Transform Leftover Pork into Delicious Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Leftover pork roast or other larger pork cuts provide the perfect opportunity to create insanely delicious pulled pork sandwiches. With just a few extra ingredients and some simple preparation, you can turn leftover pork into succulent pulled pork ready to pile high on buns or rolls.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through various methods for shredding and seasoning leftover pork to make sensational pulled pork sandwiches Let’s dive in and get pulled porkin’!

Why Make Pulled Pork from Leftovers?

Crafting pulled pork from leftover pork cuts offers many benefits

• Uses up leftovers and reduces waste
• More budget-friendly than buying traditional pork shoulder
• Infuses new flavor into reheated pork
• Yields ultra-tender and juicy pulled meat
• Allows for versatile sandwich fillings
• Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd

With just a bit of effort, you can give leftover pork new life and enjoy delicious pulled pork all week long.

Best Pork Cuts for Pulled Pork

While pork shoulder is the traditional choice, you can make tasty pulled pork from:

• Pork loin roast: Leaner but still shreds well when cooked properly
• Pork sirloin roast: Also fairly lean but becomes tender when cooked low and slow
• Pork butt roast: More marbled for moist, flavorful pulled pork
• Pork chuck roasts: Well-marbled with great pork flavor

The key is choosing larger, well-marbled roasts over lean chops or tenderloin. Go for cuts with some fat content to keep the pulled pork juicy.

Prepping the Leftover Pork

Proper prep is key to pulled pork success. Follow these tips:

• Shred the pork: Use forks or fingers to shred into smaller pieces.
• Remove excess fat: Trim off any large fatty areas for a cleaner flavor.
• Chop into chunks: Cut any larger roast pieces into 2-3 inch chunks.
• Season simply: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika.
• Add liquid: Chicken/pork broth, apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce.

Starting with well shredded, seasoned pork ensures delicious end results. Now let’s get pulling!

Oven Method for Pulled Pork

The oven allows you to transform leftover pork into fork-tender pulled pork in just a few easy steps:

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs leftover pork roast, shredded into chunks
• 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
• 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish and mix well.
3. Cover tightly with foil and bake 2-3 hours until pork shreds easily.
4. Remove pork from the oven and shred into smaller pieces using two forks.
5. Serve piled high on buns with your favorite BBQ sauce.

The low, slow oven method tenderizes the pork perfectly. Feel free to add onions, chili powder, hot sauce, or other seasonings you like.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

For hands-off ease, the slow cooker excels at turning leftover pork into succulent pulled pork.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs leftover pork, shredded into chunks
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and stir well.
2. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours.
3. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred into smaller pieces using two forks.
4. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir to coat in sauce.
5. Serve on buns with extra sauce.

The slow cooker tenderizes the pork over time and infuses it with sweet and tangy flavor.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

The Instant Pot quickens pulled pork to the table without sacrificing juiciness.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs leftover pork, shredded into chunks
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1⁄2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in Instant Pot and stir well.
2. Seal lid and cook on manual high pressure for 45 minutes.
3. Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes.
4. Release remaining pressure and open lid.
5. Shred pork using two forks.
6. Stir in additional barbecue sauce if desired.
7. Serve on buns with extra sauce.

The pressure cooker breaks down the pork collagen for ultimate tenderness in minimal time.

Stovetop Simmered Pulled Pork

For a classic shredded texture, simmer the pork low and slow right on the stovetop.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs leftover pork, shredded into chunks
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2-3 hours until pork shreds easily.
3. Remove pork from pot and shred into smaller pieces using two forks.
4. Return shredded pork to pot and stir to coat.
5. Discard bay leaf before serving on buns.

This classic stovetop method infuses the pork with tangy, sweet flavor as it slowly simmers.

Pulled Pork Sandwich Inspiration

Loaded with tender, juicy pulled pork, here are some drool-worthy sandwich ideas:

• BBQ Pulled Pork: The classic! Pile it high with extra sauce.

• Pulled Pork Banh Mi: With pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro and sriracha mayo.

• Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese: Add cheese slices and grill for melty goodness.

• Pulled Pork Po’ Boy: Top with hot sauce, lettuce, tomato and remoulade.

• Pulled Pork Pizza: Use as a tasty topping with red sauce and cheese.

• Pulled Pork Tacos: Stuff in warm tortillas with salsa and guacamole.

• Pulled Pork Gyros: Stuffed in naan or pita with tzatziki sauce.

Get creative with toppings, pairings and combinations! The pork possibilities are endless.

Leftover Pulled Pork Ideas

Any extra pulled pork is perfect for:

• Breakfast burritos or hash
• Eggs benedict topping
• Quesadillas or nachos
• Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Tacos, burritos or tostadas
• Casseroles or stuffed peppers
• Pizza, flatbreads or focaccia
• Pasta dishes like mac and cheese or ziti
• Stir fry with veggies and rice
• Soup or stew additions

Transform leftover pulled pork into quick, delicious meals all week long. Just get pulling!

FAQs

What’s the best roast cut for pulled pork?

Pork shoulder or pork butt roasts are ideal, but pork loin or sirloin roasts also work well. Go for well-marbled cuts.

Do I need to add liquid?

Yes, adding broth, vinegar, barbecue sauce or a combo keeps the pork moist.

What temperature should I cook the pork to?

Cook until the pork is very tender and shreds easily, around 195°F – 205°F.

Can I freeze leftover pulled pork?

Yes, portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

How long is pulled pork good for in the fridge?

Store pulled pork for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Satisfying Sandwiches from Leftovers

I hope these tips have inspired you to turn leftover pork roasts and other cuts into insanely delicious pulled pork. It just takes some seasoning, moist cooking, and a bit of shredding time to enjoy affordable, tasty pulled pork sandwiches all week long.