Outdoor Cabinets | Factory Direct

How to Make BBQ Sandwiches

BBQ sandwiches are a quintessential summer food, perfect for backyard grilling and potlucks. With juicy, sauced meat, melted cheese, and toasted buns, BBQ sandwiches are fun and flavorful. Making your own BBQ sandwiches at home is easy, customizable, and much cheaper than going out to eat. With the right steps, you can create crave-worthy BBQ sandwiches with tender meat, thick sauce, and gooey cheese.

Ingredients for BBQ Sandwiches

Making your own BBQ sandwiches starts with gathering high-quality ingredients. Here are some of the key components you’ll need:

Meat

  • Pulled pork – Pork shoulder or Boston butt are best for pulling and shredding.
  • Pulled chicken – Use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for easy shredding.
  • Beef brisket – Well-marbled brisket makes incredibly juicy and tender sandwiches.
  • Vegetarian meat substitutes – Try grilled portobello mushrooms, jackfruit, or seitan.

BBQ Sauce

  • Sweet tomato-based sauce – Tangy and sweet ketchup-style sauce.
  • Vinegar-based sauce – Zesty blend of vinegar, spices, and peppers.
  • Mustard sauce – Savory mix of yellow mustard, spices, and brown sugar.
  • Dry rub – Smoky blend of spices and herbs to season the meat.

Buns

  • Brioche – Sweet, eggy, and sturdy.
  • Potato rolls – Soft, pillowy, and robust.
  • Pretzel buns – Hearty with a salty crunch.
  • Hawaiian rolls – Small, soft, and slightly sweet.

Cheese

  • Cheddar – Sharp and nutty classic.
  • Pepper jack – Punchy with jalapeños.
  • Provolone – Mild and melty.
  • Blue cheese – Pungent and crumbly.

Toppings

  • Pickles – Dill or bread-and-butter chips add crunch.
  • Onion – Red or white, fried or grilled.
  • Coleslaw – Cool, creamy cabbage slaw.
  • Avocado – Creamy richness and bright flavor.

Tools Needed

Aside from the core ingredients, having the right tools will make BBQ sandwich construction much easier:

  • Grilling tools – Tongs, spatula, grill brush.
  • Oven mitts and grill gloves – For safe handling of hot items.
  • Large foil pans – For cooking and transporting meat.
  • Basting brush – To spread sauce on meat.
  • Instant-read thermometer – Ensures meats are fully cooked.
  • Carving forks – Helps shred and pull meat easily.
  • Serving platter – Arranges finished sandwiches neatly.
  • Sharp knife – Slicing buns and cutting toppings.
  • Cutting board – Provides safe surface for slicing.

Steps for Making BBQ Sandwiches

Follow these key steps for outstanding homemade BBQ sandwiches every time:

1. Prepare the Meat

  • If using raw meat, season all over with a dry rub at least 1 hour prior to cooking.
  • For tender pulled meat, cook until very soft via smoking, baking, or simmering in sauce.
  • Chicken and pork should reach an internal temperature of 165°F-205°F when done.
  • Brisket and other beef cuts should hit 195°F-205°F at the thickest part.
  • Let rest for 10-30 minutes before pulling or slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

2. Make the Sauce

  • Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan.
  • Simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
  • Taste and adjust sweetness, spice level, and acidity as needed.
  • Optionally, stir in pats of butter at the end for richness.

3. Prepare the Toppings

  • Chop, slice, or shred vegetables and cheese.
  • Drain pickles and pat dry to remove excess brine.
  • Toast or grill buns if desired for texture.
  • Arrange toppings in organized servings for assembly.

4. Build the Sandwiches

  • Generously coat meat in sauce, reserving some for serving.
  • Pile meat high on the bottom bun.
  • Add desired cheese and let melt from residual heat.
  • Top with vegetables, pickles, slaw, etc.
  • Spread extra sauce on top bun and place on sandwich.
  • Wrap in foil or serve open-faced with extra sauce for dipping.

