What is a Pulled Pork Sandwich with Coleslaw Called?

A pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw is a quintessential American barbecue sandwich. It features tender, smoky pulled pork topped with a tangy coleslaw on a soft bun. This combination of flavors and textures makes for an incredibly tasty sandwich. But what is this popular barbecue sandwich actually called?

The History Behind the Pulled Pork Sandwich

While the exact origins are uncertain the pulled pork sandwich likely originated in the southern United States a region known for its barbecue traditions. Pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt, was a cheap cut of meat that benefited from the low-and-slow smoking technique of barbecue. After hours of smoking, the pork would become fall-apart tender and could be easily pulled or shredded by hand.

Barbecue joints would pile the juicy pulled pork onto soft buns and serve them with traditional sides like baked beans, fries and coleslaw. The acidity and crunch of the coleslaw balanced the rich and tender pulled pork perfectly. This combination became a barbecue staple across the American South.

Traditional Names for the Sandwich

While this sandwich eventually became popular nationwide, different regions of the southern U.S. had their own specific names for it:

• Pulled Pork Sandwich: A generic and widespread name that simply describes the contents.

• Pulled Pork Barbecue Sandwich: Highlights the barbecue method used to cook the pork.

• Carolina-Style Pulled Pork Sandwich Refers to the origins of the sandwich in the Carolinas The pork is rubbed with spices, smoked, and sauced with a vinegar-based barbecue sauce

• Memphis-Style Pulled Pork Sandwich: Credited to Leonard Heuberger who founded a Memphis barbecue restaurant in 1922. The pork is rubbed with a spice blend, smoked, and served with a tomato-based barbecue sauce.

• Pulled Pork Slider: A smaller, slider-sized version of the sandwich.

Other Popular Names and Variations

While those are some of the traditional names used, there are also some other common ways people refer to this sandwich:

• Pulled Pork and Coleslaw Sandwich

• BBQ Pulled Pork and Coleslaw Sandwich

• Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Creamy Coleslaw

• Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Tangy Coleslaw

As the sandwich has grown in popularity nationwide, creative names and variations have emerged. Some examples include:

• Korean Pulled Pork Sandwich: Topped with kimchi and Korean barbecue sauce.

• Pulled Pork Banh Mi: With pickled vegetables, cilantro, and spicy mayo.

• Pulled Pork Po’ Boy: New Orleans-style on a French bread loaf.

• Pulled Pork Tortas: A Mexican sandwich variation with avocado, beans, and queso fresco.

• Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese: With cheese melted between the bread.

• Pulled Pork Pizza: Pizza topped with pulled pork and coleslaw.

What Should You Call This Sandwich?

With so many names and options, what is the best thing to call this popular barbecue sandwich? Here are some recommendations:

• Use location for authenticity: Calling it a Memphis-style or Carolina-style pulled pork sandwich recognizes its roots.

• Describe it simply: Pulled pork and coleslaw sandwich is straightforward and clear.

• Highlight the flavors: BBQ pulled pork and coleslaw sandwich conveys the sweet and tangy flavors.

• Be creative: Come up with your own signature name like The Hogfather or The Porkinator!

No matter what you call it, a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw is one of the most crave-worthy barbecue sandwiches around. The tender pork, crispy coleslaw, and sweet and tangy barbecue sauce combine for an amazing flavor experience in every bite. So next time you enjoy this sandwich, appreciate all the history and tradition behind it!