Ultimate BBQ Pulled Pork Burger

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Sink your teeth into the ultimate BBQ pulled pork burger. Tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder is shredded, tossed in a smoky sauce, and piled high on a toasted bun.

↓ The ingredients ↓ The steps

There is nothing quite like the comforting bite of a BBQ pulled pork burger to elevate a holiday gathering or weekend hangout. By searing the seasoned pork shoulder before cooking it down to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, this recipe locks in rich, savory flavors that perfectly complement the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce.

A loaded BBQ pulled pork burger featuring tender shredded meat, melted cheese, and fresh tomato on a toasted bun.
A loaded BBQ pulled pork burger featuring tender shredded meat, melted cheese, and fresh tomato on a toasted bun.
Prep15 mins
Cook2 hr
Total2 hr 15 mins
Yield4 servings
DifficultyMedium
Calories650 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1Select the pork shoulder
    A large, fresh piece of raw pork shoulder being held up to the camera.

    Begin by selecting a high-quality piece of pork shoulder. This cut has the perfect ratio of meat to fat, ensuring the pulled pork will remain tender and juicy throughout the cooking process.

    Tip: Look for pork shoulder with good marbling to keep the meat moist during the long cooking time.
  2. 2Sear the seasoned pork
    Thick slices of raw pork coated in red seasoning searing in a hot pan.

    Slice the pork shoulder into thick pieces and rub them thoroughly with your dry seasoning. Heat a pan with a little oil and sear the pork slices until a nice crust forms on the outside.

    Tip: Dont overcrowd the pan; sear the meat in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly rather than steaming.
  3. 3Shred the cooked pork
    Fully shredded cooked pork being stirred in a large metal pot with a yellow ladle.

    Once the pork is cooked until completely tender, use two forks to pull the meat apart into fine shreds. Return the shredded meat to the pot to prepare it for the sauce.

    Tip: Shredding the meat while it is still warm makes the process much easier and helps it absorb the sauce better.
  4. 4Add the BBQ sauce
    A hand holding a bottle of mild BBQ sauce, preparing to add it to the shredded pork.

    Add a generous amount of mild BBQ sauce over the shredded pork. Stir everything well to ensure all the meat is evenly coated, then let it stew together so the flavors can fully meld.

    Tip: You can adjust the amount of BBQ sauce based on how saucy you prefer your pulled pork to be.
  5. 5Assemble the burger
    Saucy pulled pork being scooped onto a toasted bun with lettuce on a flat top grill.

    Place fresh lettuce on the bottom half of a toasted burger bun. Scoop a generous portion of the hot, saucy pulled pork right on top, then finish by adding the top bun to complete the burger.

    Tip: Toast the buns on the grill or in a pan to prevent them from getting soggy from the juicy pulled pork.

Make Ahead & Storage

Refrigerator
3–4 days
Store the pulled pork and buns separately to prevent sogginess. Keep the pork in an airtight container.
Freezer
Up to 3 months
Freeze the pulled pork in freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
5–10 min
Reheat the pork on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if it seems dry.

Burn It Off

Running
~65 minutes at a steady pace (~9 km/h).
Leisurely Cycling
~1 hour 45 minutes of relaxed riding (~15 km/h).
House Cleaning
~2 hours 35 minutes of steady chores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pork shoulder (often sold as Boston butt) is the gold standard. Its high fat and connective tissue content breaks down during cooking, yielding incredibly tender and juicy pulled pork.
Tough pulled pork is usually a sign that it has not cooked long enough. The meat needs adequate time at a low temperature for the tough connective tissues to break down and become tender.
Yes! After searing the seasoned pork in a pan, transfer it to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours until it easily pulls apart.
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