The BBQ Pork Sandwich from Shoney's features tender pulled pork smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, piled high on a soft toasted bun, and topped with crisp pickles and fresh coleslaw for a savory, smoky, and crunchy delight.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or smoker
- Saucepan
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet or toaster
- Brush (for sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 4 soft sandwich buns
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
- 2 tablespoons butter
Using pork shoulder is essential for achieving the tender, juicy texture that defines this BBQ pork sandwich. Your barbecue sauce should balance tangy and smoky flavors to complement the richness of the meat perfectly. Fresh coleslaw made with a combination of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar adds a creamy and slightly tangy crunch that enhances every bite. Pickle slices provide the crisp contrast needed to cut through the richness of the pork and sauce. This BBQ Pork Sandwich from Shoney's copycat menu captures that signature smoky, savory, and crunchy delight that fans love.
Instructions
- Preheat slow cooker or smoker.
- Place pork shoulder inside, cover with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce.
- Cook pork until fork-tender (slow cooker: 8 hours low, smoker: as needed).
- While pork cooks, mix coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Chill.
- Once pork is cooked, shred using tongs or forks.
- Warm remaining barbecue sauce in a saucepan, mix with shredded pork.
- Butter sandwich buns and toast on baking sheet or toaster.
- Pile pulled pork onto each bun base.
- Top with dill pickle slices.
- Add a generous spoonful of coleslaw.
- Cap with bun tops and serve.
Substitution
The BBQ Pork Sandwich from Shoney's copycat menu captures the essence of the original with tender pulled pork coated in rich barbecue sauce, complemented by creamy coleslaw and tangy pickles on a toasted bun. If you don't have a slow cooker or smoker, your oven can be used to roast the pork shoulder at low temperatures for several hours, ensuring it stays juicy and tender. Should barbecue sauce be unavailable, mixing ketchup with a touch of vinegar, brown sugar, and spices can create a flavorful homemade alternative. You can customize the coleslaw by swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter topping. When assembling, gently brush warmed sauce on the bun to enhance moisture and flavor, maximizing your sandwich's taste experience.
Tips
Make sure to cook the pork shoulder until it is fork-tender to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture essential for the BBQ Pork Sandwich. When mixing the coleslaw, chill it before serving to keep it fresh and crisp, balancing the rich flavors of the pulled pork. Use a brush to evenly coat the sandwich buns with butter before toasting to add a golden, flavorful crunch. Remember to warm the remaining barbecue sauce and mix it with the shredded pork to keep every bite juicy and flavorful for your perfect sandwich experience.
Nutritions
The BBQ Pork Sandwich from Shoney's delivers a balanced mix of protein and fats primarily from the pork shoulder, providing essential amino acids for muscle repair. Barbecue sauce adds flavor but can contribute added sugars and sodium, so monitoring portion size benefits your dietary goals. The coleslaw topping offers fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from cabbage and carrots, while mayonnaise contributes healthy fats. Pickles add a crunchy texture along with probiotics and sodium, complementing the overall nutrition profile of your satisfying sandwich.
Storage
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and flavor. Keep coleslaw separate in a sealed container to preserve its crispness and freshness. When reheating your BBQ Pork Sandwich, warm the pulled pork gently in a saucepan or microwave before assembling to ensure the best taste and texture.
Variation or Alternatives
Try substituting pork shoulder with pulled chicken or beef brisket for a different protein twist. Swap the classic barbecue sauce with a spicy chipotle or sweet honey mustard glaze to adjust the flavor profile. You can also slow cook the pork shoulder with a dry rub instead of sauce initially to build richer seasoning before adding barbecue sauce at the end. Use brioche buns or pretzel rolls for an extra buttery or chewy texture that complements the smoky pork and crunchy coleslaw. Your choice of pickles can vary between bread-and-butter, spicy jalapenos, or traditional dill to suit your taste preferences.
Allergies
The BBQ Pork Sandwich from Shoney's contains common allergens such as mayonnaise, which often includes eggs, and the barbecue sauce that may contain soy or gluten depending on the brand. The coleslaw mix combined with mayonnaise could trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to eggs or vinegar. You should always check ingredient labels carefully if you have food allergies, especially to eggs, soy, or gluten, to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Shoney's BBQ Pork Sandwich menu is popular for its tender, smoky pulled pork that is slow-cooked to perfection and topped with a tangy, flavorful barbecue sauce. The sandwich is served on a soft, slightly toasted bun that complements the juicy meat, creating a satisfying texture contrast. You'll appreciate the balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a comforting and crave-worthy option. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to customize the ingredients and recreate that delicious taste right at home.