The Undeniable Allure of WW BBQ Pork Sandwiches with Homemade Cole Slaw

There’s a certain magic that happens when tender, slow-cooked pork meets the bright crunch of fresh coleslaw, all nestled within a perfectly toasted bun. For me, this particular sandwich isn’t just a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey back to summer picnics and family gatherings, where the aroma of barbecue filled the air. I remember one sweltering afternoon, I was struggling to find a recipe that was both incredibly satisfying and mindful of my dietary goals. That’s when I stumbled upon this gem, and it quickly became a staple, proving that delicious, comforting food doesn’t have to come with a hefty point count. The joy of seeing everyone, even those not strictly following a program, devour these sandwiches with gusto is a testament to their simple, yet profound, deliciousness.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Can be adapted (ensure bun choice is suitable)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these crowd-pleasing sandwiches:

• 1 pound lean pork tenderloin
• 3 1/3 tablespoons barbecue sauce, divided (this includes 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon. I personally love Sweet Baby Ray’s for its balanced flavor, but feel free to use your favorite!)
• 3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• 2 cups packaged coleslaw mix
• 3 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
• 4 medium whole grain buns or 4 medium mixed-grain hamburger buns

Equipment Needed

To bring this recipe to life, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Shallow roasting pan
• Instant-read thermometer
• Cutting board
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Aluminum foil (optional, for lining the pan)
• Cooking spray (optional, for coating the pan)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for perfectly prepared BBQ Pork Sandwiches.

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 450ºF (230ºC). This high heat is key to getting a lovely sear on the pork tenderloin quickly.
2. Prepare the Roasting Pan: To simplify cleanup, line a shallow roasting pan with nonstick foil. Alternatively, you can lightly coat the pan with cooking spray.
3. Roast the Pork: Place the pork tenderloin directly into the prepared roasting pan. Brush it generously with 2 tablespoons of the barbecue sauce. Now, roast the pork until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160ºF (71ºC) for a perfectly medium doneness. This typically takes about 30 minutes, but cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of your tenderloin and your oven.
4. Rest the Pork: Once the pork has reached the desired temperature, transfer it to a cutting board. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender result.
5. Prepare the Coleslaw Dressing: While the pork is resting, it’s time to whip up the quick and vibrant coleslaw dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, water, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
6. Assemble the Coleslaw: To the bowl with the dressing, add the packaged coleslaw mix and the sliced green onions. Toss everything together gently to ensure the slaw is evenly coated.
7. Slice the Pork: After resting, slice the pork tenderloin into 20 thin slices. Aim for uniform thickness to make assembling the sandwiches easier and more consistent.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches: Now for the best part – building your sandwiches! For each sandwich, place 5 slices of the pork onto the bottom half of each whole grain or mixed-grain bun. Next, drizzle each serving with 1 teaspoon of the remaining barbecue sauce. Finally, top the pork with approximately 1/2 cup of the prepared coleslaw and then cover with the top half of the bun.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a chef, I always look for ways to elevate even the simplest dishes. Here are a few thoughts to make your BBQ Pork Sandwiches truly shine:

• The Perfect Pork Sear: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, you can briefly sear the pork tenderloin in a hot, oiled skillet on all sides before roasting. This creates a beautiful crust.
• DIY Coleslaw Mix: If you can’t find pre-packaged coleslaw mix, you can easily make your own. Finely shred about 2 cups of green cabbage and 1 cup of shredded carrots. Add the sliced green onions as usual.
• Barbecue Sauce Power: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different barbecue sauces. A spicier sauce can add a pleasant kick, while a sweeter one can complement the pork beautifully.
• Toasting the Buns: For added structure and a delightful texture, I highly recommend lightly toasting the insides of your buns. You can do this under the broiler for a minute or two, or in a dry skillet over medium heat. This prevents the buns from getting soggy.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The coleslaw can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The pork can also be cooked and sliced in advance, then gently reheated before assembling the sandwiches.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These BBQ Pork Sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, right after assembly, to appreciate the crispness of the slaw. They are fantastic served alongside a simple side salad, some baked beans, or even a light vegetable soup.

Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftover pork or coleslaw, they can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The assembled sandwiches are not ideal for storing due to the slaw’s moisture content. To reheat the pork, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or microwave it briefly.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per sandwich:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	203 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	10.1 g	15%
Saturated Fat	2.7 g	13%
Cholesterol	78.8 mg	26%
Sodium	247.9 mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate	2.9 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	1.1 g	4%
Protein	23.7 g	47%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient choices and brands used.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable!

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, consider using grilled or baked portobello mushrooms seasoned with BBQ spices as the “meat.”
• Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free buns to make this sandwich entirely gluten-free.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate a finely minced jalapeño into the coleslaw dressing or choose a spicier barbecue sauce.
• Vinegar Slaw: For a lighter, tangier slaw, you can substitute some of the mayonnaise with a bit more vinegar and a touch of olive oil.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different cut of pork?
A: While pork tenderloin is ideal for its leanness and quick cooking time, you could also use pulled pork that has been cooked until tender. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Q: What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
A: The choice of barbecue sauce is entirely personal preference. Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with your favorite regional or homemade varieties.

Q: How do I prevent the coleslaw from getting watery?
A: Ensure the coleslaw mix is well-drained, and don’t add too much dressing. Tossing just before serving also helps maintain its crispness.

Q: Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the coleslaw dressing and mix it with the slaw ingredients a few hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator.

Q: What temperature should the pork be cooked to?
A: For pork tenderloin, an internal temperature of 160ºF (71ºC) is recommended for medium doneness, ensuring it’s cooked through and safe to eat while remaining tender.

A Taste of Summer, Any Time of Year

This recipe for WW BBQ Pork Sandwiches with Homemade Cole Slaw is more than just a collection of ingredients and steps; it’s an invitation to create delicious, satisfying meals that fit seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle. The bright, tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness of the tender pork, creating a perfectly balanced bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, experiment with your favorite barbecue sauce, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a well-made sandwich. Share it with loved ones, and savor the moments it helps create.