Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Homemade BBQ Sauce

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Cook/Prep time: at least 12 hours

Slow-cooking pork rub and recipe adapted from this blog

Balsamic BBQ sauce adapted from Giada

INGREDIENTS for the pork rub

• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 4 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons table salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 (4-5 pound) bone-in pork shoulder
• 1 cup homemade barbecue sauce (see below)

DIRECTIONS for the pork

1. Combine all of the ingredients except the pork and the barbecue sauce in a bowl. Massage this spice rub onto the pork, coating each side thoroughly. Wrap the pork tightly with two layers of plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or up to 3 days).  
2. Unwrap the roast and place it in your slow cooker. Add 1/4 cup of water then turn the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
3. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and discard the liquid in the slow cooker. Shred the meat using two forks to pull it apart. Discard any fat. Place the shredded meat back in the slow cooker and add 1 cup of barbecue sauce, tossing to combine. Heat on low for 30-60 minutes, or until hot. Serve the pork with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.  Sandwich between 2 halves of a mini bulky roll. 

INGREDIENTS for 1 1/2 cups of the Balsamic Barbecue Sauce

• 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• additional salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS
In a small pot or saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard and half teaspoons of salt and pepper. Stir these ingredients together and simmer over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. Set 1/4 of the sauce to the side for serving later.

-Alyssa