New Jersey BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich on Arteflame

Introduction

Nothing satisfies that summertime barbecue craving like a smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich stacked high with crunchy Jersey slaw—all grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. What makes this version truly outstanding is the sear from the blazing hot center grill grate and the even caramelization from the flat cooktop. Best of all, the Arteflame brings out the juicy flavors of the pork without ever burning, thanks to its unique solid steel surface. Let’s bring New Jersey flavor to your grill—Arteflame style.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2" thick slices
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite style)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 sandwich buns
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp celery seed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. To get the grill ready for grilling, drizzle vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place them in the center of the Arteflame grill fire bowl.
3. Stack firewood neatly overtop of the soaked napkins.
4. Ignite the paper with a lighter; wait about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1,000°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Pulled Pork

1. Rub pork shoulder slices with yellow mustard.
2. Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Apply rub generously.

Step 3: Sear the Pork

1. Place pork slices directly on the center grill grate for 1-2 minutes per side to get a deep char and sear.
2. Move the seared pork to the flat cooktop near the center and cook until the internal temperature reaches 200°F. (Remove from grill at 185°F — it will carry over!)

Step 4: Shred and Sauce

1. Using grilling gloves, shred the pork directly on the flat cooktop using two metal spatulas or tongs as it cools somewhat.
2. Mix in BBQ sauce and butter; toss until well-coated and gooey on the griddle.

Step 5: Make the Jersey Slaw

1. While the pork cooks, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, celery seed, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Set on the outer cooler zone of the flat top cooktop inside heat-safe bowl to lightly warm the mixture, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Toast Buns & Assemble

1. Place buns face-down on the flat cooktop for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
2. Load the bottom half of each bun with pulled pork, then top with Jersey slaw and the other half of the bun.

Tips

• Always remove pork from the grill about 15°F before your final target to avoid overcooking.
• Use real hardwood for best flavor on the Arteflame.
• Don’t skip the butter—it gives your BBQ sauce an irresistible richness.
• Use metal tongs or spatulas on the flat top for easy shredding and mixing.
• Warm your slaw slightly on the grill—it brings out a mellow sweetness in the cabbage and carrots.

Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Pork: Add Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to the pork rub and spicy jalapeños to the slaw.
2. Korean BBQ Style: Use gochujang BBQ sauce and top with an Asian slaw made of napa cabbage, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
3. Tangy Mustard Pulled Pork: Use a Carolina-style mustard-based BBQ sauce instead of the standard sweet sauce for a zippy flavor.
4. Smoky Apple Pulled Pork: Use applewood for grilling and mix diced grilled apples and apple cider vinegar into the slaw.
5. Bacon Bomb Pulled Pork: Mix grilled bacon pieces into your pulled pork before topping off the sandwich.

Conclusion

Making a New Jersey-style BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich on the Arteflame grill brings together seared meat, crispy buns, and velvety slaw straight from the flat steel cooktop. The unique searing power and heat zones of the Arteflame create barbecue perfection—every element grilled, every flavor enhanced. It doesn't get more Jersey than this!

Best Pairings

• Grilled sweet corn with butter and sea salt
• Chilled potato salad with chives
• Cold New Jersey craft beer or a sweet iced tea
• Grilled peaches for dessert