Barbecue pulled pork is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. From sandwiches and tacos to pizza, salads, and beyond, cooked pulled pork takes well to many different flavors. With so many possibilities, it can be challenging to narrow down what to make. This article will explore 20 amazing options for putting your leftover pulled pork to use in creative and mouthwatering ways.
Introduction
Pulled pork is a classic barbecued meat that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Pork shoulder or butt is slowly smoked or roasted until fall-apart tender and then shredded or “pulled” by hand into thick, succulent strands. A barbecue-style spice rub and sauce are usually added for layers of sweet, spicy, tangy, and smoky flavor.
While pulled pork sandwiches are a popular way to enjoy this irresistible barbecue staple, the shredded meat can also be incorporated into a wide variety of main dishes, side dishes, appetizers and more. Barbecue pulled pork is incredibly versatile, making it easy to come up with delicious new ways to use up leftovers.
From simple sandwiches and tacos to loaded baked potatoes and comforting casseroles, read on for 20 amazing recipes for what to make with leftover or freshly-cooked barbecue pulled pork.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a go-to use for pulled pork. Pile the tender meat onto buns or bread and add your favorite toppings and condiments for an easy handheld meal.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
The classic pulled pork sandwich features the shredded smoked meat piled high on a bun, topped with extra barbecue sauce plus any desired condiments like pickles, slaw, and onion. Serve it up as is or get creative with add-ins like crispy fried onions, jalapeños, pineapple, and more.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
For an indulgent twist, use pulled pork as the filling for grilled cheese sandwiches. Layer the meat with sliced cheese like cheddar, provolone or swiss between slices of rustic bread. Adding barbecue sauce takes it over the top.
Pulled Pork Po’ Boys
Load up the filling for this Louisiana sandwich with barbecue pulled pork, crispy coleslaw, sliced pickles and a creole rémoulade sauce. Serve it Southern style on a soft French loaf.
Pulled Pork Gyros
For a fun fusion of Greek and barbecue flavors, wrap pulled pork, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese crumbles and tzatziki sauce in warm pita bread to enjoy as handheld gyros.
Pulled Pork Banh Mi
In this riff on the beloved Vietnamese sandwich, fill a crispy baguette with cool and creamy mayo, quick-pickled carrot and daikon radish, cucumber, cilantro and jalapeño slices along with the savory barbecue pulled pork.
Tacos and Burritos
The savory shredded pork also excels as a filling for Mexican fare like tacos, burritos, nachos and more. Simply wrap it up in tortillas along with your favorite taco toppings.
Pulled Pork Tacos
Combine the meat with onions, cilantro, lime, avocado, cotija cheese and hot sauce stuffed into soft corn or flour tortillas for an easy and delicious taco filling. Add some pineapple salsa for a fun twist.
Pulled Pork Burritos
Rolled up in a large flour tortilla with beans, rice, cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo and a smoky chipotle crema, pulled pork makes for an incredible burrito filling.
Pulled Pork Tostadas
Pile the pork atop crisp corn tostada shells along with refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado and queso fresco for a tasty Mexican-inspired appetizer.
Pulled Pork Nachos
Smother tortilla chips with pulled pork, black beans, jalapeños, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese and sour cream to create the ultimate nacho experience.
Salads
The flavorful shredded pork pairs well with fresh ingredients like greens, vegetables and fruits, making it an excellent addition to main dish salads.
Pulled Pork Cobb Salad
Top a bed of lettuce with rows of pulled pork, hardboiled eggs, avocado, cherry tomatoes, bacon, blue cheese and ranch dressing for a protein-packed Cobb salad.
Pulled Pork & Fruit Salad
For a lighter option, toss the meat with mixed greens, sliced strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, red onion, walnuts and a raspberry vinaigrette.
Pulled Pork Caesar Salad
Romaine lettuce, Parmesan, croutons and a zesty Caesar dressing are taken to new heights with savory pulled pork. Chicken who?
Pulled Pork Taco Salad
Line a fried tortilla bowl with lettuce, pulled pork, tomatoes, black beans, corn salsa, shredded cheese and taco seasoning-spiced ranch dressing for a fiesta-inspired salad.
Pizza
The bold flavors of barbecue pulled pork make it a stellar pizza topping. Scatter the meat over the cheesy pie and pile on additional toppings.
BBQ Chicken and Pulled Pork Pizza
For the ultimate protein pizza, layer both barbecue chicken and pulled pork with sautéed onions and red peppers, then drizzle barbecue sauce over the whole thing.
Pulled Pork Hawaiian Pizza
Play up the sweet and tangy flavors by using the pork as a topping along with Canadian bacon, pineapple and red onion on a homemade or store-bought crust.
Pulled Pork & Jalapeño Pizza
Spice it up with sliced jalapeños, red onion, cilantro and mozzarella on a crisp, wood-fired crust for a easy weeknight dinner.
Pulled Pork Breakfast Pizza
Why not pizza for breakfast? Top a cheesy crust with scrambled eggs, pulled pork, potatoes, cheddar and hot sauce for a fun morning pie.
