Get ready for the ultimate BBQ experience with our Pulled Pork Sandwiches, slow-smoked to perfection on a pellet grill and loaded with flavor! Picture this: tender, juicy pork, falling apart at the slightest touch, slathered in our rich and smoky. The sweetness of the Pineapple and the jalapeno spice create a mouthwatering glaze that pairs perfectly with the smoky goodness of the pork. Topped with crunchy coleslaw and tangy pickles, all piled high on a toasted brioche bun, these sandwiches are the kind of messy, flavor-packed bites you’ll want to savor all summer long. One bite, and you'll understand why these are the star of any BBQ!
Ingredients:
For the Pulled Pork:
- 4-5 lb pork shoulder (pork butt or Boston butt)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup apple juice
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
For the Sandwich:
- 8 soft brioche or hamburger buns
- Coleslaw (optional, but highly recommended for crunch and flavor contrast)
- Pickles (optional, for added tang)
- Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Sauce
For the Dry Rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Pellet Smoker:
- Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F using hickory, apple, or cherry wood pellets for a nice balance of sweet and smoky flavor.
2. Prepare the Pork:
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), brown sugar, and salt.
- Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil, then generously coat the entire surface of the pork with the spice rub, massaging it into the meat to ensure full coverage.
3. Smoke the Pork:
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder directly on the smoker grates, fat-side up.
- Close the lid and let it smoke for approximately 4-5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Every hour or so, spritz the pork with a mixture of apple juice and apple cider vinegar to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
4. Wrap the Pork:
- Once the pork reaches 165°F, wrap it tightly in either butcher paper or aluminum foil to help it retain moisture and finish cooking.
- If using aluminum foil, you can pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the wrap for added moisture.
- Return the wrapped pork to the smoker and continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 203°F, which may take another 3-4 hours.
5. Rest the Pork:
- Once the pork has reached 203°F, remove it from the smoker and let it rest (still wrapped) for at least 30-45 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and easier to pull apart.
7. Shred the Pork:
- After the resting period, unwrap the pork and transfer it to a large cutting board.
- Use two forks to pull the pork apart into shreds, discarding any large chunks of fat.
- If desired, mix some of the leftover juices from the smoker wrap back into the shredded pork to keep it moist and flavorful.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Lightly toast the brioche or hamburger buns on the smoker or a grill for extra flavor and texture.
- Pile the shredded pork high on the bottom bun, and drizzle a generous amount of Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Sauce over the top.
- Add a scoop of coleslaw and a few pickles (optional) for crunch and tang.
- Place the top bun over the sandwich and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with extra Pineapple Jalapeño BBQ Sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
- Pair with classic BBQ sides like baked beans, potato salad, or grilled corn on the cob.
Enjoy!
These Pulled Pork Sandwiches cooked on a pellet smoker are tender, juicy, and bursting with smoky, sweet flavors. Perfect for your next BBQ or family gathering!