No image available

Smoky Memphis Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Find the best copycat recipe for Smoky Memphis Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches inspired by Central BBQ, perfect for a crowd or family dinner with a tangy pineapple-jalapeño slaw twist.

🕒 Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 6 hours Total: 6 hours 10 minutes
🍽 Servings: 6
🔥 Difficulty: Advanced
🌎 Cuisine: Southern American

Allergens

Gluten (in buns), Wheat

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs boneless pork shoulder 1 cup yellow mustard 2 cups apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup chili powder 2 tsp smoked paprika 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat) 6 hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Set aside.
  2. Preheat your grill or smoker to 250°F (120°C). Place the pork shoulder on the grate and cook for 4 hours with indirect heat, maintaining the temperature.
  3. After 4 hours, wrap the pork shoulder in aluminum foil and continue cooking for another 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C).
  4. Remove the pork from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then shred the meat using two forks, removing any fat or connective tissue.
  5. Pour the sauce over the shredded pork and mix well to ensure even coating.
  6. Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns with a generous portion of tangy pineapple jalapeño slaw.

Chef’s Insight

The key to tender, flavorful pulled pork is low and slow cooking. Be patient and resist the urge to raise the temperature or the meat will be dry.

Notes

For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper to the rub or sauce.

Cultural or Historical Background

Memphis-style barbecue is renowned for its unique dry rubs and sauces, often using a mix of mustard and vinegar as the base. Central BBQ is one of the most famous establishments in this city rich with barbecue tradition.