Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Southern Slaw

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

Juicy pulled pork smoked slowly and served on soft buns with a crunchy southern-style coleslaw. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 540 minutes pairs pork shoulder, kosher salt, 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: 60 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder in a bowl. Rub this dry spice mix all over the 5 lbs pork shoulder. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and place the pork shoulder on the grate. Smoke low and slow for about 8 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat pulls apart easily.
  3. Step 3: While the pork smokes, prepare the southern slaw by combining 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded carrot, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 cup mayonnaise in a bowl. Mix well until creamy and well coated.
  4. Step 4: Once the pork is done, remove from the smoker and let rest for 20 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Step 5: Toast 8 hamburger buns lightly. Pile each bun generously with 1/2 cup pulled pork, 1/4 cup southern slaw, and 2-3 dill pickle slices. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Southern Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 540 minutes (60 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 Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Southern 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 Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Southern 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 Sandwiches with Southern 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 Sandwiches with Southern 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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