Kansas City Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich

Kansas City is renowned for its delicious, slow-cooked pulled pork sandwich, which is smoked to perfection and packed with flavor. This classic dish is easy to make at home, and with the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a sandwich that's every bit as tasty as the ones you find in KC's famous barbecue joints.

To prepare the perfect Kansas City pulled pork sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pork shoulder (6-8 lbs)

• 1/2 cup paprika

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder

• 2 tablespoons onion powder

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 1 tablespoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 cup ketchup

• 1/2 cup yellow mustard

• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup molasses

• 1/4 cup apple juice

• 2 tablespoons hot sauce

• 8-10 hamburger buns

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shoulder

Start by trimming the excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving just enough to keep the meat moist and tender during cooking. Mix together the paprika, brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl to create a rub. Apply the rub generously to the pork shoulder, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 2: Smoke the Pork Shoulder

Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Place the pork shoulder on the smoker, making sure it is not touching the sides or the top of the smoker. Smoke the pork shoulder for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F.

Step 3: Prepare the Kansas City Barbecue Sauce

While the pork shoulder is smoking, prepare the Kansas City barbecue sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, honey, brown sugar, molasses, apple juice, and hot sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly.

Step 4: Pull the Pork

Remove the pork shoulder from the smoker and allow it to rest for 30 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any excess fat or gristle.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Place a generous portion of pulled pork on the bottom half of each hamburger bun. Spoon a dollop of Kansas City barbecue sauce over the pork, and top with the other half of the bun. Serve with additional sauce on the side, along with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw or baked beans.

In conclusion, the key to making a delicious Kansas City pulled pork sandwich is to start with a quality pork shoulder, apply a flavorful rub, smoke the meat low and slow, and top it all off with a tangy, sweet barbecue sauce. With a little bit of time and patience, you can create a mouthwatering sandwich that's sure to please any barbecue fan.