Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich with Pineapple Slaw

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

A tender pulled pork sandwich featuring slow-smoked pork shoulder paired with a sweet and tangy pineapple slaw. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 630 minutes pairs pounds pork shoulder (Boston butt), tablespoons kosher salt, tablespoon black pepper 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: 30 min Cook: 600 min Serves 8 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to create the dry rub. Rub this mixture all over 4 pounds pork shoulder, pressing it into the meat.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 3 cups apple wood chips. Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the smoker grate and smoke for 8 to 10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender enough to pull apart easily.
  3. Step 3: While the pork cooks, combine 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup finely chopped pineapple chunks, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, and 2 tablespoons yellow mustard in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Once the pork is done, let it rest for 20 minutes, then shred it using two forks. Toss the pulled pork with some of the pan juices for extra moisture.
  5. Step 5: Assemble sandwiches by piling generous portions of pulled pork onto 8 hamburger buns and topping with pineapple slaw. Serve immediately for a balanced smoky and tangy bite.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich with Pineapple Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 630 minutes (30 min prep + 600 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 Pulled Pork Sandwich with Pineapple 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 tablespoons kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich with Pineapple 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 Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich with Pineapple 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 Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich with Pineapple Slaw?

BBQ & Smoked 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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