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Pulled Pork Sandwich

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description Pulled Pork Sandwich Overview

The pulled pork sandwich is a staple of Southern United States barbecue, consisting of slow-smoked, hand-shredded pork shoulder served on a soft bun. Cooks typically season the meat with a dry rub before smoking it over hardwood for several hours until tender enough to pull apart by hand. The sandwich is distinguished by its regional sauce variations, such as the vinegar and pepper sauce of North Carolina or the sweet tomato-based sauces of Memphis. It is frequently topped with creamy coleslaw to add texture and acidity to the rich meat.

help Pulled Pork Sandwich FAQ

What cut of meat is best for making a pulled pork sandwich?

Pulled pork is almost exclusively made from the pork shoulder, specifically the Boston butt or picnic roast portions of the pig. This cut has a high amount of connective tissue and fat, which breaks down during a long, slow smoking process to create tender meat.

What type of wood is traditionally used to smoke pork shoulder for pulled pork?

Pitmasters in the Southern United States typically smoke pork shoulder over hardwoods like hickory, oak, or applewood. The meat is seasoned with a dry rub and cooked at a low temperature for anywhere from 8 to 16 hours until it easily falls apart.

What are the classic toppings for a pulled pork sandwich?

The sandwich is traditionally served on a soft hamburger bun and topped with a generous helping of sweet, vinegar-based coleslaw. Depending on the region, it is also frequently smothered in tomato-based or mustard-based barbecue sauce.

Which region of the United States claims the pulled pork sandwich as its signature dish?

While popular nationwide, the pulled pork sandwich is considered a foundational staple of Southern barbecue, specifically in states like North Carolina and Tennessee. In North Carolina, the meat is often chopped rather than entirely hand-shredded and dressed in a spicy cider vinegar sauce.

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