Smoky Memphis-Style Pulled Pork Sandwich with Tangy Coleslaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked pulled pork infused with smoky spices served on a soft bun with crisp, tangy coleslaw for a quintessential Memphis barbecue sandwich. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, brown sugar, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, 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 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Rub this spice mix all over 3 lbs pork shoulder evenly.
  2. Step 2: Place pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour in 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until pork is tender and pulls apart easily.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, mix 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, and 1 cup shredded carrot in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss well. Refrigerate slaw until serving.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Discard excess liquid and stir in 1 cup bbq sauce until pork is coated and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Toast 6 hamburger buns lightly. Pile generous portions of pulled pork on the bottom halves, top with 1/3 cup tangy coleslaw each, and cover with bun tops. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Memphis-Style Pulled Pork Sandwich with Tangy Coleslaw 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 Smoky Memphis-Style Pulled Pork Sandwich with Tangy Coleslaw?

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 Smoky Memphis-Style Pulled Pork Sandwich with Tangy Coleslaw?

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 Smoky Memphis-Style Pulled Pork Sandwich with Tangy Coleslaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Smoky Memphis-Style Pulled Pork Sandwich with Tangy Coleslaw?

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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