Copycat McRib Sandwich Recipe

Pork shoulder: The main protein for the sandwich, cut into rib-shaped pieces for authenticity.

BBQ sauce: Adds a tangy, smoky flavor to the grilled pork.

Hoagie rolls: Soft, elongated rolls that hold all the ingredients together.

Pickles: Sliced pickles add a crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich pork.

Onion: Thinly sliced onions provide a fresh, sharp bite to balance the flavors.

When grilling the pork shoulder, ensure that the pieces are cut evenly to promote uniform cooking. This helps in achieving a consistent texture and flavor throughout the sandwich. Additionally, when brushing the bbq sauce onto the pork, use a silicone brush for even application and to avoid bristles getting stuck in the meat.

• pork shoulder - Substitute with boneless pork chops: Boneless pork chops are leaner and easier to shape into rib-like pieces, making them a convenient alternative.

• pork shoulder - Substitute with seitan: For a vegetarian option, seitan has a meaty texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good substitute.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a different but equally delicious flavor profile, adding a sweet and savory twist.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with homemade ketchup and molasses mix: Mixing ketchup with molasses can mimic the sweetness and tanginess of bbq sauce.

• hoagie rolls - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls have a similar texture and can hold the fillings well without getting soggy.

• hoagie rolls - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer a healthier alternative while still providing the necessary structure for the sandwich.

• sliced pickles - Substitute with pickled jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños add a spicy kick and a similar tangy flavor to the sandwich.

• sliced pickles - Substitute with cucumber slices: Fresh cucumber slices provide a crisp texture and a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• sliced onion - Substitute with caramelized onions: Caramelized onions add a sweet and rich flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the sandwich.

• sliced onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions offer a milder onion flavor and a bit of color, making them a suitable alternative.

• Allow the pork shoulder to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the meat soggy.
• Wrap each piece of grilled pork tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain its moisture and flavor.
• Place the wrapped pork pieces in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Store the bbq pork in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place the wrapped pork in the freezer, where it can be kept for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, thaw the frozen pork in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat the pork in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the pork on a grill over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
• Store the hoagie rolls separately in a bread box or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a resealable freezer bag for up to 1 month.
• To refresh the frozen rolls, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, then toast them on the grill or in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
• Keep the sliced pickles and sliced onions in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
• When ready to assemble the sandwiches, follow the original recipe instructions, ensuring all components are properly reheated and fresh.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap each sandwich in aluminum foil to keep the bread soft and the meat juicy. Place the wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

• For a quick reheat, use the microwave. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a slightly crispy bread, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F and place the sandwich directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent over-toasting.

• For stovetop reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil and place it in the skillet. Cover with a lid to trap the heat and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Place the sandwich in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method will give you a crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender.

• Grill: Used to cook the pork shoulder pieces to achieve that smoky, charred flavor.

• Tongs: Essential for turning the pork shoulder pieces on the grill to ensure even cooking.

• Basting brush: Used to apply the bbq sauce to the grilled pork for that sticky, flavorful coating.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the onion and cutting the pork shoulder into rib-shaped pieces.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for slicing the pork shoulder and onion.

• Meat thermometer: Helps ensure the pork is cooked through by checking the internal temperature.

• Grill spatula: Useful for toasting the hoagie rolls on the grill without burning them.

• Serving platter: Handy for assembling the sandwiches and serving them in an organized manner.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Slice the onion and pickles ahead of time to streamline assembly.

Use pre-made bbq sauce: Opt for a quality store-bought bbq sauce to save on preparation time.

Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is at the right temperature before starting to cook the pork shoulder.

Cut pork evenly: Cutting the pork shoulder into uniform pieces ensures even cooking and reduces grilling time.

Toast rolls simultaneously: Toast the hoagie rolls while the pork is finishing to save a few extra minutes.