Lean Pulled Pork Sandwich @ Not Quite Nigella

Lean Pulled Pork Sandwich

August 19th, 2009 by Not Quite Nigella
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You didn’t think that I abandoned you after posting my Simple Cassoulet recipe using the Pressure Cooker without posting another did you? I am against single use objects merely on principle. I have very little bench and cupboard space so even a waffle iron, no matter how attractive a waffle it produces, doesn’t get a look in to my kitchen as I’d only use it once every 6 months. I was determined to use a Pressure Cooker several times during Winter. I’ve loved everything that I’ve made in it and came across this recipe while trawling the internet late one light. Some people trawl for porn late at night. I trawl for food porn.

Pulled Pork is a relative newcomer to the scene here in Australia over the past few years. Previous to that, you’d hardly see it on restaurant menus. Traditionally made from the fatty part of the pork called the Boston Butt it’s cooked long and slow. With this version, the Pressure Cooker replaces the fat in the Boston Butt so that it remains succulent and tender without an excess of fat. I was also worried that if I asked a butcher for some Boston Butt of Pork that he would think I was a crackpot

60 minutes after starting, the timer indicated that the Pulled Pork was ready and I apprehensively opened the Pressure Cooker. I always feel as if I won’t know what sight might greet me when peering into the cavernous pot. I was relieved – it looked good. But the true test was the fork test. Was I able to pull it apart easily using two forks? I nudged one piece with a fork and it fell apart. I was ecstatic. I took a photo before I pulled it apart more and then set about pulling the rest of the pork apart.

Setting the shredded pork on top of a toasted hamburger bun with some extra barbecue sauce I sank my teeth in. The bun was crunchy and the pork tender and soft. It was pretty much like a regular Pulled Pork which left me joyous and my husband contentedly munching, blissfully unaware that he was indeed eating a healthy version of Pulled Pork. When I told him he was slightly doubtful, stopped chewing for a moment and decided that it was better not to argue than simply to eat.

And psst! I will be interviewed on North Shore 99.3FM radio tomorrow oops today! I wrote this yesterday! At 10am discussing Not Quite Nigella and Freeganism! You can listen to it online if you visit the 99.3FM website. I’ll upload a recording of this over the next couple of days.

And because it’s Wednesday again (wasn’t it Wednesday just a day or two ago?) here is a new Wallpaper Wednesday – Beef and Olive Briouats!

So tell me Dear Reader, what do you trawl for late at night?

Lean Pulled Pork Sandwich

For Pulled Pork

1kg/2 lb. pork tenderloin (about two pieces)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp chili powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup water

Also

6 Hamburger buns
Butter to spread
Barbecue sauce

Sauce

1. In a 6-quart pressure cooker, brown the pork tenderloin in the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened. While the pork is browning, mix the other ingredients in a jug stirring to dissolve the brown sugar as much as possible. Add jug’s ingredients to the Pressure Cooker once the meat is browned and the onions and garlic are softened and mix to combine. Bring to a boil, lock the lid into the pressure cooker and bring to pressure.

A gentle nudge with the fork and it fell apart!

2. Cook for 55 minutes at 15 psi or setting 2. Release the pressure and, using two forks, pull the pork into shreds. Toss the shredded pork in the pan drippings, if desired.

3. Split hamburger buns in two horizontally and toast lightly. Spread with butter and top with pork and then drizzle with Barbecue sauce. Serve immediately.

Originally adapted from “Speedy Pulled Pork” by Ronda L. Carnicelli at http://www.seasoned.com

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Posted in Cooking and Recipes,Dinner recipes

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59 Comments | Add your own

1. penny aka jeroxie | August 19th, 2009 at 7:26 am | #

Brilliant! It is a very nice lunchbox recipe as well! Might try it for next week’s lunch menu! Will post and link through once Ive made my version. Yum YUM….
2. Rosa | August 19th, 2009 at 7:28 am | #

OMG, I love pulled pork! Your sandwich looks sooooooo tempting!

