BBQ Pulled Pork with Sweet Potato Fries and Coleslaw
I don’t make pulled pork very often, which is probably why I get so excited when I do. This BBQ pulled pork with wweet potato fries and coleslaw is one of those meals that feels like an event.
You start it earlier in the day, the house slowly starts smelling incredible, and by dinner time everyone seems to magically wander into the kitchen asking how much longer it will be.
And honestly, they’re not wrong.
There is something ridiculously satisfying about a plate piled high with smoky shredded pork, crispy sweet potato fries, crunchy coleslaw, and a few pickle slices tucked off to the side.
It’s messy, saucy, and completely impossible to eat neatly. That’s half the fun.
The pork cooks until it practically falls apart on its own. No wrestling with it.
No careful slicing. Just grab two forks and it shreds into juicy strands that soak up every bit of barbecue sauce.
Add sweet potato fries with crispy edges and fluffy centres, then finish with a cool crunchy slaw, and suddenly you’ve got the sort of dinner people talk about long after the plates are empty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The pork turns unbelievably tender
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Leftovers are amazing the next day
- Sweet, smoky, tangy, and crunchy all on one plate
- Mostly hands-off cooking
- Perfect for weekends, game days, or casual family dinners
Ingredients
For the Pulled Pork
- 4 pounds pork shoulder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
For the Sweet Potato Fries
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
For the Coleslaw
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 large carrot, grated
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper
For Serving
- Dill pickle slices
- Extra barbecue sauce
How To Make It
1. Season the Pork
Rub the pork shoulder all over with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Place it into a slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth.
Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or until the meat falls apart easily with a fork.
2. Shred and Sauce
Transfer the pork to a large bowl.
Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Pour over the barbecue sauce and toss until every piece is coated.
Try not to eat half of it standing at the counter.
3. Make the Sweet Potato Fries
Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Cut the sweet potatoes into fries and toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread onto a baking tray and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, turning halfway through.
The edges should be golden and slightly crisp.
4. Mix the Coleslaw
In a large bowl, combine the cabbages and carrot.
Whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour over the vegetables and toss until lightly coated.
5. Build the Plate
Pile the pulled pork onto one side of the plate.
Add a generous serving of sweet potato fries and a scoop of coleslaw.
Finish with pickle slices and an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce if you’re feeling generous.
A Few Helpful Tips
Don’t Rush the Pork
Pulled pork is one of those recipes that rewards patience. If it isn’t shredding easily, it probably needs a little more time.
Keep the Slaw Cold
The contrast between warm barbecue pork and cold crunchy slaw is part of what makes this meal so good.
Use a Smoky BBQ Sauce
A sauce with a little smoke flavour works beautifully with the sweetness of the fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pork ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze pulled pork?
Yes. Freeze it in portions with some of the sauce to keep it moist.
What can I do with leftovers?
Pulled pork sandwiches, loaded baked potatoes, quesadillas, tacos, or even breakfast hash.
Final Thoughts
Some dinners are practical. Some are healthy. Some are quick.
This one is all about satisfaction.
Tender barbecue pork, crispy sweet potato fries, crunchy coleslaw, and pickles all on one plate.
Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated. Just a really good meal that somehow makes everyone happy.