Types of BBQ Sandwiches to Try

BBQ sandwiches adapt well to just about any flavor profile. Mix and match different meats, sauces, cheeses, and toppings for an array of lip-smacking sandwich possibilities:

Pulled Pork

  • Pulled pork shoulder in a sweet tomato-based sauce
  • Topped with cheddar, crispy onions, and quick pickled cucumbers

Brisket

  • Smoked beef brisket in a smoky dry rub
  • Piled high on an onion roll with melty provolone

Chicken

  • Shredded roasted chicken thighs doused in a mustard BBQ sauce
  • With pepper jack, jalapeño slices, and fresh slaw

Veggie

  • Portobello caps in a sticky Korean BBQ marinade
  • With guacamole, roasted red peppers, and pepper jack cheese

Hawaiian

  • Smoked chicken or pork with a pineapple teriyaki glaze
  • Topped with grilled pineapple, bacon, and pepper jack

BBQ Sandwich Cooking Methods

You can use various cooking techniques to make tender, juicy meat for your sandwiches:

Smoker

  • Use a charcoal or electric smoker for authentic, smokey barbecue flavor.
  • Maintain a consistent low temperature (225°-250°F) for very tender meat.
  • Works great for brisket, pork shoulder, ribs, and chicken.

Oven

  • Roast meats in a Dutch oven or foil pan in the oven at 250°-325°F.
  • Braise on a roasting rack set in a pan filled with sauce or broth.
  • Roast uncovered or tightly sealed for falling-apart texture.

Slow Cooker

  • Combine meat, sauce, and seasonings in a slow cooker.
  • Cook on low heat for 8-12 hours until extremely tender.
  • Makes pulled pork and chicken easy without constant monitoring.

Stovetop

  • Braise pork or beef in sauce in a Dutch oven on the stovetop.
  • Simmer chicken in sauce and seasonings until cooked through.
  • Maintain low heat and stir broth frequently as it reduces.

Serving Suggestions

BBQ sandwiches taste great fresh off the grill, but you can also adjust your serving style for different situations:

  • Serve sandwiches open-faced with extra sauce for dipping at backyard cookouts.
  • Cut sandwiches in half or quarters for appetizer-sized portions.
  • Wrap sandwiches tightly in foil for easy transport to potlucks or picnics.
  • Pile meat on slider buns for mini sandwiches. Skewer them on frilly toothpicks for parties.
  • Keep meat, sauce, and toppings separate and let guests build their own custom sandwiches.
  • Rest sandwiches briefly under foil or a dish towel to allow flavors to meld before eating.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover BBQ sandwiches freeze exceptionally well for quick meals down the road:

  • Allow sandwiches to cool fully, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil.
  • Freeze sandwiches for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before eating.
  • Reheat thawed or freshly made sandwiches wrapped in foil at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.
  • Microwave single servings for 30-60 seconds until heated through. Keep an eye to avoid soggy buns.
  • Separate meat, sauce, cheese/toppings into containers for easier individual use after freezing.
  • Pulled meat also reheats well on its own in the microwave or simmered in sauce on the stovetop.

Favorite BBQ Sandwich Recipes

Here are a few fabulous homemade BBQ sandwich recipes to inspire your cooking:

Best Ever Pulled Pork

  • Pork shoulder rubbed with brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic, and cumin
  • Slow roasted until fall-apart tender
  • Shredded and tossed in a Kansas City-style sweet and tangy barbecue sauce

Smoked Beef Brisket

  • Beef brisket coated in a spicy dry rub of smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and chipotle
  • Smoked low and slow for 14-18 hours
  • Thinly sliced and drizzled with warm, tangy barbecue sauce

Easy Crockpot Chicken

  • Chicken breasts cooked in the slow cooker with barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and spices
  • Pulled into shreds with two forks
  • Piled on buns and topped with extra sauce

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

  • Young green jackfruit simmered in a smoky vegan barbecue sauce
  • Shredded with a fork to mimic pulled pork
  • Topped with crunchy coleslaw on pretzel buns

FAQs About Making BBQ Sandwiches

Making your own BBQ sandwiches is fun and rewarding, but it can raise questions for first-timers. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What is the best cut of meat for pulled BBQ sandwiches?