Cheers,

Rosa
3. gastroanthropologist | August 19th, 2009 at 7:49 am | #

I think I may have died and gone to heaven. They are serving this pulled pork sandwich tonight. Now if only in heaven pictures on the computer screens turn into reality.
4. Julia @ Mélanger | August 19th, 2009 at 8:23 am | #

Oh boy. I ate so much pulled pork when I lived in America. Fantastic. I tried not to think about the fatty meat. This looks like a great alternative!
5. Rebecca | August 19th, 2009 at 8:25 am | #

Love pulled pork!

If you’re ever in NYC, try to get to the Big Apple BBQ. A lot of great bbq pit masters from the South come up and cook for 2 days. Pulled pork, different styles of ribs, brisket, whole hog, sausage.

http://bigapplebbq.org
6. sandra | August 19th, 2009 at 8:39 am | #

Wow that looks like my kind of sandwich. Plus anything involving bread and meat would have my husband salivating. My late night trawls on the internet usually involve high end fashion online sites “window shopping”.
7. Donna | August 19th, 2009 at 8:54 am | #

It looks amazing! Another one of your recipes to add to my list of things to try
8. Lis | August 19th, 2009 at 8:55 am | #

Mmmmmm! Your post brings back memories of my trip to the USA’s deep south. I enjoyed a pulled pork sandwich on Beale Street Memphis but to be honest yours looks even better! Yum, gotta love pressure cooker cooking
9. justcooknyc | August 19th, 2009 at 9:02 am | #

i had no idea there was such a thing as healthy pulled pork… looks too good for that.
10. Vita | August 19th, 2009 at 9:06 am | #

I dont have a pressure cooker. Do you think I could make the same thing in the oven if I cooked it for a long time. It looks sooo good!
11. Barbara | August 19th, 2009 at 9:12 am | #

A Pressure Cooker is on my want list! Lucky girl! Your pulled pork looks delicious!
12. Yas | August 19th, 2009 at 9:14 am | #

AHhhh pulled pork sandwich!!
I don’t know where the origin of this, but it just reminds me of my early days back in Boston!

Is there any place in Sydney serving pulled pork??
13. Trisha | August 19th, 2009 at 9:21 am | #

Ohhhh yum this really looks like a great winter meal to have – with a little bit of side salad and a nice drink!!! Niceeee!!!
14. Matilda | August 19th, 2009 at 9:36 am | #

Looks so delicious, I’m going to make this for my husband as I’m sure he’ll love it and like you Lorraine, I rarely take the pressure cooker out. Love the Beef & Olive Briouats, I made some on the weekend( I used lamb mince and called them Ottoman Cigars )for my granddaughter’s 1st birthday and they were a big hit!
15. Big M | August 19th, 2009 at 9:44 am | #

how long does it take if you don’t have a pressure cooker?
16. sissyhankshaw | August 19th, 2009 at 9:50 am | #

This looks awesome. I love slow cooked pork anything, but we usually use belly. I would be very interested to try this version with the leaner meat. Does it compromise on flavour at all?

It would be great with the fabulous ‘grown-up’ coleslaw I used to have at Chelsea Teahouse in Avalon – very finely shredded white cabbage, mustardy vinaigrette and lightly toasted caraway seeds. A world away from the creamy shredded mess we used to get at family BBQs.

Please tell me more about the pressure cooker – what brand? good value? compact?
17. Mattie | August 19th, 2009 at 10:02 am | #

Re-Vita’s question – pressure cooker, anything you cook in a pressure cooker you can cook on the stove top in a dutch oven over low heat and for a longer time. Just keep an eye on it and adjust the liquid accordingly. Also – BBQ sauce , do you use the cooking liquids, make up a new batch, or do you use commercial Australian, American or Asian style BBQ sauce.
18. Steph | August 19th, 2009 at 10:09 am | #

HAHA at Boston Butt! What a brilliant name. It sounds great getting the tenderness in the meat from the pressure cooker rather than fat, so much healthier for you!
19. Renee | August 19th, 2009 at 10:13 am | #

wow – that looks great! Now I am craving a pork sandwich and it is WAY too early for that!
20. The Duo Dishes | August 19th, 2009 at 10:16 am | #

