Weight Watchers BBQ Pork Sandwich with Tangy Coleslaw: A Lighter Take on a Backyard Classic

There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic BBQ pork sandwich. I can vividly recall summer afternoons at my grandparents’ house, the air thick with the smoky aroma of grilled meats and the cheerful chatter of family. While those indulgent, slow-cooked pulled pork sandwiches were a labor of love (and a considerable point splurge!), the craving for that satisfying, savory bite never truly faded. It was during one such craving that I stumbled upon a gem from the Weight Watchers archives – a recipe that promised all the flavor without the heavy guilt. This adaptation proves that you don’t need to sacrifice taste for mindful eating, and it’s quickly become a weeknight favorite that evokes those cherished memories, but with a much lighter footprint.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Pork

Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 1 lb lean pork tenderloin
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (for brushing the pork)
• 1 teaspoon barbecue sauce (for drizzling on sandwiches)

For the Coleslaw:

• 3 tablespoons reduced-calorie mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 cups packaged coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
• 3 tablespoons scallions, sliced

For Serving:

• 4 mixed-grain hamburger buns

Equipment Needed

• Shallow roasting pan
• Nonstick foil or cooking spray
• Instant-read thermometer
• Cutting board
• Aluminum foil
• Medium bowl
• Whisk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450ºF (230ºC). This high heat is crucial for achieving a beautifully roasted pork tenderloin that remains juicy on the inside.
2. Prepare the roasting pan: Line a shallow roasting pan with nonstick foil for incredibly easy cleanup. Alternatively, you can coat the pan with cooking spray.
3. Roast the pork: Place the pork tenderloin in the prepared pan. Brush it generously with 2 tablespoons of the barbecue sauce, ensuring an even coating.
4. Cook to perfection: Roast the pork until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160ºF (71ºC). This typically takes about 25 minutes. For pork, 160ºF (71ºC) is considered medium, ensuring it’s cooked through yet still tender and moist.
5. Rest the pork: Once the pork reaches the desired temperature, transfer it to a cutting board. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let it stand for 10 minutes. This resting period is vital for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more succulent sandwich.
6. Prepare the coleslaw dressing: While the pork is resting, whisk together the reduced-calorie mayonnaise, water, apple cider vinegar, and freshly ground black pepper in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
7. Assemble the coleslaw: Add the packaged coleslaw mix and sliced scallions to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to mix and coat all the ingredients evenly.
8. Slice the pork: After resting, carefully slice the pork tenderloin into 20 thin slices.
9. Assemble the sandwiches: For each sandwich, place 5 slices of pork on the bottom half of a mixed-grain hamburger bun. Drizzle each with 1 teaspoon of the remaining barbecue sauce.
10. Top and serve: Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the prepared coleslaw over the pork on each sandwich. Finally, cover with the top half of the bun. This recipe yields 1 sandwich per serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an extra layer of flavor and a bit of char, consider briefly broiling the pork tenderloin for the last 2-3 minutes of roasting, keeping a very close eye to prevent burning. The high oven temperature at the start is key, but a quick blast under the broiler can add that irresistible smoky nuance.

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, a good quality white vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice can work in a pinch for the coleslaw dressing, though it will subtly alter the tang.

Don’t skip the resting time for the pork! This is a non-negotiable step for ensuring tender, juicy meat, especially with lean cuts like pork tenderloin.

When slicing the pork, a sharp knife is your best friend. Thin, even slices will make for a more enjoyable bite and better distribution of the pork within the sandwich.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Weight Watchers BBQ Pork Sandwiches immediately after assembly for the freshest taste and texture. The coleslaw is best enjoyed crisp, so if you’re making ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving.

Leftover assembled sandwiches are best avoided, as the bun can become soggy and the coleslaw will wilt. However, if you have extra roasted pork slices and prepared coleslaw, they can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the pork gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling fresh sandwiches. The coleslaw can be enjoyed cold.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	205	10%
Total Fat	7g	9%
Saturated Fat	2g	10%
Cholesterol	50mg	17%
Sodium	350mg	15%
Total Carbohydrate	18g	7%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Sugars	7g	14%
Protein	18g	36%

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

For a vegetarian twist, you could explore grilling or baking thick slices of firm tofu or large portobello mushrooms brushed with barbecue sauce, though the texture and cooking times would differ.

If you prefer a spicier kick in your coleslaw, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing.

For those seeking a gluten-free option, simply substitute gluten-free hamburger buns for the mixed-grain variety.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can roast the pork and prepare the coleslaw dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Q: What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
A: A good quality, lower-sugar barbecue sauce is recommended to keep the points down. The recipe specifies divided amounts for brushing the pork and drizzling, so make sure you have enough of your chosen sauce.

Q: Is pork tenderloin the only cut of pork that will work?
A: Pork tenderloin is ideal for its leanness and quick cooking time. Other cuts may require longer cooking periods and might not fit within the same calorie/point range.

Q: How can I make the coleslaw dressing tangier?
A: If you prefer a tangier coleslaw, you can slightly increase the amount of apple cider vinegar or add a touch more lemon juice.

Q: What if I don’t have mixed-grain hamburger buns?
A: Any whole wheat or lighter whole grain hamburger buns will work well. The goal is to choose a bun that complements the flavors without adding excessive calories or points.

Final Thoughts

This Weight Watchers BBQ Pork Sandwich with Tangy Coleslaw is a testament to the fact that delicious, satisfying meals can also be mindful. It’s a recipe that brings the joy of a classic comfort food to your table with ease and without the guilt. I encourage you to give it a try, perhaps on a busy weeknight or for a lighter summer lunch. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or a few crunchy carrot sticks. Enjoy this taste of familiar comfort, reimagined for a healthier lifestyle!