Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food that'll make your mouth water! These Memphis Style BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches are the holy grail of barbecue, promising a flavor explosion that'll transport you straight to the heart of Tennessee. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork, perfectly seasoned with a killer dry rub and smothered in rich barbecue sauce - this isn't just a sandwich, it's a culinary experience that will have your friends and family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lb pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
- Pickles for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the dry rub by mixing paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels to ensure the dry rub adheres well.
- Generously coat the entire pork shoulder with the prepared dry rub, massaging it into all surfaces of the meat.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a slow cooker or large Dutch oven.
- If using a slow cooker, set to low heat and cook for 8 hours. If using a Dutch oven, cover and place in an oven preheated to 275°F (135°C) for 8 hours.
- After cooking time, carefully remove the pork and place on a large cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the shredded pork and mix thoroughly to combine.
- Lightly toast the hamburger buns until golden brown.
- Pile the pulled pork generously onto each bun.
- Top with pickle slices for added crunch and tanginess.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Memphis-style pulled pork sandwiches.
Tips
- • For maximum flavor, let the dry rub sit on the pork for at least 30 minutes before cooking, or even overnight in the refrigerator. • Choose a pork shoulder (also called pork butt) with good marbling for the most tender and juicy results. • Low and slow is the key - don't rush the cooking process. The 8-hour cooking time ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender and easily shreddable. • If you don't have a slow cooker, a Dutch oven works perfectly. Just maintain a consistent low temperature. • For extra moisture, you can add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the bottom of your slow cooker or Dutch oven. • Make sure to discard any large chunks of fat while shredding for the best texture. • Toast the buns just before serving to keep them crisp and prevent sogginess. • Experiment with different barbecue sauces to find your perfect flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg