Effortlessly Tasty: Sweet & Smoky Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches in 8 Hours

When it comes to satisfying, flavorful comfort food that pleases a crowd, few dishes can compete with pulled pork. This tender, juicy meat, slathered in tangy-sweet BBQ sauce, makes the perfect filling for hearty sandwiches.

And today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Sweet & Smoky Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, a delight for all the senses and a breeze to make. But before we delve into this mouthwatering concoction, let’s answer some common questions about creating the perfect pulled pork at home.

What Liquid to Use for Pulled Pork?

When you’re slow-cooking pulled pork, the liquid you choose plays a critical role in both the flavor and texture of your final product. The liquid serves to keep the meat moist and tender, infuse it with flavor, and contribute to the scrumptious sauce that will coat every shred of pork.

In many recipes, a combination of BBQ sauce and water, as we’re using in our Sweet & Smoky Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches recipe, offers a wonderful balance of flavor and moisture. The Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory and Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce in this recipe creates a perfect, tantalizing blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes that are the hallmarks of a good pulled pork.

Does Pulled Pork Get More Tender the Longer You Cook It?

Yes, up to a point. Cooking pork for a prolonged period at a low temperature allows the tough collagen in the meat to break down into gelatin, making the pork tender and juicy. This process takes time, hence the 8-hour cooking period in our recipe. However, there is such a thing as overcooked pulled pork. If cooked for too long, the meat fibers can become mushy and lose their pleasing texture.

The trick is to cook the pork until it’s just tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork. In our recipe, you’ll know your pork is ready when, after 8 hours in the crockpot, it becomes tender and shreds effortlessly.

Why is My Pulled Pork Not Shredding in the Slow Cooker?

If your pulled pork isn’t shredding easily, it’s likely because it hasn’t cooked long enough. As mentioned before, transforming a tough cut of pork into tender, pull-apart shreds requires several hours of slow cooking.

However, not all pork cuts and slow cookers are the same. Factors like the exact temperature of your slow cooker, the size and specific cut of your pork, and even the altitude where you live can affect the cooking time. If your pork isn’t shredding after the suggested cooking time, don’t despair. Just give it more time to reach that perfect tender state.

Should You Flip Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker?

In general, it isn’t necessary to flip the pork while it’s slow-cooking. The design of a slow cooker allows for even, consistent heat that cooks the meat thoroughly without the need for intervention. Flipping the meat could lead to heat loss, potentially disrupting the slow cooking process. Plus, part of the appeal of slow-cooking is the “set it and forget it” convenience it provides. That said, every slow cooker and recipe is a bit different, so if a recipe specifically instructs you to flip the meat, follow the recipe.

Now that we’ve addressed some commonly asked questions about making pulled pork, let’s dive into the highlight of the post – the recipe for Sweet & Smoky Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches.

Sweet & Smoky Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Embodying the spirit of comfort food and southern-style cooking, this pulled pork recipe is also perfect for busy families. The crockpot does most of the work, and your reward is a flavorful, filling meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 (5lb) pork shoulder or butt from Nyberg’s Deli or any other brand

• 1 bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s Hickory and Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce

• Mayonnaise

• Hamburger Buns

• 1 cup of water

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Rinse the pork shoulder or butt under cold water and pat it dry. This is a crucial step as it helps to remove any bone fragments or excess blood from the meat.

2. Cooking Setup: Place the pork into your crockpot and add 1 cup of water. This water is crucial as it prevents the meat from burning and sticking to the bottom of the pot. It also provides a moist environment that helps tenderize the pork over the long cooking process.

3. Slow Cooking: Cook on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking time is the secret to achieving the ultra-tender, juicy texture we’re after. Resist the temptation to open the lid frequently as this can let out heat and disrupt the cooking process.

4. Resting the Meat: Remove the pork from the crockpot and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more flavorful and juicy.