If you’re looking for a mouthwatering sandwich that’s packed with rich, smoky flavors and is so easy to make, look no further than this Easy Tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich. Picture this: tender, juicy pulled pork coated in a tangy, sweet barbecue sauce, nestled between soft, fluffy buns and topped with a crunchy, refreshing coleslaw. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory, smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors—making this sandwich the ultimate comfort food.

When I first set out to create a pulled pork recipe, I wanted something that would capture all the incredible flavors of slow-cooked pork without the time and effort that typically goes into it. The key to this recipe is using a simple yet effective method to get the pork to that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness in a fraction of the time. By seasoning the pork with a blend of spices and braising it in a little chicken broth, the pork becomes incredibly juicy and flavorful. Then, the pulled pork is smothered in a tangy homemade barbecue sauce that adds just the right amount of sweetness and acidity. Add a layer of cool, crunchy coleslaw, and you’ve got the ultimate sandwich that’s perfect for any occasion.

This Easy Tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich is the perfect choice for a quick dinner when you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s also a fantastic option for a summer cookout or a casual get-together with friends and family. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s customizable—you can adjust the level of tanginess or sweetness of the BBQ sauce to suit your preferences, and even add your favorite toppings to make it your own. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight meal or at a larger gathering, this pulled pork sandwich will undoubtedly impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

Selling Points:

• Tender and Juicy Pulled Pork: The pork is slow-cooked until it’s tender and juicy, making each bite melt in your mouth.
  
• Tangy BBQ Sauce: A combination of tangy and sweet barbecue sauce adds a burst of flavor to the pulled pork, balancing out the richness of the meat.
  
• Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional pulled pork recipes that require hours of slow cooking, this one is ready in about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, looking for a hearty dinner, or preparing a casual meal for friends, this sandwich is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
  
• Customizable: Adjust the BBQ sauce to your liking, whether you prefer it sweeter, spicier, or more tangy. You can also add extra toppings like pickles, cheese, or avocado for a unique twist.
  

What You’ll Need for Easy Tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

For the Pulled Pork:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt), boneless
  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
  
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
  

For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
  
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
  

For the Sandwiches:

• 4 soft sandwich buns or hamburger buns
  
• 1 cup coleslaw (optional, but adds a great crunch)

How to Make Easy Tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

1. Prepare the Pork: Begin by seasoning the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Rub the seasonings all over the pork to ensure it’s evenly coated with the spices.
   
2. Cook the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork shoulder on all sides for 3-5 minutes until it’s browned and crispy on the outside. This step helps lock in the flavors and creates a beautiful crust on the pork.
   
3. Braize the Pork: After the pork is seared, add chicken broth (or water) to the pot, and cover it with a lid. Lower the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, occasionally checking the tenderness of the pork. It should be easy to shred with a fork when it’s done.
   
4. Shred the Pork: Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. This should create the perfect pulled pork texture, with tender, bite-sized pieces.
   
5. Make the BBQ Sauce: While the pork is resting, mix together your BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper in a small saucepan. Heat the sauce over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to combine all the flavors.
   
6. Combine the Pork and BBQ Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, add the shredded pork back into the pot. Toss it with the sauce until the pork is fully coated, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
   
7. Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the sandwich buns lightly if desired. Spoon a generous portion of the tangy BBQ pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw for added crunch and freshness. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

• Make it Spicy: Add a little extra heat to your BBQ sauce by stirring in some hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes.
  
• Add Flavor to the Slaw: To give your coleslaw more flavor, toss it with a bit of the leftover BBQ sauce or a squeeze of lime juice for extra tanginess.
  
• Slow Cooker Option: If you have more time, you can cook the pork in a slow cooker. Simply follow the same seasoning process and cook it on low for 6-8 hours until it’s fork-tender.
  
• Leftovers: The pulled pork can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and is even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Substitutions and Variations

Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute the pulled pork with jackfruit or mushrooms. They both have a similar texture and absorb the BBQ sauce beautifully.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps if you’re following a gluten-free diet.

Sweetness Level: If you like your BBQ sauce on the sweeter side, increase the amount of honey or maple syrup in the sauce.

Closing for your Easy Tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

And there you have it! A juicy, tender pulled pork sandwich with that perfect balance of tangy BBQ flavor. It’s quick to make, loaded with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Pile it high on a soft bun, and pair it with your favorite sides for a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every messy, flavorful bite!

Frequently Asked Questions for your Easy Tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pulled pork and BBQ sauce ahead of time. Simply store the pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Can I use a different cut of meat?
While pork shoulder is the best cut for pulled pork, you can also use pork butt, which is slightly fattier and more flavorful. You could even try chicken thighs for a leaner alternative.

Can I make the BBQ sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! You can create your own homemade BBQ sauce by mixing ingredients like tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a bit of mustard for tanginess.

What can I serve with this pulled pork sandwich?
This sandwich pairs perfectly with a side of crispy fries, roasted sweet potatoes, or a simple green salad. You could also serve it with a side of pickles for an added crunch.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw it properly before reheating.

These Easy Tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich are sure to become a favorite in your household. With tender pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and the crunch of fresh coleslaw, they’re a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Quick to prepare and full of deliciousness, this sandwich is the ultimate comfort food that you can enjoy any time of the year. Try it today and watch it become a regular on your dinner table!

Easy Tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt), boneless

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)

• For the BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)

• For the Sandwiches:

• 4 soft sandwich buns or hamburger buns

• 1 cup coleslaw (optional, but adds a great crunch)

Directions

• Prepare the Pork: Begin by seasoning the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Rub the seasonings all over the pork to ensure it’s evenly coated with the spices.
• Cook the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork shoulder on all sides for 3-5 minutes until it’s browned and crispy on the outside. This step helps lock in the flavors and creates a beautiful crust on the pork.
• Braize the Pork: After the pork is seared, add chicken broth (or water) to the pot, and cover it with a lid. Lower the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, occasionally checking the tenderness of the pork. It should be easy to shred with a fork when it’s done.
• Shred the Pork: Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. This should create the perfect pulled pork texture, with tender, bite-sized pieces.
• Make the BBQ Sauce: While the pork is resting, mix together your BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper in a small saucepan. Heat the sauce over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to combine all the flavors.
• Combine the Pork and BBQ Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, add the shredded pork back into the pot. Toss it with the sauce until the pork is fully coated, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
• Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the sandwich buns lightly if desired. Spoon a generous portion of the tangy BBQ pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw for added crunch and freshness. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.