Barbecue Pork In Buns

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Juicy pork sirloin cutlets glazed with tangy ketchup, molasses, and lemon juice, served in buns—an irresistible, flavorful barbecue dish perfect for casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. salad oil
  • 6 (1/4-inch) pork sirloin cutlets
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 6 hamburger buns
  • 1/2 c. ketchup
  • 3 Tbsp. molasses
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Twenty minutes before serving, in a 12-inch skillet over medium high heat, heat the salad oil.
  2. Cook pork until well browned, turning once.
  3. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper.
  4. With tongs, place pork cutlets in buns.
  5. Keep warm.
  6. Reduce heat to medium.
  7. In the skillet, stir ketchup, molasses, and lemon juice into the drippings.
  8. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
  9. Spoon some sauce over the meat in each bun.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, choose pork cutlets that are uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a different flavor profile, try substituting the ketchup with barbecue sauce or a spicy variant for a kick. You can also add sliced jalapeños for extra heat. Make sure to let the sauce simmer long enough to meld the flavors together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these barbecue pork buns with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with Peach's Broccoli Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a fun twist, consider adding pickles or sliced onions on top of the pork for added crunch and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover barbecue pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if necessary to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes, covered, to retain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Pork In Buns contains roughly 123 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1135mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

123 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 5.2g 7% DV
Carbs 17.5g 6% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 7.8g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1135.4mg 49% DV
Potassium 169.7mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 6mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.8mcg
Vitamin C 4.7mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 31.1mg 2% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pork shoulder or tenderloin instead of sirloin cutlets. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these cuts may require longer cooking to become tender. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F for safe consumption.

How can I make this recipe spicy?

To add heat, mix in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the sauce while it simmers. You can also top the finished buns with sliced jalapeños or serve with a spicy barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pork and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the pork and sauce and assemble the buns for a quick and delicious meal.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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