The Traditional BBQ Sandwich from Mission BBQ features tender smoked brisket and pulled pork layered with tangy barbecue sauce and crisp pickles, all nestled inside a soft, toasted bun for a smoky and savory bite.
Equipments
- Smoker
- Grill or griddle
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Serving tray
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) beef brisket
- 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Brown sugar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Yellow mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Ketchup
- Molasses
- Honey
- Hot sauce
- Butter
- Soft sandwich buns
- Dill pickle chips
Choosing high-quality beef brisket and pork shoulder is essential to achieve the tender, smoky flavors characteristic of the Traditional BBQ Sandwich from Mission BBQ. Use kosher salt and a blend of spices like paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create a balanced dry rub that enhances the meat's natural taste. Incorporate yellow mustard and apple cider vinegar in the sauce to add tanginess, while Worcestershire sauce, molasses, and honey provide depth and sweetness. Be sure to use soft sandwich buns that can hold the juicy brisket and pulled pork without falling apart, and add dill pickle chips for the perfect crispy contrast. Your replica of the Traditional BBQ Sandwich from Mission BBQ will impress with its authentic smoky, savory layers and balanced flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Trim excess fat from brisket and pork shoulder.
- In a mixing bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to make a dry rub.
- Coat brisket and pork shoulder with yellow mustard.
- Generously apply dry rub to all sides of the meats.
- Place brisket and pork shoulder in the smoker.
- Smoke meats until internal temperature reaches 195-205°F (90-96°C), about 8-12 hours.
- Wrap meats in aluminum foil for the last 2 hours (optional for moisture).
- Rest meats for 30-60 minutes.
- Shred pork shoulder and slice brisket on cutting board.
- In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, honey, brown sugar, hot sauce, and butter to make barbecue sauce.
- Simmer sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Toast sandwich buns on grill or griddle until golden brown.
- Layer pulled pork and brisket on bottom half of each bun.
- Drizzle with barbecue sauce using basting brush.
- Top with dill pickle chips.
- Cap with top bun and serve on tray.
Substitution
The Traditional BBQ Sandwich from Mission BBQ copycat recipe combines smoked brisket and pulled pork for authentic smoky flavors you can recreate at home. If you do not have a smoker, using a grill with wood chips wrapped in foil can provide a similar smoky effect. A meat thermometer ensures the brisket and pork reach an internal temperature of at least 195degF for tender, pull-apart texture. Feel free to replace dill pickle chips with bread and butter pickles for a sweeter contrast to the tangy barbecue sauce. Your choice of sandwich buns can vary--opt for a brioche bun to add richness or a sturdy kaiser roll to hold the juicy filling without becoming soggy.
Tips
Make sure your smoker maintains a consistent temperature of 225degF (107degC) for even cooking and tender, smoky meat. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of both the brisket and pork shoulder reaches 195-205degF (90-96degC) to ensure proper tenderness. Rest the meats for at least 30 minutes after smoking to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and moisture. When assembling your sandwich, toast the buns thoroughly for a crispy texture that balances the tender meat and tangy barbecue sauce.
Nutritions
The Traditional BBQ Sandwich from Mission BBQ offers a rich source of protein from 2 lbs each of beef brisket and pork shoulder, essential for muscle repair and growth. The spices and barbecue sauce, made from ingredients like apple cider vinegar, molasses, and ketchup, add antioxidants and natural sugars that provide quick energy. Your meal includes pickles, which contribute small amounts of vitamins and minerals while enhancing digestion with probiotics. Toasted buns provide carbohydrates to fuel your body, making the sandwich a balanced combination of macronutrients.
Storage
Store leftover smoked brisket and pulled pork in airtight containers or tightly wrapped aluminum foil to maintain moisture and flavor. Refrigerate your BBQ sandwiches for up to 3 days or freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for longer storage, ensuring you label each with the date. To reheat, gently warm the meat in a low oven or microwave to preserve tenderness before assembling your sandwich fresh.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap pork shoulder with smoked turkey breast for a leaner protein option that still absorbs smoky flavors well. Instead of smoking, consider slow-cooking the brisket and pork shoulder in a slow cooker with a bit of liquid smoke and spices to replicate the smokiness in a shorter time. For a tangier barbecue sauce, increase the apple cider vinegar and add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Toasting your sandwich buns with garlic butter on the grill adds an extra layer of richness and aroma to your sandwich.
Allergies
Your Traditional BBQ Sandwich contains common allergens such as wheat in the soft sandwich buns and potential sulfites in Worcestershire sauce and vinegar. The presence of mustard and hot sauce may pose allergy risks for individuals sensitive to mustard seeds or cayenne peppers. Those with meat allergies or sensitivities should avoid the brisket and pork shoulder components.
Why this recipe?
Mission BBQ's Traditional BBQ Sandwich is loved for its authentic smoked brisket and tender pulled pork, enriched with a blend of bold spices and slow-cooked to perfection. The sandwich features freshly baked buns paired with the restaurant's signature BBQ sauce, delivering a satisfying balance of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors. You can recreate this experience at home by mastering their precise seasoning and smoke techniques, making the copycat recipe not only rewarding but a chance to enjoy restaurant-quality barbecue anytime. This menu item's combination of texture, flavor, and tradition highlights why it stands out among BBQ lovers and why experimenting with your own version is truly worth it.