Pulled pork sliders are mini sandwiches filled with tender, juicy pulled pork, topped with your favorite barbecue sauce. They’re perfect for parties or a cozy family dinner!
These little sliders are not just cute, they’re super tasty too! I love piling on the coleslaw for that extra crunch. Trust me, one is never enough! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This is the star of the dish. Look for a well-marbled piece for the best flavor and moisture. If pork shoulder isn’t available, you can use pork loin, but it may be less juicy. A beef chuck roast can also work if you prefer beef.
Spices: The smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor, but if you don’t have it, try regular paprika with a bit of liquid smoke added for a similar taste. For a milder option, reduce the cayenne or omit it entirely.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce! If you like it spicy, go for a sauce with a kick. For a healthier option, try a sugar-free or reduced-sugar version.
Slaw Ingredients: If you’re not a fan of mayo, Greek yogurt can be a great alternative in the slaw. You could also swap out ingredients like green cabbage with coleslaw mix or kale for a twist.
How Do You Get Perfectly Shredded Pulled Pork?
Shredding pulled pork can seem tricky, but it’s all about the cooking method and timing. Make sure to cook the pork until it’s tender and easily pulls apart. Here are some tips:
- Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to maintain moisture—cooking low & slow works best.
- After cooking, let the pork rest for a few minutes before shredding for juicier pieces.
- Use two forks to shred the meat against the grain for the best texture.
Mixing the shredded pork with barbecue sauce while it’s still warm helps the flavors soak in nicely, making every bite delicious!
How to Make Pulled Pork Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pulled Pork:
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
For The Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)
For The Sliders:
- 12 slider buns or small soft sandwich buns
- Butter for toasting buns (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. The cooking is where the magic happens, taking about 8 hours on low in a slow cooker, or 4-5 hours on high. If you’re using an Instant Pot, it will be around 60-70 minutes with natural release. Total time is around 8 hours and 15 minutes, but most of that is hands-off cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cook the Pulled Pork:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Take this spice mix and rub it evenly all over the pork shoulder. This step adds loads of flavor!
Next, place the pork shoulder in your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth around the pork to help keep it moist during cooking. It’s important to keep that delicious juiciness!
Cook it on low for about 8 hours in a slow cooker, or on high for 4-5 hours. If using the Instant Pot, refer to your manual, but generally, it’ll be around 60-70 minutes with a natural release.
Once the pork is done, use two forks to shred it, discarding any excess fat. Then, mix the shredded pork with your barbecue sauce until it’s well coated. Keep it warm while you prepare the slaw.
2. Make the Slaw:
In a big mixing bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and shredded carrots. In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), and some salt and pepper to taste. This will be your dressing!
Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss everything together until it’s well mixed. If you like, add some chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. You can refrigerate this until you’re ready to serve.
3. Prepare the Sliders:
If you want toasted buns (and who doesn’t?), lightly spread some butter on the slider buns and toast them in a skillet or on a griddle until they’re golden brown. This adds a nice texture!
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Now it’s time to build your sliders! On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a generous portion of pulled pork. Then, add a heap of slaw on top to make it crunchy and fresh. Finish with the top half of the bun.
5. Serve:
Serve your pulled pork sliders immediately, with extra barbecue sauce on the side for those who want an extra drizzle. Your guests are going to love these!
Enjoy these smoky, tangy pulled pork sliders with crisp, refreshing slaw perfectly balanced on soft, buttery buns!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes! While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and flavor, you can use pork loin for a leaner option. You can also try beef chuck roast if you prefer beef, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I Prepare the Slaw in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the slaw a few hours ahead of time or even the day before to let the flavors meld. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the sliders!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can keep the pulled pork separate from the assembled sliders to prevent the buns from getting soggy. Reheat the pork in the microwave or on the stove before assembling again.
Can I Freeze Pulled Pork?
Yes, you can freeze the pulled pork! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.