Copycat McRib Sandwich – A Homemade Version of the Famous
The Copycat McRib Sandwich features tender shredded pork coated in smoky barbecue sauce and served on a soft sandwich roll with pickles and onions. Slow-cooked pork provides rich flavor and juicy texture, while the barbecue sauce delivers the signature sweet and tangy taste. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, this homemade version offers a delicious alternative to the classic fast-food favorite. Perfect for casual meals, parties, and barbecue enthusiasts, it delivers comfort food satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 3 pounds pork shoulder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For Assembly
- 6 sandwich rolls or hoagie buns
- 1 cup dill pickle slices
- 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
- Butter for toasting buns (optional)
Instructions
- Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Place the pork in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or until fork-tender.
- Remove the pork and shred using two forks.
- Mix barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
- Toss the shredded pork with the barbecue sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Lightly toast the sandwich rolls if desired.
- Fill each roll with barbecue pork and top with sliced onions and dill pickles.
- Serve immediately with fries, coleslaw, or potato chips.
Notes
- Pork shoulder provides the best texture for shredding.
- Homemade barbecue sauce can be substituted.
- Dill pickles are essential for authentic flavor.
- Toasted buns add extra texture.
- Slow cooking creates maximum tenderness.
- Leftover pork freezes well.
- Sweet and smoky sauces work best.
- Thinly sliced onions provide the traditional topping.