Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Blue Dog Tavern›The Zesty Hog Recipe

The Zesty Hog Recipe

Inspired by Blue Dog Tavern
Time4h
Serves4

brioche bun, pulled pork, onion tanglers, shredded pickles, orange arbol bbq

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Ingredients

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Bun

Pulled Pork

Onion Tanglers

Shredded Pickles

Orange Arbol BBQ Sauce

Method

Pulled Pork

  1. 1

    Prepare the Pork

    Rub the pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to coat it evenly.

  2. 2

    Cook the Pork

    Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Pour apple cider vinegar and orange juice over it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart.

  3. 3

    Shred the Pork

    Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Mix in the BBQ sauce and set aside.

Onion Tanglers

  1. 4

    Prepare the Onions

    Slice the onions into thin rings and soak them in water for 30 minutes.

  2. 5

    Make the Batter

    In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add water until you achieve a smooth batter.

  3. 6

    Fry the Onions

    Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Dip the soaked onion rings into the batter, then carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Orange Arbol BBQ Sauce

  1. 7

    Prepare the Sauce

    In a saucepan, combine arbol chiles, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

  2. 8

    Blend the Sauce

    Once simmered for about 10 minutes, remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Blend until smooth and set aside.

Assemble the Sandwich

  1. 9

    Layer the Ingredients

    Toast the brioche buns lightly. On the bottom half of each bun, add a generous serving of pulled pork, followed by shredded pickles, onion tanglers, and drizzle with orange arbol BBQ sauce.

  2. 10

    Serve

    Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich and serve immediately. Enjoy your Zesty Hog!

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