Pork shoulder (also called Boston butt) is perfect for pulling and shredding. For beef, choose well-marbled brisket. Chicken thighs work better than breasts. Always cook until very tender.

Should I use a dry rub or marinade?

A dry rub of spices and herbs penetrates the meat better than wet marinade. But marinating does impart flavor too. For maximum impact, do both.

How do I get the meat so tender?

Low, slow cooking between 225°-325°F melts away connective tissue. Braise meats over hours in a smoker, oven, or slow cooker until fork tender.

What BBQ sauce is best on sandwiches?

That depends on your tastes! Sweeter, tomato-based sauces pair well with pork. Vinegar sauces match chicken or brisket. Mustard sauces add tangy flavor to any meat.

Should I pull the meat by hand or use tools?

It’s easier and neater to pull meat into shreds with carving forks or bear claws designed for the task. But hand-pulling works in a pinch.

How do I reheat BBQ sandwiches?

Wrapped in foil at 300°F for 15-20 minutes. Or microwave single servings for 30-60 seconds until hot. Separate components to reheat meat and toppings separately to avoid soggy buns.

Can I freeze assembled sandwiches?

Yes, fully assemble sandwiches then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Reheat thawed sandwiches in the oven still wrapped. Microwave frozen individual portions.

How long will pulled meat last refrigerated?

Cooked meat keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. Freeze pulled meat for 2-3 months in an airtight container for longer storage.

What sides go well with BBQ sandwiches?

Potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, cornbread, watermelon, baked chips, or fries pair deliciously with BBQ sandwiches for a filling meal.

How to Make BBQ Sandwiches Video Guide

Seeing the process of constructing BBQ sandwiches can make it even easier to replicate. Here is a video guide with helpful visual instructions for making your own mouthwatering BBQ sandwiches at home:

Ingredients Needed

  • Smoked, pulled pork shoulder or brisket
  • Coleslaw mix – cabbage, carrots, green onions
  • Sweet barbecue sauce
  • Burger buns or pretzel rolls
  • Dill pickle chips
  • Yellow mustard
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Steps to Follow

  • Heat pulled smoked pork in a skillet with barbecue sauce until warmed through.
  • Toast the buns or rolls in the oven or a grill until golden.
  • Spread mustard and mayo on both cut sides of each toasted bun.
  • On the bottom bun, layer pulled pork.
  • Top pork with pickle chips and shredded cheese.
  • Scoop coleslaw mix on top of the cheese.
  • Spread more barbecue sauce on the top bun and place on sandwich.
  • Push down lightly and cut sandwich in half to serve.

Tips and Variations

  • Use chicken, beef brisket, or jackfruit in place of pork.
  • Swap out coleslaw for fresh lettuce, tomatoes, or roasted veggies.
  • Other cheeses like provolone or pepper jack work too.
  • For spicy sandwiches, drizzle hot sauce or chili oil on meat.
  • Serve any leftover meat on the side for dipping in extra sauce.

Conclusion

Creating your own crave-worthy BBQ sandwiches is easier than you think. With deliciously sauced meat, gooey cheese, fresh toppings, and toasted buns, you can’t go wrong. Experiment with different meats, sauces, cheeses, and toppings for amazing flavor combinations. Slow cook tough cuts for tender pulled meat. Let guests build their own custom sandwiches for fun. Freeze extras so you can enjoy tasty barbecue anytime. With the right tools, ingredients and techniques, you’ll become a BBQ sandwich pro in no time.

Posted

in

by

anchengo3

Tags: