Pulled pork sliders are small sandwiches bursting with flavor! Tender, slow-cooked pork is mixed with a tangy sauce and piled high on soft buns. They are perfect for any occasion!
These sliders are fun to make and even more fun to eat! I love serving them with a side of coleslaw. It’s like a party in your mouth, and who doesn’t love a good party? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is ideal for pulled pork because it has the right amount of fat for tenderness. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use pork butt, which is similar, or even chicken thighs for a lighter option.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose a sauce you love! If you don’t have any, a mix of ketchup and a splash of vinegar can work in a pinch. You can also experiment with homemade sauces using mustard, honey, or even a bit of hot sauce for spice!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tanginess. If you’re out, swap it with white vinegar or lemon juice. Both will give a bright flavor, though the taste will differ slightly.
Coleslaw: The slaw adds a fresh crunch. Use pre-packaged coleslaw mix for convenience, or try adding sliced radishes or apples for a unique twist.
How Do You Get That Perfectly Shredded Pork?
Shredding pork can be tricky if you don’t know the right steps, but it’s pretty straightforward! For the best results, ensure your pork is cooked until it’s super tender. Here’s how:
- Cook the pork low and slow for maximum tenderness. Whether you use an oven or slow cooker, patience is key!
- Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps retain juices.
- Use two forks to pull apart the meat; it should easily fall apart when done correctly!
Enjoy experimenting with these tips, and your pulled pork sliders will be amazing every time!
How to Make Delicious Pulled Pork Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Pork:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless), trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 slider buns (soft, small sandwich rolls)
For the Coleslaw Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (mix of purple and green)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 3-4 hours to cook in the oven, or 6-8 hours in a slow cooker. The delicious smell will fill your kitchen while the pork cooks, so be ready for a treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven or Slow Cooker:
First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). If you’re using a slow cooker, go ahead and set it to low heat.
2. Preparing the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavor-packed spice rub!
3. Searing the Pork:
In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the pork shoulder in the pot. Sear the pork on all sides until it’s nicely browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This step adds a rich color and depth of flavor!
4. Cooking the Pork:
After searing, pour the apple cider vinegar into the pot. Cover with a lid or foil, and then put it in the oven. Let the pork cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until it’s super tender and easily shreddable. If you’re using a slow cooker instead, just place the pork in with the vinegar and let it go low and slow for 6-8 hours.
5. Shredding the Pork:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork from the pot. Use two forks to shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat. The meat should come apart easily!
6. Mixing with Barbecue Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the shredded pork with your desired amount of barbecue sauce, mixing it all up so every piece is coated in that delicious sauce!
7. Making the Coleslaw:
In a bowl, add the shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and the cabbage is nicely coated in the creamy goodness.
8. Assembling the Sliders:
To put it all together, slice the slider buns in half. Pile some of the pulled pork on the bottom half, then generously add a scoop of coleslaw on top. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh cilantro or parsley for extra color and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the top half of the bun on your sliders, and they are ready to go! Serve these tasty treats immediately and watch them disappear!
These tender, tangy pulled pork sliders with creamy coleslaw are a hit at any gathering—perfect for game days, parties, or casual dinners. Enjoy every bite! 🍽️
Can I Use Another Cut of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is preferred for its tenderness and flavor, you can use pork butt or even chicken thighs if you want a lighter option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as chicken will cook faster.
Can I Make the Pulled Pork in Advance?
Yes, you can! The pulled pork can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave before assembling your sliders.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
To store leftover sliders, keep the pulled pork and coleslaw in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble your sliders just before eating to keep the buns from getting soggy.
Can I Freeze Pulled Pork for Later Use?
Definitely! Pulled pork freezes well. Once it’s cooled, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
