Pulled Pork Sandwich with Coleslaw
Why this recipe works
- Built-in barbecue-style depth: Smoked paprika, softened onion, tomato passata, vinegar and brown sugar create a smoky, tangy sauce that coats the pork as it cooks.
- Soft pork, crisp slaw: Tender shredded pork and soft rolls are balanced by fresh cabbage and carrot coleslaw for crunch and brightness.
- Good for planning ahead: The pulled pork reheats well in its sauce, while the coleslaw is best kept separate and added just before serving.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Mostly hands-off cooking: The active work is front-loaded; once the pork is in the slow cooker, most of the time is gentle, unattended cooking.
- Assemble at the last moment: Keep the pork warm in its sauce, then fill the buns just before serving so the rolls stay soft rather than soggy.
Make-ahead tips
- Keep the slaw separate: Store the pulled pork and coleslaw in separate airtight containers so the cabbage stays crisp.
- Freeze the pork only: Pulled pork freezes well in its sauce; defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat until piping hot before assembling.
- Reheat gently: Warm the pork with its sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, so the meat stays moist.
Texture tips
- Coat the shreds well: Return the pulled meat to the sauce after shredding so every piece absorbs flavour and moisture.
- Reduce the sauce if needed: If the sauce seems thin, simmer it briefly until glossy before stirring it back through the pork.
- Protect the buns: Lightly toasting the rolls helps them hold up under the saucy pork and creamy coleslaw.
Ingredient notes
- Why pork shoulder works: Pork shoulder is well suited to slow cooking because it becomes tender enough to shred while staying rich and juicy.
- Balance the richness: Apple cider vinegar cuts through the pork and sauce; white wine vinegar gives a slightly sharper finish.
- Shred the cabbage finely: Thinly shredded cabbage makes the coleslaw easier to pile into the sandwich and gives a cleaner crunch.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Pulled pork
Coleslaw and to serve
Instructions
- Pat the pork dry, then season all over with the fine sea salt and smoked paprika. Peel and thinly slice the yellow onion.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the onion for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Scrape the onion into the slow cooker.
- Pour in the tomato passata, apple cider vinegar and brown sugar, then stir well. Nestle the pork into the sauce, turning once to coat.
- Cover and slow-cook on low for 4 hours, or until the pork is very tender and pulls apart easily. Turn the pork once halfway through if you can.
- Lift the pork onto a board and pull into shreds using two forks. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the sauce, then return the pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat; keep warm while you make the coleslaw.
- Finely shred the white cabbage and coarsely grate the carrot into a mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise and toss until evenly coated.
- Split the burger buns and fill each with a generous pile of pulled pork. Top with the coleslaw and spoon a little extra sauce over the meat to serve.
Recipe notes
Tips
- If you want a thicker sauce, transfer it to a frying pan and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until glossy, then stir it back through the pork.
- For neater sandwiches, toast the burger buns lightly so they hold up better under the sauce.
- If serving vulnerable groups, make sure the pork is piping hot all the way through before serving.
Substitutions
- Replace apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar for a slightly sharper tang.
- Replace mayonnaise with greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier coleslaw.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Store the pulled pork and coleslaw separately in airtight containers. Reheat the pork with its sauce in a saucepan over low heat, or in a 180°C (355°F) oven covered until piping hot; assemble sandwiches just before serving. Freeze pulled pork only, well wrapped, for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 4h 30min (35min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: American
-
Allergens:
Eggs Wheat
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