Tangy Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Total Time
Prep: 10 min. Cook: 4 hours
Let the slow cooker do the work for you and enjoy these tangy, tasty pulled pork sandwiches with minimal hands-on effort required.

Updated: Jul. 11, 2024

Some things are just worth waiting for, and the BBQ pulled pork sandwiches you’ll end up with after a multi-hour cooking process following this pulled pork sandwich recipe are evidence of that if anything ever has been. Tangy, sweet, savory and downright delicious, this pulled pork will have you happy you learned to be patient.

But hey, for the impatient folks out there, it’s also good to know that the hands-on work here lasts all of 10 to 15 minutes, so you can toss everything in the slow cooker after lunch, hurry around the house or around town getting all your errands done, and then enjoy a delicious pulled pork sandwich dinner four or five hours later.

Ingredients for Pulled Pork Sandwiches

  • Pork tenderloin: Use a 1-pound pork tenderloin.
  • Ketchup: Be generous with the ketchup, as it adds flavor and moisture.
  • Brown sugar: This recipe asks for precise measurements of 2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons of brown sugar.
  • Cider vinegar: Same deal with the cider vinegar, use 2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons.
  • Worcestershire sauce: For the Worcestershire sauce, use 1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons.
  • Spicy brown mustard: Just 1 tablespoon of spicy brown mustard will do it.
  • Pepper: And 1/4 teaspoon of regular black pepper is all you need.
  • Rolls or buns: Ideally, these will be split and toasted.
  • Coleslaw (optional): The slaw is not required, but it is highly recommended.

Directions

Step 1: Slice the pork and make the sauce

Cut the tenderloin in half and place it in a 3-quart slow cooker. In a bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and pepper, then pour the blend over the pork.

Step 2: Slow-cook, shred and serve

Cover and cook the pork on low for four to five hours or until the meat is very tender. Then remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Return the pork to the slow cooker and heat it through. Serve the pulled pork on toasted rolls or buns, with coleslaw if desired.

Pulled Pork Sandwich Variations

  • Add some cola: For a unique take on BBQ pulled pork, add about 6 ounces of cola (Coke, Pepsi or whatever you prefer) to the slow cooker along with the sauces and sugar.
  • Try it with chicken: This same recipe will work great with chicken, just check the internal temperature of the meat and know that the cooking process may take longer.
  • Swap the Worcestershire for soy: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, soy sauce makes a very good stand-in to use in its place.

How to Store Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Let it cool to room temperature, then secure it in an airtight bag or container.

Can you freeze pulled pork?

Yes, pulled pork freezes well for up to four months when properly stored in airtight packaging. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then heat it in a skillet with a bit of oil or in the microwave.

Pulled Pork Sandwich Tips

What should I serve with pulled pork sandwiches?

Of course coleslaw is always a good idea here, as are other BBQ staples like cornbread, broccoli, beans and rice. A crisp green salad also makes a good pairing with pulled pork.

How do I shred pulled pork?

When the meat is cool enough to handle, you can use two forks to shred it. The double-fork method involves pushing the forks together and then pulling them apart at the same time. You can also use one fork to keep the meat steady while you shred it with the other.

What is the safe internal temperature for pork?

Pork needs to be cooked to 145°F internally to be considered food safe. Use an instant-read thermometer to check, if you have any doubts.

Watch How to Make Tangy Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Tangy Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Prep Time 10 min
Cook Time 240 min
Yield 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pork tenderloin (1 pound)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 rolls or buns, split and toasted
  • Coleslaw, optional

Directions

  1. Cut the tenderloin in half; place in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and pepper; pour over pork.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until meat is tender. Remove meat; shred with 2 forks. Return to slow cooker; heat through. Serve on toasted rolls or buns, with coleslaw if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 sandwich: 402 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1181mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.

The slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal, it keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
Recipe Creator
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