Pork

Pulled Pork Sandwhich for One

September 20, 2023
5
2 Ratings
Photo by Max Nelson @Chillguyinbrooklyn
  • Prep time 20 minutes
  • Cook time 3 hours
  • Serves 1-2
Author Notes

Have you ever craved a mouthwatering BBQ pulled pork sandwich but hesitated because you didn't want to make a mountain of meat? Worry no more—I've got the perfect solution for you! This recipe is your golden ticket to a single, sublime sandwich, with just enough leftovers for round two.

If you're fortunate enough to live near a local butcher, this is a fantastic opportunity to get acquainted. They can provide you with the ideal cut of meat for your pulled pork adventure. And if a butcher isn't in your neighborhood, no problem! Simply buy a large pork shoulder, dice what you need, and freeze the rest for future culinary exploits.

What makes this recipe truly special is that it's essentially four recipes in one: you get a succulent pulled pork, a smoky BBQ spice rub, a rich BBQ sauce, and a crisp, refreshing slaw. It's a complete package that promises a feast for your senses. Enjoy! —Max Nelson @Chillguyinbrooklyn

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Ingredients
  • BBQ Pulled Pork
  • 1 pound Pork Shoulder/Boston Butt
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
  • 1 tablespoon High Smoke Point Oil (I use Avocado Oil)
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin
  • 1 tablespoon Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
  • 2 tablespoons Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tablespoon Cayenne (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke (optional)
  • 1 Potato Bun
  • Slaw
  • 1 Small Carrot
  • 1/4 Head of Cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper
  • 1 pinch Celery Seed
Directions
  1. BBQ Pulled Pork
  2. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
  3. In a small bowl, combine all the spices to make your rub. Set aside.
  4. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke (if using), and a pinch of salt.
  5. Add a generous pinch of the prepared spice rub to the sauce.
  6. Whisk together and bring to a boil then simmer on low heat.
  7. While the sauce is simmering, trim any excess skin and fat from the pork shoulder and generously coat the pork with the spice rub and kosher salt.
  8. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the high smoke point oil.
  9. Sear the pork on all sides until it develops a nice color.
  10. Add half of the barbecue sauce and 1/4 cup of water to the Dutch oven.
  11. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 2.5-3 hours until tender.
  12. Shred Pork and serve on a toasted bun with slaw and extra BBQ sauce.
  1. Slaw
  2. In a bowl, combine shredded carrot and purple cabbage.
  3. Add apple cider vinegar, olive oil, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

2 Reviews

BarbaraMc September 23, 2023
Pulled Pork is one of my husband's favorite sandwiches when ordering out in a restaurant. We both assumed this offering required BBQ to effectively make it. Also, there are only two of us, so when I came across this recipe for 1-2 people soon after signing up for FOOD52, I immediately got to work as a surprise offering to my husband. OMG, we LOVE IT! He now wants this on the regular rotation! Thank you Max Nelson for this easy and delicious pulled pork sandwich recipe!
Max N. September 25, 2023
Hi Barbara,

So happy you found this recipe useful! I hope you and your husband enjoy it for years to come!

Max