Who can resist a juicy, flavorful pulled pork sandwich? Slow-cooked to perfection, this tender pork is shredded and piled high on soft buns with your favorite barbecue sauce. It's perfect for a casual lunch, picnic, or game day, and it's easier to make than you might think! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this pulled pork recipe is sure to impress with its smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Prep the pork. Pat the pork shoulder dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this seasoning mix all over the pork shoulder.
Sear the pork. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds extra flavor to the pork.
Slow cook. Transfer the seared pork to a slow cooker. Add barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Shred the pork. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining juices.
Assemble the sandwiches. Toast the sandwich buns if desired. Pile the shredded pork onto each bun, drizzle with extra barbecue sauce, and top with coleslaw if using. Serve immediately and enjoy!
For extra flavor, marinate the pork with the seasoning rub and let it sit in the fridge overnight before cooking. If you like a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke or use a smoked barbecue sauce. Want a spicy kick? Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning rub. Use the leftover pulled pork in tacos, quesadillas, or over nachos for an easy meal the next day.