Gusto TV Peanut Butter Pulled Pork Recipe - Sweet, Spicy, and Savory Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Peanut Butter Pulled Pork Recipe

This Peanut Butter Pulled Pork recipe is a bold and flavorful twist on classic pulled pork sandwiches. Featured on A is for Apple 2, it combines tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder with a rich, spicy-sweet peanut butter sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro, roasted peanuts, and red chilies. Served on soft white buns with a wedge of lime, this dish is perfect for parties, game-day meals, or a hearty family dinner. The peanut butter sauce adds a creamy, nutty depth that elevates the savory pork into a unique and memorable meal.

The Inspiration

Pulled pork is a beloved barbecue classic, traditionally slow-cooked and paired with smoky or tangy sauces. This version draws inspiration from Asian-inspired flavors, combining peanut butter, Chinese five-spice, and Thai chili for a sweet, spicy, and savory profile. On A is for Apple 2, the aim is to take familiar comfort foods and elevate them with creative flavor twists that are both approachable and impressive.

The peanut butter sauce introduces a creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the tender pork. The spices, including smoked paprika, ground cumin, and red curry powder, give depth and warmth, while fresh cilantro and lime provide a bright contrast. Roasted peanuts add crunch, making every bite a balance of textures and flavors. This recipe shows that pulled pork doesn’t have to be traditional to be unforgettable—it can be adventurous, flavorful, and perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Sauce

½ cup (120ml) crunchy peanut butter
½ cup (120ml) ketchup
½ cup (120ml) soy sauce
1 tablespoon (15ml) Chinese 5-spice
2 tablespoons (30ml) Sambal Oelek
1 tablespoon (15ml) red curry powder
Juice of 1 lime
1 cup (240ml) chicken stock

Method

In a medium saucepan, stir together crunchy peanut butter, ketchup, soy sauce, Chinese 5-spice, Sambal Oelek, red curry powder, and lime juice.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add chicken stock in a steady stream, whisking vigorously.
Bring sauce to a simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until you reach desired barbecue sauce consistency.
Remove sauce from heat, and place in refrigerator to cool.
Reserve for Peanut Butter Pulled Pork.

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Pulled Pork

2 teaspoons (10ml) ground cumin
2 teaspoons (10ml) smoked paprika
2 tablespoons (30ml) brown sugar
1 teaspoon (5ml) ground ginger
1 tablespoon (15ml) salt
1 tablespoon (15ml) ground black pepper
4 lb. (1.8kg) pork shoulder, skinless and boneless
3 tablespoons (45ml) canola oil
1 cup (240ml) beef broth
8-10 soft white sandwich buns, sliced in half
1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (120ml) roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
2 red Thai chilies, sliced
2-3 limes, cut into wedges

Method

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit
In a small mixing bowl, stir together cumin, paprika, brown sugar, ginger, salt and pepper.
Pat pork should dry and score with a sharp knife.
Rub spice mixture into the pork shoulder.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add pork shoulder to the hot pan to sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned on all sides.
Transfer pork shoulder to a baking dish and add the beef broth to the dish.
Cover with metal foil and cook for 4-5 hours, or until pork shoulder is fork tender.
Remove pork from the oven and let rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Discard the broth.
Using two forks, shred the meat into fine strands.
Stir the reserved Peanut Butter Sauce into the pork and mix well.
Serve pulled pork on soft white buns garnished with chopped cilantro, peanuts, and chilies.
Serve with a wedge of lime on the side.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut Butter Pulled Pork is ideal for large gatherings, family dinners, or casual parties. Serve alongside coleslaw, pickled vegetables, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal. The peanut butter sauce and Thai-inspired flavors pair beautifully with cold beers, light lagers, or sparkling water with lime. For extra crunch and presentation, sprinkle additional roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro on top. These sandwiches are perfect for game-day entertaining, summer cookouts, or festive celebrations where bold flavors are appreciated.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Pulled Pork recipe is a creative take on a classic dish, delivering tender, juicy pork with an aromatic, spicy-sweet peanut sauce. Featured on A is for Apple 2, it highlights the show’s philosophy of approachable yet innovative comfort food. The combination of textures—from soft buns and shredded pork to crunchy peanuts and fresh chilies—ensures a memorable eating experience. Whether served at a casual party, family dinner, or special occasion, this recipe proves that bold, layered flavors make every meal extraordinary.

Find more recipes from A is for Apple here!