Pulled Pork Burger with Homemade BBQ Sauce – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Today, I’m sharing a recipe that holds a special place in my heart: Pulled Pork Burger with Homemade BBQ Sauce. This was one of the first meals that completely wowed my now long-term partner. It’s the kind of dish that you just know will impress anyone you serve it to.
This pulled pork burger is a delicious combo of tender, flavorful pork, creamy and refreshing coleslaw, and buttery toasted hamburger buns. Each bite practically melts in your mouth. But don’t worry about the cooking time—it’s mostly hands-off. You just need to pop the pork in the oven or slow cooker and let it do its thing while you get on with your day. Trust me, the wait is so worth it.
So, let’s get into how to make this mouthwatering pulled pork burger happen!
Why Will You Love this Recipe?
- Incredible Flavors: The pork is slow-cooked with a blend of spices that give it a deep, smoky flavor, and the homemade BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy touch that pairs perfectly with the pork.
- Effortless Cooking: While the cooking time may seem long, most of it is hands-off. You can relax while the pork is roasting, and the rest comes together pretty easily.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe makes enough to serve six, making it ideal for a cozy dinner with friends or family. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: If you like some heat, add chili powder or cayenne to the BBQ sauce for a spicier version.
- Different Buns: You can switch up the burger buns with brioche buns for a richer taste or even use slider buns for smaller portions.
- No Coleslaw? If you’re not a fan of coleslaw, you can replace it with lettuce and tomato or even some pickles for a crunch.
Tools You’ll Need
- Dutch Oven: Perfect for slow-cooking the pork to tender perfection. If you don’t have a slow cooker, this will work just as well.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls for mixing the spice rub, BBQ sauce, and coleslaw dressing.
- Sharp Knife or Mandoline: For shredding the vegetables for your coleslaw.
- Grater: For shredding cabbage and carrots quickly and easily.
- Salad Bowl: Use this to toss your coleslaw ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Non-Stick Skillet: Ideal for toasting the burger buns with butter to get that crispy, golden texture.
FAQ
Can I freeze it?
Yes! You can freeze the pulled pork once it’s cooked and shredded. Just store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
How should I store it?
Store the leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days. Coleslaw is best eaten fresh but can be stored separately for up to 2 days.
How long does it last?
Pulled pork will last for 3 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Coleslaw is best within 1-2 days for optimal crunch and freshness.
What can I serve with it?
These burgers are pretty hearty on their own, but if you want to serve a side, classic fries or sweet potato fries work great. You could also roast some potatoes alongside the pork for an easy side dish.
Is it suitable for every diet?
This recipe is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans due to the pork. However, you can adapt it with plant-based alternatives like jackfruit or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Instat Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe for Burgers
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Homemade Recipe
- Texas Roadhouse Grilled BBQ Chicken
- The Best Pork Meat Stew with Veggies
- Grilled Pork Steaks In The Oven
- Oven Baked Pork Patties with Cheese
BBQ Pulled Pork Burger
Equipment
- 1 Grater
Ingredients
Pulled Pork:
- 2.2 pounds pork butt 1 kg
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Water
BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
Coleslaw:
- ½ head white cabbage
- 4 carrots
- 2 yellow onions
- 2 sweet apples
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup light mayonnaise
- 1 ¼ cups sour cream at least 20% fat
Additional:
- 6 hamburger buns
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter
Instructions
Pulled Pork:
- In a large bowl, combine the salt, pepper, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Rub the pork butt thoroughly on all sides with the spice mixture.
- Place the pork in a slow cooker or deep roasting pan. Add water so the pork is submerged about ½ inch in liquid. This usually takes about 2 ½ cups of water.
- Cook on low in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours, or in the oven at 325°F for 4 hours, until the pork is tender. If cooking in the oven, keep the pan covered during the entire cooking time.
- Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough water, about every 1.5 hours.
- While the pork is cooking, make the homemade BBQ sauce by mixing the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce (or apple cider vinegar), and brown sugar in a small saucepan.
- After 4 hours, remove the cover and brush the pork with the BBQ sauce. Bake for an additional 30 minutes at 375°F.
- Once done, shred the pork with two forks, mixing it with the juices in the pan.
Coleslaw:
- Shred the cabbage, carrots, onions, and apples into thin strips (using a grater or mandoline is best).
- Season with salt, sugar, and pepper. For best results, salt the cabbage earlier and let it sit to release excess water, though this can be done with the rest of the ingredients if short on time.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the vegetables and mix well.
Assembling the Burgers:
- Slice the hamburger buns in half, and lightly butter the inside of each bun.
- Toast the buns on medium heat until golden and crispy.
- Layer the bottom bun with a portion of pulled pork and BBQ sauce.
- Add a generous amount of coleslaw on top of the pulled pork.
- Top with the other half of the bun and enjoy!
