You know those days when you’re craving something sweet, tangy, and savory all at once? Well, this Grilled Teriyaki Pork Sandwich is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy pork marinated in a teriyaki glaze, grilled to perfection, then nestled between two slices of your favorite bread—pure bliss. I stumbled upon this recipe last summer while experimenting with barbecue ideas, and let me tell you, it’s been a family favorite ever since.
Steps
- Slice a medium-sized sweet onion and place it at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Remove any packaging or netting from a pork butt roast, then cut it into several large chunks. Arrange these chunks in an even layer over the onions in the slow cooker.
- Pour one cup of teriyaki sauce over the pork chunks, followed by the juice from a can of pineapple slices. Reserve the slices for later use on the sandwiches.
- If desired, peel and grate a small piece of fresh ginger into the slow cooker for added flavor. Place the lid on the slow cooker.
- Cook the mixture on high heat for two hours, then reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional four hours. Alternatively, set it on low for eight hours if you’re away.
- After cooking, carefully open the slow cooker and remove the pork chunks. Shred the tender pork using a fork.
- To thicken the sauce, mix 3 tablespoons of flour with 1/2 cup of water, then whisk this into the remaining liquid in the slow cooker. Increase the heat to high and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Once the sauce has thickened, return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and combine it with the teriyaki gravy.
- Serve the pork and gravy on toasted buns, topped with a slice of pineapple. Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork butt roast
- 1 medium sweet onion
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 15 oz can of pineapple slices
- 1 inch fresh ginger (optional)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 pack of hamburger/sandwich buns
Nutritional Values
Calories: 4357.2kcal | Carbohydrates: 354g | Protein: 300.72g | Fat: 185.44g | Sodium: 13899.28mg | Fiber: 14.32g
FAQ
- Can I make my own teriyaki sauce instead of buying it?
- Yes, you can definitely prepare your own teriyaki sauce at home using simple ingredients, which can save you money compared to purchasing a store-bought version.
- How do I store leftovers of the teriyaki pork sandwiches?
- You can freeze single sandwich-sized portions of the pulled pork in freezer bags. Be sure to label and date the bags to avoid waste. Thaw the meat in the microwave when you’re ready to use it, and even freeze the buns to toast them later.
- What if I don’t have a programmable slow cooker?
- If your slow cooker is not programmable or you are not home to adjust the heat, you can set it to cook on low for 8 hours without needing to change the setting.
- Can I add other ingredients to the recipe?
- Absolutely! Consider adding fresh ginger for extra flavor, or even garnishing with cilantro for a fresh, bright taste. You can customize the recipe to suit your preferences.
- Is it necessary to use pineapple slices in the sandwiches?
- While not essential, the pineapple slices add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the teriyaki pork beautifully. You can choose to omit them or substitute with another topping if desired.
Tips
- Consider making your own teriyaki sauce at home to save money and add a personal touch to the dish. You may already have all the necessary ingredients in your pantry.
- For convenience and future meals, portion the cooked pork into individual servings and freeze them in labeled and dated freezer bags. This allows you to easily thaw and enjoy a single sandwich whenever you like.
- Add a pop of freshness by garnishing your sandwich with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro. This simple addition can enhance the overall flavor with a bright, fresh taste.
- If you can’t adjust your slow cooker’s heat settings during the day, set it to low for 8 hours before you leave. This will ensure the pork cooks perfectly by the time you return home.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker – Essential for cooking the pork over several hours.
- Grater – Needed if you’re using fresh ginger.
- Whisk – Useful for mixing the flour and water slurry into the teriyaki gravy.
