Apricot-Glazed Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of Apricot-Glazed Pulled Pork Sandwiches. This mouthwatering recipe features tender pork shoulder, slow-cooked to perfection and infused with a luscious apricot sauce. The combination of apricot preserves, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce creates a deliciously sticky glaze that pairs wonderfully with the juicy, shredded pork. Serve it on toasted onion buns for a satisfying lunch or snack that your family and friends will adore. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or simply enjoying a flavorful home-cooked meal, these sandwiches are sure to become a favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
2 medium (thinly sliced)
Apricot Preserves
1 cup
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Barbecue Sauce
1/2 cup
Cider Vinegar
1/4 cup
Worcestershire Sauce
2 tablespoons
Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Pork Shoulder
4 lbs (trimmed of fat)
Cold Water
1/4 cup
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons
Fresh Ginger
1 tablespoon (grated)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon
Onion Hamburger Buns
10-12 (split and toasted)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced onions, apricot preserves, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well blended.
2
Place the trimmed pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour the apricot mixture over the top, ensuring the pork is well-coated.
3
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 to 9 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4
Once cooked, transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it cool slightly. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
5
Allow the cooking liquid to stand for about 5 minutes, which will enable the fat to rise to the surface. Skim off and discard any excess fat.
6
In a separate small bowl, blend together the cold water, cornstarch, grated fresh ginger, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
7
Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker and turn the heat to high. Cook uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
8
Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing it well with the thickened sauce for even coating.
9
Toast the onion hamburger buns until golden brown, then pile generous portions of the pulled pork mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. Place the top halves on and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Apricot-Glazed Pulled Pork Sandwiches?
These are sandwiches made with tender pork shoulder that has been slow-cooked in a sweet and savory sauce featuring apricot preserves, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
A 4-pound pork shoulder, trimmed of fat, is recommended as it becomes very tender and easy to shred after long cooking.
How long does the pork need to cook?
The pork should be cooked on low heat in a slow cooker for 8 to 9 hours until it is tender enough to shred with a fork.
What is in the apricot glaze?
The glaze consists of apricot preserves, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes.
What type of buns should I use?
The recipe recommends using onion hamburger buns, split and toasted, for extra flavor.
How do I shred the pork?
Once the pork is cooked and slightly cooled, use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces.
How do I thicken the cooking sauce?
Whisk together cold water, cornstarch, and grated fresh ginger, then add it to the slow cooker and cook on high for 15 to 30 minutes.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the half teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but it is primarily sweet and savory.
Can I use pork loin instead of pork shoulder?
While you can, pork shoulder is preferred because the higher fat content keeps the meat juicy during the long slow-cooking process.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
This recipe yields enough pulled pork for approximately 10 to 12 onion hamburger buns.
Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?
No water is needed initially; the pork will cook in the moisture from the onions and the apricot sauce mixture.
How do I remove excess fat from the sauce?
Allow the cooking liquid to stand for about 5 minutes after removing the meat, then skim the fat off the top with a spoon.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh ginger?
Yes, but fresh grated ginger provides a brighter flavor. If using ground, use about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon.
Should I toast the buns?
Yes, toasting the onion buns until golden brown helps them hold up better against the juicy pulled pork and adds texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the pulled pork can be made a day in advance and reheated in its sauce, which often improves the flavor.
Is this recipe good for crowds?
Absolutely, it is perfect for gatherings, game days, and parties since it yields a large amount and stays warm in the slow cooker.
What side dishes go well with these sandwiches?
Coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob are excellent accompaniments.
Can I freeze the leftover pork?
Yes, the shredded pork in its sauce freezes very well in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
What does cider vinegar add to the recipe?
Cider vinegar provides necessary acidity to balance the sweetness of the apricot preserves and brown sugar.
Can I use a different fruit preserve?
Yes, peach or orange marmalade would be good substitutes if you do not have apricot preserves.
Do the onions need to be pre-cooked?
No, the thinly sliced onions cook down perfectly in the slow cooker along with the pork.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended to comfortably fit a 4-pound pork shoulder and the sauce.
Can I cook this on high heat for a shorter time?
You can cook it on high for about 4 to 5 hours, but low heat for 8 to 9 hours typically results in more tender meat.
How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork is done when it is tender enough to be easily pulled apart with very little resistance from a fork.
Is the brown sugar necessary?
The brown sugar helps create the sticky glaze and adds a deep molasses sweetness that complements the apricot.
What does Worcestershire sauce do?
It adds umami and depth to the glaze, balancing the sweeter ingredients.
Can I add more red pepper flakes?
Yes, if you prefer a spicier sandwich, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or more.
Why let the meat cool slightly before shredding?
Allowing it to rest for a few minutes helps the meat retain its juices, making the final sandwich more flavorful.
Can I use bone-in pork shoulder?
Yes, bone-in shoulder works well, just ensure you remove the bone and any gristle during the shredding process.
Does the sauce thicken quickly?
Once the cornstarch mixture is added and the heat is turned to high, it takes about 15 to 30 minutes to reach a thick consistency.