Introduction: Traeger Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Few dishes capture the essence of barbecue quite like a perfectly made pulled pork sandwich. Juicy, tender pork that has been slow-cooked and kissed by the unmistakable smoky flavor of a Traeger wood pellet grill becomes the star of the show. Add to that the harmonious crunch of coleslaw, the tang of pickles, or the spice of your favorite BBQ sauce, all nestled between two soft, pillowy buns, and you’ve got a dish that’s as satisfying as it is irresistible.
traeger Pulled Pork Sandwiches are more than just a meal they’re a celebration of patience, flavor, and technique. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing for a game-day feast, or simply craving a hearty and comforting dish, this recipe promises to deliver. The slow-cooking process ensures the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the wood-fired grill imparts layers of flavor you just can’t replicate in a traditional oven.
If you’re ready to transform a simple cut of pork into a smoky, succulent masterpiece, these Traeger Pulled Pork Sandwiches are the perfect place to start. They’re not just a dish they’re an experience, a tradition, and a bite of BBQ heaven that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Traeger BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches Recipe
Rich, Smoky Flavor: The combination of slow cooking and wood-fired grilling gives the pork an unbeatable smoky taste that’s both deep and satisfying.
Perfect for Gatherings: These sandwiches are a crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for parties, game days, or family get-togethers.
Simple Yet Impressive: While the process is straightforward, the result is a dish that looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours perfecting it.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the seasoning and toppings to suit your preferences, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion.
Tender and Juicy: The slow cooking method ensures that the pork remains moist and tender, practically melting in your mouth with every bite.
How to Make Traeger BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1/4 cup Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 12 sandwich buns
- Coleslaw (optional for topping)
- Pickles (optional for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork: Rub the pork shoulder with Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub and brown sugar, ensuring the meat is evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your Traeger grill to 225°F and allow it to preheat for 10-15 minutes with the lid closed.
- Smoke the Pork: Place the pork shoulder directly on the grill grates, fat side up. Smoke for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Wrap and Cook: Remove the pork from the grill and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Return it to the grill and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 204°F, about 3-4 more hours.
- Rest the Pork: Let the pork rest, still wrapped, for at least 30 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Shred and Serve: Unwrap the pork and shred it using two forks. Mix in apple cider vinegar, mustard, and chicken broth to enhance the flavor. Serve on sandwich buns with your choice of toppings.
Tips For Traeger Pulled Pork Sandwiches:
Toppings: Customize your sandwich with toppings like coleslaw, pickles, or even a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick. minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes, until golden brown.
Low and Slow: Don’t rush the cooking process. Low and slow cooking is key to achieving tender, flavorful pulled pork.
Resting Time: Always let the pork rest after cooking. This step is crucial for retaining moisture and making the pork easier to shred.
Wood Choice: Experiment with different wood pellets for unique flavor profiles. Hickory and apple wood are excellent choices for pulled pork.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the pork ahead of time and reheat it before serving. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day!
The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.
Julia Child
traeger pulled pork sandwiches FAQ
Here are detailed and easy-to-read answers to your questions:
How long do you cook pulled pork on the Traeger?
Pulled pork on a Traeger smoker typically takes 8 to 12 hours, depending on the size of the pork shoulder (also known as pork butt). Here’s a general guideline:
- Preheat the Traeger: Set it to 225°F for low and slow cooking.
- Cooking Time: Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours per pound of meat. A typical 8-pound shoulder will take roughly 10 to 12 hours.
- Internal Temperature: Cook the pork until it reaches an internal temperature of 205°F, which ensures it is tender and can be pulled apart easily.
- Resting Time: Let the meat rest for about 30 minutes before shredding to allow the juices to redistribute.
How do you keep pulled pork sandwiches from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy sandwiches:
- Use a hearty bun: Opt for sturdy bread like brioche or ciabatta, which can hold up to the moisture.
- Drain excess liquid: After shredding the pork, avoid adding too much of the juice or sauce directly onto the bread.
- Apply a barrier: Spread a thin layer of butter, mayonnaise, or cheese on the bread to create a barrier against moisture.
- Serve fresh: Assemble the sandwiches just before serving. Avoid letting them sit for too long after preparation.
