Copycat McRib Sandwich Recipe

Ground pork: The base of the sandwich, providing a rich and juicy flavor.

Bbq sauce: Adds a tangy and smoky taste to the pork patties.

Hoagie rolls: Soft, elongated rolls that hold the sandwich together.

Onion: Sliced and added for a bit of crunch and sharpness.

Pickles: Adds a tangy and refreshing contrast to the rich pork.

When shaping the ground pork into rib-shaped patties, use a bit of oil on your hands to prevent the meat from sticking. This will also help you achieve a smoother surface on the patties, which will cook more evenly on the grill. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, consider mixing a small amount of bbq sauce directly into the ground pork before shaping the patties. This will infuse the meat with a deeper, more integrated taste.

• ground pork - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can still provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.

• ground pork - Substitute with ground beef: Ground beef offers a richer flavor and can be used if you prefer a beef-based patty.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory alternative, giving the sandwich an Asian-inspired twist.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce offers a thick, sweet, and tangy flavor that can mimic the richness of BBQ sauce.

• hoagie rolls - Substitute with ciabatta rolls: Ciabatta rolls have a similar size and can provide a slightly different texture with their airy interior and crispy crust.

• hoagie rolls - Substitute with brioche buns: Brioche buns add a touch of sweetness and a soft, buttery texture that complements the savory filling.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle depth to the sandwich.

• onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch, making them a lighter alternative.

• pickles - Substitute with cucumber slices: Fresh cucumber slices offer a crisp texture and a mild flavor, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich filling.

• pickles - Substitute with pickled jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños add a spicy kick and tangy flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the sandwich.

• Allow the ground pork patties to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the patties soggy.

• Wrap each pork patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they stay separated and makes it easier to reheat individual portions.

• Place the wrapped patties in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Store the hoagie rolls separately from the pork patties. Wrap the rolls in plastic wrap or place them in a resealable bag. This keeps them from becoming soggy.

• For the bbq sauce, store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be used for reheating or as a dipping sauce.

• Sliced onions and pickles should be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and crisp for when you're ready to reassemble the sandwiches.

• To freeze the pork patties, place the wrapped patties in the freezer. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the pork patties in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the meat.

• Reheat the pork patties on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Brush with additional bbq sauce if desired.

• Toast the hoagie rolls on the grill or in a toaster oven until slightly crispy before assembling the sandwiches. This adds a delightful crunch to your Copycat McRib Sandwich.

• Assemble the sandwiches by placing a reheated pork patty on each hoagie roll, topping with sliced onions and pickles. Enjoy your delicious creation!

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap each sandwich in aluminum foil to keep it moist. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pork patties are warmed through.
• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F. Wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method will help maintain the crispiness of the hoagie rolls.
• For stovetop reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides are evenly warmed.

• Grill: Used to cook the pork patties to achieve a smoky, charred flavor.

• Spatula: Essential for flipping the pork patties on the grill.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the ground pork with any seasonings before shaping them into patties.

• Tongs: Handy for placing and removing the hoagie rolls from the grill.

• Basting brush: Used to apply the BBQ sauce evenly on the pork patties.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the onion.

• Plates: For assembling and serving the sandwiches.

• Meat thermometer: Ensures the pork patties are cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Slice the onion and pickles in advance to save time during assembly.

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

Shape patties in advance: Form the ground pork into patties the night before and refrigerate.

Toast rolls together: Toast all hoagie rolls at once on the grill to speed up the process.

Grill in batches: If your grill is small, cook the pork patties in batches to ensure even cooking.