Pasta Dishes
The rich, tender pulled pork makes a fantastic addition to all kinds of pasta creations, from classic baked ziti to unique noodle casseroles.
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Toss cooked macaroni in a cheesy barbecue sauce with pulled pork, then transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese and breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and golden.
Pulled Pork Lasagna
Layer lasagna noodles with ricotta cheese, meat sauce and shredded mozzarella, using the barbecue pulled pork in place of traditional ground meat or sausage.
Pulled Pork & Tortellini Soup
Simmer sliced pork with cheese tortellini, veggies and chicken broth for a cozy, comforting soup the whole family will love.
Pulled Pork Pasta Salad
Chill cooked pasta shells along with shredded pork, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, fresh parsley, feta and an Italian dressing for a tasty picnic or potluck dish.
Appetizers
In addition to shredding it for sandwiches and main dishes, pulled pork also shines when used as an appetizer topping or filling.
Pulled Pork Quesadillas
Sautéed mushrooms, onions and barbecue pulled pork sandwiched between flour tortillas with melty pepper jack cheese creates a next-level quesadilla for snacking.
Pulled Pork Stuffed Mushrooms
Mix the meat with cream cheese, garlic and Parmesan, then pile the savory blend into mushroom caps and bake until bubbly.
Pulled Pork Nachos
Serve bite-size nachos loaded with pulled pork, black beans, pickled jalapeños and melted Jack cheese for a crowd-pleasing game day snack.
Pulled Pork Egg Rolls
Wrapped up with carrots, cabbage and scallions in a crispy wonton wrapper, these unique egg rolls make a fun and fusion appetizer.
Casseroles and Skillet Meals
Hearty and homey one-pan creations are a convenient way to turn leftover pulled pork into an easy weeknight dinner.
Pulled Pork Shepherd’s Pie
Trade ground lamb for pork in the traditional shepherd’s pie recipe, layering the meat with veggies, gravy and fluffy mashed potatoes.
Pulled Pork & Rice Skillet
Sauté the shredded pork with onions, peppers and seasonings, then stir in rice and chicken broth to make a fast one-pan meal.
Pulled Pork Chili Mac
Cook elbow macaroni right in the savory tomato-based pulled pork chili for the ultimate comfort food mashup. Serve with cornbread on the side.
Pulled Pork Casserole
Combine cooked noodles, pork, mushrooms, spinach, Alfredo and cheese sauce for a hearty casserole that feeds a crowd.
Soups and Chilis
The rich shredded meat adds hearty flavor and protein to all types of satisfying soups and spicy chilis.
Pulled Pork Chili
Browned pork, pinto beans, chili powder and jalapeños simmer in a tomato-based broth for the ultimate pork chili. Garnish with avocado, cheese, and cilantro.
Pulled Pork & Black Bean Soup
Sauté onions and garlic, then add cooked pork, black beans, chicken broth, tomatoes, corn and spices for a cozy, southwestern-style soup.
Pulled Pork Pho
Flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup gets a barbecue twist with pulled pork. Don’t forget the basil, bean sprouts and sriracha!
Pulled Pork Corn Chowder
Potatoes, corn, pulled pork, and cream create the most comforting chowder, with a hint of BBQ smoke.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pulled Pork
What meat is best for pulled pork?
The best cut of meat for making pulled pork is pork shoulder, also called pork butt. It’s an inexpensive cut that becomes perfectly tender when slow-roasted or smoked low and slow. The marbled meat shreds easily once cooked.
What’s the difference between pulled pork and shredded pork?
Pulled pork and shredded pork are essentially the same thing – tender, shredded pieces of juicy pork. However, pulled pork generally refers to pork cooked slowly using barbecue methods like smoking, roasting, or braising so it can be hand-pulled or shredded into strands.
How long does it take to cook pulled pork?
Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the pork shoulder, but estimate 1 1/2 to 2 hours per pound at 225°F – 275°F. A 6-8 pound pork butt may take up to 14+ hours. The meat is done when it reaches 200°F and pulls apart easily.
How can you tell pulled pork is done?
Check for doneness by piercing the pork with a fork – it should slide in and out easily when fully cooked. The internal temperature should also reach 200-205°F. At this point all collagen has melted, making the meat pull-apart tender.
How do you keep pulled pork moist?
- Cook it slowly at a low temperature
- Don’t overcook it
- Let it rest before pulling/shredding
- Mix in defatted pan juices after shredding
- Add just enough barbecue sauce to coat meat without making it soggy
Can you freeze pulled pork?
Yes, pulled pork freezes very well for up to 3 months. Let the shredded meat cool fully before freezing, and portion it into sealed bags or airtight containers with any juices. Thaw in the refrigerator before re-heating gently on the stove or in the oven.
Conclusion
Barbecue pulled pork is endlessly adaptable, making it easy to whip up all kinds of incredible meals using the pre-cooked shredded meat. From stuffed potatoes and egg rolls to casseroles, salads, nachos and pizza, the possibilities are truly endless. With a batch of tender smoked pork on hand in the fridge or freezer, dinner can be just minutes away. Experiment with different flavor combinations to put together quick, delicious weeknight meals or hearty dishes perfect for feeding a crowd.