Description
Looking for a delicious, no-fuss dish that’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or casual gatherings? Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches are the ultimate recipe! This hands-off meal features tender, shredded pork bathed in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce, piled high on kaiser rolls for a satisfying bite.
Ingredients
- For the Pork:
- 1 boneless pork loin roast (4 pounds)
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
- 1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce, divided
- 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce, divided
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup prepared mustard
- For Assembly:
- 10 kaiser rolls, split
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Pork Loin Roast: A lean, tender cut that shreds beautifully after slow cooking.
- Beef Broth: Adds savory depth to the cooking liquid.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami and tangy flavor.
- Louisiana-Style Hot Sauce: Provides a spicy kick.
- Ketchup: Forms the base of the sweet-tangy sauce.
- Molasses: Adds rich, deep sweetness.
- Prepared Mustard: Contributes sharp, tangy notes.
- Kaiser Rolls: Sturdy, crusty rolls that hold the juicy pork.
Substitutions and Variations
- Pork: Swap with pork shoulder (fattier, same cooking time) or 4 pounds boneless chicken thighs (cook 6-7 hours).
- Beef Broth: Use chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Replace with soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami flavor.
- Hot Sauce: Use Frank’s RedHot or reduce to 1/4 cup total for less spice.
- Ketchup: Swap with tomato sauce plus 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Molasses: Use 3/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Mustard: Replace with Dijon mustard or 1/4 cup mustard powder mixed with water.
- Rolls: Use brioche buns, hamburger buns, or slider rolls for smaller portions.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls and ensure Worcestershire sauce and broth are gluten-free.
- Milder Version: Reduce hot sauce to 1/4 cup total and add 1/4 cup BBQ sauce.
- Smoky Twist: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke to the sauce.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Cut 1 boneless pork loin roast (4 pounds) in half for easier cooking.
- Open 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth.
- Measure 1/3 cup and 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce.
- Measure 1/3 cup and 1/4 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce.
- Measure 1 cup ketchup, 1 cup molasses, 1/2 cup prepared mustard.
- Gather 10 kaiser rolls.
- Grease a 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Tip: Halving the roast ensures even cooking; measure ingredients in advance for quick assembly.
Step 2: Prep the Slow Cooker
- Add Pork: Place the halved pork roast in the greased 5-quart slow cooker.
- Make Cooking Liquid: In a small bowl, combine 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth, 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce, and 1/3 cup hot sauce. Pour over the pork.
Tip: Ensure the pork is mostly submerged; no need to stir, as the liquid will distribute during cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 8-10 hours, until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork (internal temperature should reach at least 195°F/90°C for shredding).
Tip: Check at 8 hours; larger roasts may need closer to 10 hours. Avoid lifting the lid to maintain heat.
Step 4: Shred the Pork
- Remove Pork: Transfer the pork to a large bowl or cutting board using tongs.
- Discard Juices: Pour out and discard the cooking juices from the slow cooker.
- Shred: Shred the pork with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
- Return to Slow Cooker: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker.
Tip: Shred finely for easy sandwich filling; remove any excess fat while shredding.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup ketchup, 1 cup molasses, 1/2 cup prepared mustard, 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup hot sauce until smooth.
- Add to Pork: Pour the sauce over the shredded pork in the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly.
Tip: Mix sauce thoroughly to blend flavors; taste and adjust with extra hot sauce or molasses if desired.
Step 6: Heat Through
- Cook on High: Cover and cook on High for 30 minutes, until the pork is heated through and the sauce is well incorporated.
Tip: Stir halfway to ensure even coating; use the “keep warm” setting if serving over time.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
- Prep Rolls: Split 10 kaiser rolls and toast lightly if desired (in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or on a skillet).
- Add Pork: Spoon about 1/2 cup of the pulled pork mixture onto the bottom half of each roll.
- Serve: Top with the other half of the roll and serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side if desired.
Tip: Use a slotted spoon to avoid soggy rolls; serve with napkins, as these can be messy!