Lightened Up BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Everyone in my family loves these and will choose them in a line-up. Theyre so surprisingly light and with the instant pot theyre so fast! Cant go wrong.
Everyone in my family loves these and will choose them in a line-up. Theyre so surprisingly light and with the instant pot theyre so fast! Cant go wrong.
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 2 lb pork tenderloin (i use the kind that's only 2.5 f
- 1 tbs liquid smoke (sold at grocery stores near bbq
- 1 whole chopped onion (280 g)
- 8 cloves garlic (i use the frozen dorot cubes i get at tj-
- 1 tbs brown sugar
- 2 tsp each:â chili powder dry mustard, onion powder,â kosher salt
- 1 tsp each cumin paprika, cayenne, and pepper
- 1 12-oz bag of coleslaw mix
- 1/2 a bell pepper ( red yellow, or orange are my fave!)
- 1/4-1/2 chopped green onion
- 1/4 cup chopped apple
- handful of cilantro
- 1 tbs white wine vinegar
- 2 tbs light mayo
- 3 tbs fresh squeezed lime juice
- 8 brioche buns
- favorite homemade* or bottled bbq sauce (stubbs i
- Carbohydrate 190.112929041433 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 6.14284665894351 g
- Fiber 8.099871309412 g
- Protein 39.4219050828015 g
- Saturated Fat 1.66782829479393 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (473g)
- Sodium 2180.70938978039 mg
- Sugar 182.013057732021 g
- Trans Fat 0.669771486658189 g
- Calories 972 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut pork into 4 inch chunks and season with season salt. Sear on all sides.
- Put smoke, water, pork, onion, garlic, and all spices in the instant pot (I used it!!!!) or you can use a slow cooker. (Dont stress about the spices, use what you have and skip what you dont)
- Set your instant pot to manual and 45 minutes. Allow for 10-15 minute natural release, then open the vent. Open the lid when it releases easily.
- I like to pull out the chunks and shred them in a shallow dish for ease. Then pour as much of the juices over it as seems good. Toss in juices.
- If you like your pork a little less juicy and more crispy, you can fry some up in a pan with cooking spray like these carnitas. We like it both ways.
- Set to high for 6 hours or low for 8-10.
- When done, shred with two forks and toss in juices
- Mix first six ingredients together for dressing (Add up to ⅛ cup canola oil if you arent watching your fat, I skip it.)
- Toss with remaining ingredients. Gets better as it sits for a little bit.
- Whisk together 1 cup ketchup, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1-2 tbs liquid smoke and microwave for a minute or bring to a light boil on the stove.
- Spray the inside of the buns with cooking spray and pan-toast on a skillet
- Immediately top with shredded pork, bbq sauce, and cilantro lime apple slaw. Enjoy!! And then probably do it again because these boys are pretty darn light.
My Lightened-Up BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe
As a busy mom, finding quick and healthy meals that everyone in my family will devour is a constant quest. This Lightened Up BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich recipe has become a true lifesaver. It's surprisingly light, yet packed with flavor, and the Instant Pot makes it incredibly fast to prepare. Trust me, even picky eaters will be lining up for seconds!
The secret to this recipe's success lies in its balance. The tender, juicy pulled pork is perfectly complemented by a vibrant, fresh cilantro lime apple slaw. It's the kind of meal that satisfies everyone's cravings without leaving you feeling sluggish or weighed down. And, let's be honest, the ease of preparation is a huge bonus for a busy weeknight.
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking; use what you have on hand! Don't have cayenne pepper? No problem! Skip it. Similarly, the slaw can be customized to your preferences. I love the combination of crisp apple, vibrant cilantro, and zesty lime, but you could easily substitute other ingredients based on what you have readily available, or perhaps what's on sale at your local market.
The Instant Pot is my absolute favorite kitchen gadget, and this recipe showcases its versatility. Its pressure-cooking function tenderizes the pork perfectly, and the quick release ensures a speedy meal prep. However, if you don’t own an Instant Pot, don’t worry! A slow cooker works just as well. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly. Whether you use a high-pressure cooker or a slow cooker, the result is irresistibly tender and flavorful pulled pork that will be a hit with your family.
For the BBQ sauce, I prefer to use a homemade version, but a good quality store-bought sauce works equally well. You could even experiment with different flavors! The options are limitless. This versatility allows me to keep the recipe fresh and interesting while still relying on a simple, go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Making this recipe is a great way to involve the entire family. Younger children can help with washing and prepping the vegetables, while older children can assist with shredding the pork or assembling the sandwiches. It's a fun and engaging cooking experience that creates lasting family memories.
This recipe isn’t just for weeknights either; it's perfect for casual gatherings and parties. The sandwiches are easy to assemble ahead of time, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your guests. I’ve even been known to make a double batch for potlucks, and they always disappear quickly. They’re that good!
More than just a meal, this recipe represents a simple pleasure in my life – a delicious and healthy meal that my family loves. It’s a recipe I’ve shared with friends and family, and it's always a welcome addition to any gathering. I invite you to try it, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home, too. It's the kind of dish that reminds me of the simple joys in life – great food, happy family, and a little bit of delicious chaos in the kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Give these Lightened Up BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. You won’t regret it!
