Description
Want a mouthwatering meal that’s tender, saucy, and perfect for feeding a crowd? Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches are the ultimate recipe! This hands-off dish transforms a pork loin roast into succulent, shredded pork slathered in a tangy, sweet-spicy sauce, all piled high on kaiser rolls
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, keeping the pork moist.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami and tangy flavor to both the pork and sauce.
- Louisiana-Style Hot Sauce: Provides a spicy, vinegary kick that defines the dish.
- Ketchup: Forms the tangy, tomatoey base for the barbecue sauce.
- Molasses: Adds rich, sweet depth to balance the heat and acidity.
- Prepared Mustard: Contributes sharp, tangy flavor to the sauce.
- Kaiser Rolls: Sturdy, crusty rolls that hold the juicy pork without falling apart.
Substitutions and Variations
- Pork: Swap with pork shoulder or butt (more marbled, may need fat trimmed) or use 3 pounds boneless chicken thighs (cook 6-8 hours).
- Beef Broth: Replace with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water with 1 teaspoon bouillon.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Use soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free) for a similar umami note.
- Hot Sauce: Substitute with any vinegar-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot or Tabasco; reduce to 1/4 cup total for milder flavor.
- Ketchup: Swap with tomato sauce plus 1 tablespoon sugar for a less sweet base.
- Molasses: Replace with 3/4 cup dark brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Mustard: Use Dijon mustard for a sharper flavor or yellow mustard for classic taste.
- Kaiser Rolls: Substitute with hamburger buns, brioche rolls, or gluten-free buns.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and buns.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce molasses to 1/2 cup and use low-sugar ketchup.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Cut 1 boneless pork loin roast (4 pounds) in half for easier cooking.
- Measure 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth, 1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce, and 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce.
- Measure 1 cup ketchup, 1 cup molasses, and 1/2 cup prepared mustard.
- Split 10 kaiser rolls (or have them ready for serving).
Tip: Halving the roast ensures even cooking and easier shredding.
Step 2: Cook the Pork
- Place Pork: Place pork halves in a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Add Liquid: In a small bowl, combine 1 can beef broth, 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce, and 1/3 cup hot sauce. Pour over the pork.
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 8-10 hours, until the pork is tender and reaches at least 195°F (90°C) for easy shredding.
Tip: Check at 8 hours; some slow cookers may cook faster. The pork should pull apart easily with a fork.
Step 3: Shred the Pork
- Remove Pork: Transfer pork to a large cutting board and discard the cooking juices from the slow cooker.
- Shred: Shred pork with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
- Return to Slow Cooker: Return shredded pork to the slow cooker.
Tip: Shred finely for a uniform texture or leave some larger chunks for a heartier bite.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup ketchup, 1 cup molasses, 1/2 cup prepared mustard, 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup hot sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Add to Pork: Pour the sauce over the shredded pork in the slow cooker and stir to coat.
Tip: Taste the sauce before adding; adjust hot sauce or molasses for your preferred spice-sweet balance.
Step 5: Heat Through
- Cook: 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 and heating.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Prepare Rolls: If desired, toast kaiser rolls lightly in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or on a skillet for 1-2 minutes.
- Fill Sandwiches: Spoon the pulled pork mixture onto the bottom halves of the split kaiser rolls. Add top halves.
- Serve: Serve hot, with extra napkins for the saucy filling.
Tip: Offer extra sauce on the side for those who want a saucier sandwich.