RestaurantsWills Hawaiian BBQBbq Beef Sandwich Recipe

Bbq Beef Sandwich Recipe

Inspired by Wills Hawaiian BBQ
Time3h
Serves4

Cooked soft beef tossed in BBQ sauce.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Beef

Method

Beef

1

Season and Sear

Pat the beef pieces dry with paper towels. Season all sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear until browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer seared beef to a plate.

2

Braise

Reduce heat to medium, pour 1 cup beef broth into the pot to deglaze, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Return all beef to the pot. Cover and simmer gently on low for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is very tender and easily shredded with a fork. Alternatively, braise in a 325°F (160°C) oven covered for the same time.

3

Shred

When beef is fork-tender, remove it to a cutting board or bowl and shred into large shreds with two forks. Reserve 1/2 cup of the braising liquid for adjusting sauce consistency.

BBQ Sauce & Seasoning

4

While the beef finishes cooking (or immediately after shredding), combine 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Heat gently, stirring, until sugar dissolves and sauce is warm and well combined, about 3–5 minutes. Taste and adjust—add more vinegar for tang, more brown sugar for sweetness, or a pinch of salt if needed.

5

Toss shredded beef with the warm BBQ sauce in a large bowl. If the mixture seems dry, add up to 1/2 cup reserved braising liquid a few tablespoons at a time to achieve a saucy but not soupy coating. Warm the tossed beef briefly in the saucepan over low heat for 2–3 minutes so flavors meld.

Sandwich & Garnish

6

Toast the buns: spread softened butter on cut sides of 4 buns. Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast buttered sides until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes. Alternatively, toast under a broiler.

7

Assemble sandwiches: Pile a generous portion (about 1/3 to 1/2 cup) of the BBQ shredded beef onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with sliced pickles and optional coleslaw for crunch and acidity. Place top bun and press gently.

8

Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.

More from Wills Hawaiian BBQ