What temperature should pulled pork sandwiches be?
Pulled pork sandwiches are best served when the pork is kept at an internal temperature of 165°F. This is considered food-safe and ensures the meat is warm and enjoyable. If reheating pulled pork, bring it back to 165°F to retain its flavor and texture without drying it out.
What is the 3:2:1 method for pork shoulder?
The 3:2:1 method is a popular technique used in smoking, although it is traditionally applied to ribs. For pork shoulder, it can be adapted to maintain flavor and tenderness:
- 3 Hours of Smoke: Smoke the pork shoulder unwrapped at 225°F to develop a smoky flavor.
- 2 Hours Wrapped: Wrap the pork in aluminum foil (or butcher paper) and continue smoking for 2 hours to retain moisture.
- 1 Hour to Finish: Remove the wrap and return the pork to the smoker for the final hour to firm up the bark (outer crust).
Is it better to smoke a pork shoulder at 225 or 250?
Both temperatures work well, but it depends on your preference and available time:
- 225°F: Provides a slower cook, taking longer (around 2 hours per pound) but resulting in tender meat with a more pronounced smoky flavor.
- 250°F: Speeds up the process slightly (about 1.5 hours per pound) and is less likely to dry out the meat, making it ideal if you’re on a tighter schedule.
For maximum tenderness and flavor, many pitmasters prefer 225°F, but both temperatures can yield excellent results.
What temp does pork shoulder fall apart?
Pork shoulder becomes tender and falls apart when it reaches an internal temperature of 205°F. At this temperature:
- The connective tissues break down completely.
- The meat becomes tender, juicy, and easy to shred.
While the shoulder is technically safe to eat at 145°F, you must cook it to 205°F for the signature pulled pork texture.
Let me know if you need further tips for cooking pulled pork or using a smoker!
Irresistibly Juicy Wood-Fired Traeger BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: A Flavor-Packed Feast
Equipment
- Traeger Grill
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
- Shredding forks
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 12 sandwich buns
- Optional: Coleslaw Pickles
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork: Rub the pork shoulder with Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub and brown sugar, ensuring the meat is evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your Traeger grill to 225°F and allow it to preheat for 10-15 minutes with the lid closed.
- Smoke the Pork: Place the pork shoulder directly on the grill grates, fat side up. Smoke for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Wrap and Cook: Remove the pork from the grill and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Return it to the grill and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 204°F, about 3-4 more hours.
- Rest the Pork: Let the pork rest, still wrapped, for at least 30 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Shred and Serve: Unwrap the pork and shred it using two forks. Mix in apple cider vinegar, mustard, and chicken broth to enhance the flavor. Serve on sandwich buns with your choice of toppings.
Notes
Common Mistakes When Making Traeger Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Skipping the Resting Period
Many people skip letting the pork rest after cooking. This step is essential to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist pulled pork. - Not Monitoring the Temperature
Failing to use a meat thermometer can lead to undercooked or overcooked pork. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 204°F for perfect tenderness. - Using the Wrong Cut of Pork
Pork shoulder or pork butt is ideal for pulled pork due to its fat content. Lean cuts like pork loin can result in dry and less flavorful meat. - Rushing the Cooking Process
Slow and low cooking is key to developing the deep, smoky flavor of Traeger pulled pork. Avoid increasing the temperature to speed up cooking, as this will compromise the texture. - Neglecting Proper Seasoning
Skimping on the rub or not allowing it to sit on the pork for enough time can result in bland meat. Ensure even coating and let the rub penetrate the meat for at least 30 minutes. - Overloading the Sandwich
Piling on too many toppings or too much pork can make the sandwich difficult to eat and overshadow the smoky flavor of the pulled pork.
Conclusion For Traeger Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Traeger Pulled Pork Sandwiches combine the art of slow cooking with the rich, smoky flavors of wood-fired grilling to create a truly indulgent meal. By avoiding common mistakes like skipping the resting period or rushing the cooking process, you can ensure that your pulled pork turns out perfectly tender, juicy, and flavorful. Whether served with a classic coleslaw topping or paired with your favorite BBQ sauce, these sandwiches are a surefire way to impress your guests and elevate any gathering. With a little patience and attention to detail, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable barbecue experience.
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