Mmm, you’re hitting all the spots with this one. We love it.
21. Peter G | August 19th, 2009 at 10:27 am | #

I’m bookmarking this recipe to try Lorraine…I can’t believe it’s lean. Thanks for sharing!
22. Bria | August 19th, 2009 at 10:32 am | #

Yum! I loooooove pulled pork! I really need to get a slow cooker/pressure cooker.
23. Ellen | August 19th, 2009 at 10:37 am | #

Had pulled pork (or rather a whole pulled pig!) in Hawaii earlier this year with a gloriously sweet pink bread roll (maybe mango?) and it was delicious. Not healthy but seriously scrummy.
24. Faith | August 19th, 2009 at 11:08 am | #

I love that you used a lean cut of meat for this…brilliant! Sweet and savory BBQ sauces are delectable, aren’t they?
25. Cakelaw | August 19th, 2009 at 11:12 am | #

Yum! This sandwich looks delicious – just right for my lunch
26. SydneyGal | August 19th, 2009 at 11:18 am | #

Ooooh this would be great for a party – bring it out in the late hours so everybody can have something fresh and filling to eat that’ll soak up the grog. I’m putting this on my birthday party menu!
27. Emily | August 19th, 2009 at 11:50 am | #

Lorraine, I believe boston butt is in fact pork shoulder. I’ve cooked shoulder before in a slow cooker. It was so tender and the bones fell right out. I cooked the crackling separately in the oven directly on the top rack.
28. lisa (dandysugar) | August 19th, 2009 at 12:01 pm | #

Oooh, I love pulled pork sandwiches. Your photos are really tempting. I’m waiting on my dinner at the moment and now I’m seriously craving one of these as I type!
29. Carol | August 19th, 2009 at 12:12 pm | #

I wouldn’t be worried about asking your butcher for a Boston Butt, but I reckon “pulled pork” could have ALL the wrong people visiting your blog in error! LOL
30. maris | August 19th, 2009 at 12:47 pm | #

I think I like seeing the words Lean and Pulled Pork in the same sentence. If only I was the lean one!
31. clekitty | August 19th, 2009 at 12:55 pm | #

Ooh this sandwich looks divine! You have a very lucky husband
I just read your freeganism article and I’m very impressed. What an interesting topic and a very well written article!
32. Annie | August 19th, 2009 at 1:46 pm | #

I’m asking the same question as Mattie. What kind of BBQ sauce. I’ve tried a heap of varieties from the average supermarket type to stuff found in “gourmet” shops, to those at farmers markets. Guess it’s personal preference but would be interested in other people’s BBQ sauce loves.
33. Alexandra | August 19th, 2009 at 4:22 pm | #

You have not only convinced me to try this dish…you have actually convinced me to buy a pressure cooker as well!! wow…
34. Esz | August 19th, 2009 at 5:34 pm | #

Omg that looks so heavenly! I’ve never had pulled pork but I just know I would love it. Making me drool….mmmmmmm
35. Jenny | August 19th, 2009 at 6:07 pm | #

Omg that looks so fab! I’ve wanted to make pulled pork soft tacos for ages (I adore Mexican food) so I think I’ll use this recipe for the pork -thanks!

And congrats for radio tomorrow -too bad I have to go work and I can’t listen
36. Arwen from Hoglet K | August 19th, 2009 at 6:15 pm | #

How exciting that the healthy version tasted as good as the original!
37. Parita | August 19th, 2009 at 10:10 pm | #

Whoa! that sandwich looks lovely!
I just made a veggie mayo sandwich yesterday
38. Aubrey | August 19th, 2009 at 10:11 pm | #

A lean version of pulled pork? Do my eyes deceive me? PP is one of my favorite things ever but I gave it up as it was fatty. Thanku!
39. FFichiban | August 19th, 2009 at 10:12 pm | #

Hee hee hee boston butt hee hee hee…. -__- but wow this looks so goodd! and the sauce sounds so yummy too. I would add maybe garlic sauce as well haha (like a kebab)
40. Rosa | August 19th, 2009 at 10:12 pm | #

Thanks for the comment!

