How to Make Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Leftover Pork

Pulled pork sandwiches are a classic barbecue staple that are always a crowd-pleaser. The tender, juicy pork is simmered for hours until it falls apart into shreds and is piled high on a bun with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Making pulled pork can be time consuming though It needs to cook low and slow to reach that melt-in-your-mouth texture So when you go through all that effort to make a big batch of pulled pork, you’ll want to be sure to use up every last bit of those leftovers!

The good news is that leftover pulled pork is extremely versatile. You can easily transform those shreds of juicy pork into all sorts of quick and easy meals. Classic pulled pork sandwiches are just the beginning. In this article, we’ll walk through the process of turning leftover cooked pork into delicious pulled pork sandwiches.

Start with Leftover Cooked Pork

The first step to making pulled pork sandwiches with leftovers is having some pre-cooked pork on hand. This can be leftover pulled pork you made in a slow cooker, Instant Pot oven, or smoker. Or it can be a leftover pork roast pork loin, or even pork tenderloin.

Any fully cooked pork will work. The key is that it needs to be cooked through completely so that it will shred easily.

If you’re starting with plain cooked pork, rather than pre-shredded pulled pork, your first step will be pulling or shredding the pork by hand with two forks. Break the pork down into strands and smaller pieces that resemble pulled pork.

It may take some effort if the pork has been refrigerated. You can warm it up first to make it easier to shred.

Add Flavor with Barbecue Sauce

Now that you’ve got cooked, shredded pork, it’s time to give it that signature barbecue pulled pork flavor. This means mixing the shredded pork with barbecue sauce. Any store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce will work well.

For around 3 cups of shredded pork, mix together:

• 3 cups shredded pork
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

The apple cider vinegar or lemon juice helps boost flavor and moisture, while the Worcestershire sauce adds depth. Stir everything together until the pork is evenly coated in the sauce.

Simmer and Reduce

At this point your sauced shredded pork may seem a bit dry. To transform it into the ultra juicy pulled pork ideal for sandwiches, you need to simmer it for a bit to soak up moisture.

Transfer the sauced pork to a skillet or pot and add a splash of water or chicken broth, about 1/4 cup. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.

Let the pork simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The small amount of liquid will reduce down and moisten the pork.

If the pork still seems dry after simmering, add another splash of water or broth and give it a few more minutes. You want juicy, saucy pulled pork.

Pile onto Buns

Once your leftover pork is super moist and infused with barbecue flavor after simmering, it’s ready to pile onto buns to make pulled pork sandwiches.

Soft potato buns or brioche buns are classic choices that work well with the tender shredded pork. Toast the buns for an extra layer of flavor.

Pile the juicy pork high on the bottom bun. If desired, add any toppings like coleslaw, pickles, onions, etc. Top with the other bun.

And that’s it! With just a little effort you can transform leftover cooked pork into amazing pulled pork sandwiches. This recipe makes the most of leftovers and is sure to satisfy any barbecue sandwich craving.

More Ways to Use Leftover Pulled Pork

While pulled pork sandwiches are always a hit, they’re far from your only option when it comes to using up leftover pork. Here are some more ideas:

Pulled Pork Tacos

Tacos are an easy weeknight dinner, and they’re a great way to repurpose shredded pork. Warm up the pork and serve in warm tortillas or taco shells. Top with diced onions, cilantro, guacamole, salsa, cheese, etc.

Pulled Pork Pizza/Flatbread

Pulled pork makes an amazing pizza topping! Spread barbecue sauce over the crust, then top with shredded mozzarella and the pork. You can also serve it open-faced on flatbread.

Pulled Pork Nachos

Pile crispy tortilla chips high with shredded pork, beans, cheese, salsa, etc. for deliciously loaded nachos. They’re perfect for game day!

Pulled Pork Potato Casserole

Mix pulled pork with mashed potatoes and cheese, then bake until bubbly for a hearty casserole. You can also stuff twice baked potatoes with the pork.

Pulled Pork Pasta

Toss cooked pasta with shredded pork, marinara sauce or alfredo sauce, and vegetables for a quick one-pan dinner.

Pulled Pork Omelet

Jazz up your morning omelet by adding shredded pork, cheese, and veggies for a hearty breakfast.

Pulled Pork Salad/Bowl

Turn leftover pork into a main dish salad by serving it over greens and adding avocado, beans, roasted veggies, cheese, etc.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying leftover pulled pork! With a little creativity, you can give new life to leftovers and whip up quick meals the whole family will love.

Tips for Freezing and Storing Pulled Pork

When you’ve made a big batch of pulled pork, proper storage is key to making those leftovers last as long as possible. Here are some tips:

• Let pulled pork cool completely before storing. Divide into shallow containers or freezer bags.

• For short term storage (1-3 days), keep pulled pork refrigerated.

• For longer term storage, freeze pulled pork for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

• Freeze in portions ideal for recipes like sandwiches, tacos, pasta dishes, etc. That makes it easy to pull out just what you need.

• Add a bit of broth or sauce to pulled pork before freezing to prevent it from drying out.

• Always reheat pork thoroughly to 165°F before eating.

With proper freezing and reheating, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful leftover pulled pork for months after making a big batch.

Leftover pulled pork is a delicious way to save time while still enjoying tasty barbecue flavor. Transforming those shreds of juicy pork into quick meals like sandwiches helps you get dinner on the table fast. All it takes is a little barbecue sauce, a simmer to moisten, and piling onto buns. With creative recipes, you can also give new life to pork in tacos, pizza, pasta, and more. Follow tips for proper storage, and your leftover pulled pork can be enjoyed for weeks to come. So next time you make a batch, cook up extra so you can easily whip up some amazing pulled pork sandwiches down the road.