Slow-Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pulled pork smoked low and slow, served on soft buns with tangy coleslaw and barbecue sauce. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 500 minutes pairs trimmed pork shoulder, smoked paprika, brown sugar 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over 3 lbs pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker to 225°F. Place the pork shoulder in the smoker and smoke for 6-8 hours until an internal temperature of 195°F is reached and the meat pulls apart easily.
  3. Step 3: While pork smokes, combine 3 cups coleslaw mix, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
  4. Step 4: When pork is done, remove from smoker and let rest for 20 minutes. Shred the meat with two forks and mix in 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1 cup barbecue sauce.
  5. Step 5: Toast 8 hamburger buns on the smoker or grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Pile pulled pork onto buns and top with prepared coleslaw before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked BBQ 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 Slow-Smoked BBQ 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 trimmed pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked BBQ 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 Slow-Smoked BBQ 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 Slow-Smoked BBQ 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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