Our prunes (pruneaux or quetsches) look like that and have a very strong flavor:
http://rosas-yummy-yums.blogspot.com/2008/09/plums-prunes.html

Cheers,

Rosa
41. grace | August 20th, 2009 at 12:23 am | #

pork bbq. i love it. i love to look at it (briefly) and then i love to eat it. i can’t eat yours, most unfortunately, but i can admire it and admire it i do. i feel like i’m speaking in circles, but that’s what pig does to me.
42. belinda | August 20th, 2009 at 1:50 am | #

Will try this recipe. I love my pressure cooker, I use it all the time for beans, stews and for rice.
43. foodcreate | August 20th, 2009 at 2:12 am | #

Yummy ! Looks so tasty I going to have to try it !

Thanks for sharing your blog beautiful pictures

Have a wonderful Day !!!
44. Blond Duck | August 20th, 2009 at 3:21 am | #

I love that you troll for food porn.

And darling, oh darling–how the hell would you only use a waffle iron once every six months?!?!!
45. Juliana | August 20th, 2009 at 3:46 am | #

Lorraine,
First, thank you so much for visiting my site Second, your pork sandwich looks so yummie, tasty…and I love the bun with sesame seed on the top. Nice pictures as well.
46. Meg@Feasting on Art | August 20th, 2009 at 7:40 am | #

Oh my your pulled pork looks so moist and juicy! When I made mine last month it was very fatty. I will definitely try your version with a leaner cut of meat next time.
47. SC | August 20th, 2009 at 4:42 pm | #

Yum, yum, yum! I didn’t think lean pork could look so scrumptious.
48. ArtemisIII | August 20th, 2009 at 10:32 pm | #

I love pulled pork and this is making my mouth salivate!
49. pigpigscorner | August 21st, 2009 at 1:04 am | #

It looks amazing! I’m craving for pulled pork again…yum yum
50. Zam | August 21st, 2009 at 9:09 am | #

I was still thinking about this sandwich when I was laying in bed last night, I want to eat one so much!
51. Zam | August 21st, 2009 at 9:11 am | #

Oh and can this be done in a slow cooker?
52. Not Quite Nigella | August 21st, 2009 at 9:49 pm | #

Hi penny-Thankyou so much! I’d love to know what you think of it too!

Hi Rosa-Me too, I can’t have it enough so I was so happy to find a low fat version!

Hi gastroanthropologist-Hehe cool! Aww you are too sweet!

Hi Julia-It’s so American isn’t it!This is a great alternative as it’s so lean

Hi Rebecca-Cool! OH wow, that sounds amazing! Thanks for letting me know (and drool!)

Hi sandra-Hehe excellent! Ahh yes I am familiar with such pursuits!

Hi Donna-Thankyou! PMK what you think of it “_

Hi Lis-Ahh yes I would love to visit the Deep South one day. Wow thankyou so much!

Hi justcooknyc -I know! You wouldn’t have thought it at all huh?

Hi Vita-I think you could on a low setting!

Hi Barbara -They’re great! Thankyou so much

Hi Yas-I’m not sure exactly either, maybe it is Boston as they use a Boston butt! They have it at Flying Fajita Sistas in Glebe

Hi Trisha-Thankyou! yes it is so perfect for Winter

Hi Matilda-Thanks so much! Yes it’s good to use it and make sure you don’t forget about it (whcih is easy to do). Oh wonderful, that’s so great to hear!

Hi Big M-Pressure Cooker take about 1/3 or 1/4 of the time so quite a long time!

Hi sissyhankshaw-Thankyou! yes belly wouldbe lovely but I’m trying to eat healthier now Nope I don’t think it does although perhaps the texture is leaner but not dry. Oh that sounds wonderful! I used a Magefesa Pressure Cooker and it’s great-no complaints at all

Hi Mattie-With the BBQ sauce, the cooking liquid is too thin to use as BBQ sauce. I use a commercial brand one. I think my mother had Masterfoods in her fridge.

Hi Steph-Hehe you’re so funny! Yes I was amazed it could do that!

