pork, 1/2 cup sliced pickles, and 1 cup coleslaw before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Primal 'Cue Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches 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 Primal 'Cue Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches?

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/butt, trimmed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Primal 'Cue Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches?

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 Primal 'Cue Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches 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 Primal 'Cue Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches?

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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