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Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our mouthwatering Pulled BBQ Pork Sliders! These mini sandwiches pack a flavorful punch that’s perfect for any gathering, from game day parties to casual family dinners.
Tender, slow-cooked pork shoulder is infused with a savory blend of spices and tangy BBQ sauce, then piled high on soft, buttery slider buns. The result? A bite-sized explosion of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation: Let your slow cooker do most of the work for you.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for feeding a group at parties or gatherings.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust flavors and toppings to suit your preferences.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the pork in advance for quick assembly when needed.
Ingredients
- Pork shoulder roast: Two pounds of this flavorful cut becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
- Kosher salt: One tablespoon enhances the natural flavors of the pork.
- Black pepper: One and a half teaspoons add a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: A quarter cup brings tanginess and helps tenderize the meat.
- Prepared BBQ sauce: Three-quarters of a cup infuses the pork with classic BBQ flavor.
- Garlic: Two whole cloves, smashed and chopped, add aromatic depth to the dish.
- Yellow onion: One small chopped onion provides sweetness and texture.
- Shallot: Two tablespoons minced shallot offer a mild, sophisticated onion flavor.
- Slider buns: Buttered and grilled for a perfect crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Red cabbage: Thinly sliced for optional topping, adding crunch and color.
Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!
Substitutions and Additions
- Pork shoulder: Substitute with boneless chicken thighs for a lighter option.
- BBQ sauce: Try different flavors like honey BBQ or spicy BBQ for variety.
- Apple cider vinegar: Substitute with pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
- Addition – Coleslaw: Top sliders with creamy coleslaw for extra crunch and flavor.
- Addition – Pickles: Add dill pickle slices for a tangy contrast.
Instructions
- Place pork shoulder in the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
- Add apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, garlic, onion, and shallot to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Remove the tender pork from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
- Butter and grill (or toast) the slider buns.
- Assemble sliders by placing shredded pork on buns and topping with red cabbage if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- For extra flavor, sear the pork shoulder before adding it to the slow cooker.
- If the sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the meat and simmer the sauce in a saucepan to reduce it.
- Let the meat rest for a few minutes before shredding for juicier results.
- Toast the buns just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
- For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the slow cooker.
Serving Suggestions
These Pulled BBQ Pork Sliders are versatile and pair well with many sides:
- Serve with a side of Creamy Coleslaw for a classic BBQ combo.
- Pair with sweet potato fries or potato salad for a complete meal.
- Offer a variety of toppings like pickled onions, jalapenos, or different BBQ sauces for guests to customize their sliders.
- For a lighter option, serve the pulled pork in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Storage & Reheating
To store: Keep the pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store buns separately to prevent sogginess.
To freeze: The pulled pork can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the pulled pork in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 20 minutes, or in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of water or BBQ sauce if needed to prevent drying out. Assemble sliders just before serving.
Recipe FAQ
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook the pork in an Instant Pot for about 60 minutes on high pressure with a natural release.
How many sliders does this recipe make?
This recipe should make approximately 12-16 sliders, depending on the size of your buns and how generously you fill them.
Can I use a different cut of pork?
While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and tenderness, you could use pork loin, though it may be slightly drier.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning or use a spicy BBQ sauce. You can also offer sliced jalapenos as a topping.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare the pulled pork a day or two in advance and reheat before serving. Toast the buns and assemble sliders just before guests arrive.
Pulled BBQ Pork Sliders
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our mouthwatering Pulled BBQ Pork Sliders! These mini sandwiches pack a flavorful punch that's perfect for any gathering, from game day parties to casual family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 pound pork shoulder roast
- 1 T. kosher salt
- 1 ½ t. black salt
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¾ cup prepared BBQ sauce
- 2 whole cloves garlic, smashed, peels removed, roughly chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 T. shallot, minced
- slider buns, opened with inside buttered and grilled (or toasted in the oven)
- red cabbage, thinly sliced (optional)