Hi Renee-Thankyou! Hehe I know, isn’t that the worst?

Hi The Duo Dishes-Haha great!

Hi Peter-Please do! I know, I was amazed that it worked out so well. You’re welcome!

Hi Bria-yes they’re a great buy I have to say, especially for Winter

Hi Ellen-Oh pulled pig is the same thing? And a pink bread roll? Sounds like just the experience I’d love! Lucky you

Hi Faith-Thankyou! Yes I was intrigued to see whether it would work They sure are!

Hi Cakelaw -Thankyou so much!

Hi SydneyGal-You sound like you throw great parties!

Hi Emily-Ahh I was wondering what the equivalent was-thanks for that! Sounds absolutely delectable!

Hi lisa-Thanks so much! Hehe I’m terribly sorry!

Hi Carol-Haha yes that’s true!

Hi maris-I know, who would have thought it?

Hi clekitty-Thanks, I’ll be sure to tell him that Thankyou so much!

Hi Annie-I like homemade ones best as they tend to be a bit spicier but we just used a commerical one as that was what my mum had (She doesn’t really make BBQ sauce at home).

Hi Alexandra-Hehe cool! It’s a good investment!

Hi Esz-Thankyou! It’s really good and oh so nice on a sandwich

Hi Jenny-Thanks so much! Oh great ideas using it for tacos! Thankyou so much! I’ve recorded it and I’ll put it up

Hi Arwen-I know! I didn’t expect it to at all

Hi Parita-Sounds delicious!

Hi Aubrey-No they don’t I promise You’re more than welcome!

Hi FFichiban-Haha you are such a schoolboy! Ahh garlic sauce? Interesting!

Hi Rosa-Thanks for that! They sounds lovely!

Hi grace-Hehe feel free to admire it and look at it! I only wish I could give you some

Hi belinda-Please do! yes it’s great isn’t it!

Hi foodcreate-I’d love to know what you think of it if you do! Thankyou, you too!

Hi Blond Duck-Hehe tell me other people do too? I know, I’m not much of a breakfast person. A bit of muesli is usually what I have…

Hi Juliana-Thankyou so much

Hi Meg-Thanks so much! I think it’s normally like that so yours was more faithful

Hi SC-Thankyou very much!

Hi ArtemisIII-hehe cool! It’s definitely worth making

Hi pigpigscorner-Thankyou!

Hi Zam-You are too funny! I’m sure you could do it in a slow cooker, Mattie above has some great tips on how to do it
53. Kevin | August 23rd, 2009 at 5:03 am | #

That pulled pork sandwich looks so good! I can just imagine biting into that tender juicy and tasty sandwich…
54. Ben | August 27th, 2009 at 7:04 pm | #

Oh so yummy!! I love pulled pork sandwiches, I had so many in Texas over the last few months, its great to have a lean version I can cook at home in Sydney. Thanks for the recipe!!
Out of interest, is there anywhere in Sydney you can recommend for good southern bbq?
55. Pat Gration | January 27th, 2010 at 11:29 am | #

Found your site today. I am looking for a resipe for pulled pork and found a brilliant one to try thanks to your site.

Many thanks

Pat
56. Sarah | November 2nd, 2010 at 3:06 pm | #

Just came across this post – I have made Pulled Pork for many years using pork shoulder roast (bone in, which is a pretty cheap cut here. I remove the crackling (skin) and most of the excess fat first and then cook it in a cast iron casserole for about 3 hours – not too fatty and soooo good. I use the spice rub from the Joy of Cooking recipe on it.
57. Sarah | November 2nd, 2010 at 3:08 pm | #

Oh and you have to have a scoop of coleslaw in a vinegar dressing (not mayo) in the sandwich too – contrasts with the sweet fatty pork brilliantly, and makes it even messier to eat!
58. Nat C | April 23rd, 2011 at 8:50 am | #

Looks delicious!
Each time I have been to the USA I always get a pulled pork sandwich … and toasted ravioli.
I dont have a pressure cooker and have no room to store one so I’m going to try it in my slow cooker and see if it turns out! Thank you!