Spicy Southern Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches
Inspired by classic Southern cooking, this Spicy Southern Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich recipe delivers an unforgettable flavor experience. Tender pork shoulder, marinated with a mouthwatering blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection, results in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat. The addition of apple juice and cider vinegar imparts a subtle sweetness that balances the smoky and tangy elements. Topped with your favorite BBQ sauce and creamy coleslaw, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit at your next family gathering or casual lunch. Perfect for serving your loved ones, this dish is a testament to the comfort of homemade Southern cuisine.
8
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
2 tablespoons (none)
Black Pepper
2 tablespoons (none)
Dark Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
Paprika
2 tablespoons (none)
Cayenne Pepper
1/2 tablespoon (none)
Pork Shoulder Roast
4 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
Apple Juice
2 cups (none)
Apple Cider Vinegar
1 cup (none)
Worcestershire Sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Liquid Smoke
1/2 tablespoon (none)
Garlic Powder
1/2 tablespoon (none)
Buns
6-8 (preferably brioche or hamburger style)
BBQ Sauce
to taste (for serving)
Coleslaw
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, dark brown sugar, paprika, and cayenne to create the dry rub. Generously sprinkle this seasoning all over the pork roast, pressing firmly to adhere. Wrap the pork in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight to enhance the flavors.
2
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
3
In a large Dutch oven, combine the apple juice, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and garlic powder. Stir well before adding the seasoned pork roast.
4
Cover the Dutch oven tightly with aluminum foil followed by the lid, ensuring the pork retains moisture during cooking. Roast in the preheated oven for about 4 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart. Make sure to brush the roast with the cooking liquid every hour to keep it moist.
5
Once cooked, remove the Dutch oven from the oven and allow the pork to rest for about 20 minutes until it’s cool enough to handle. Use two forks or tongs to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
6
To assemble your sandwiches, place a generous portion of pulled pork on a bun, drizzle your favorite BBQ sauce over the top, and add a scoop of coleslaw for a crunchy finish.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
18.75
Carbs
25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Spicy Southern Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches.
What cut of meat is used for these sandwiches?
The recipe calls for 4 lbs of Pork Shoulder Roast, trimmed of excess fat.
How long should the pork marinate in the dry rub?
It should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight to enhance the flavors.
What ingredients are in the dry rub?
The dry rub consists of salt, black pepper, dark brown sugar, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
What type of cooking vessel should be used?
A large Dutch oven is used to roast the pork.
What liquids are used to cook the pork roast?
The cooking liquid includes apple juice, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke.
How long does the pork need to roast?
The pork should roast for about 4 hours until it is fork-tender.
How do you keep the pork moist during the long roasting process?
Brush the roast with the cooking liquid every hour and keep the Dutch oven tightly covered with foil and a lid.
How long should the meat rest after cooking?
Allow the pork to rest for about 20 minutes until it is cool enough to handle.
What is the best way to shred the cooked pork?
Use two forks or tongs to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
What kind of buns are suggested for these sandwiches?
Brioche or hamburger style buns are preferred.
What toppings are recommended for assembly?
Top the pulled pork with your favorite BBQ sauce and a scoop of creamy coleslaw.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 300 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each sandwich serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 15 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 18.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What gives the pork its spicy flavor?
The half tablespoon of cayenne pepper in the dry rub provides the spice.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, a half tablespoon of garlic powder is added to the cooking liquid.
What role does the apple cider vinegar play?
It imparts a tangy element that balances the smoky and sweet flavors.
How do you achieve a smoky flavor without a smoker?
The recipe uses liquid smoke in the Dutch oven to provide a smoky profile.
What flavor does the dark brown sugar add?
The dark brown sugar in the rub adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Is this considered a slow-cooked recipe?
Yes, it is slow-roasted in the oven for four hours to achieve tenderness.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include pulled pork, bbq sandwich, southern cuisine, slow-cooked, and comfort food.
Can this be served as a snack?
Yes, while it is a hearty sandwich, it is tagged for both lunch and snacks.
What is the amount of Worcestershire sauce needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
How much apple juice is used?
You will need 2 cups of apple juice for the cooking liquid.
How much paprika is used in the rub?
The dry rub uses 2 tablespoons of paprika.
Is there fiber or sugar information provided?
No, the values for fiber and sugar are not specified in the data.