Sliders are a fun and easy way to enjoy a delicious meal. This recipe for pulled pork sliders is perfect for a summer barbecue or party.
The cooked pork is the slow cooker until it is fall-apart tender, and then topped with a simple barbecue sauce and Cilantro Lime Coleslaw.
Serve them on slider buns with some extra sauce BBQ for dipping, some Pickled Jalapenos or Bread & Butter Refrigerator Pickles and you'll have everyone asking for the recipe!
Why you will love this recipe
Making pulled pork sliders is a great way to feed a large group of people. This recipe is simple and the results are always delicious. Plus, it's the perfect dish for a summer BBQ!
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Ingredients
Making your own pulled pork sliders is easier than you think! These sliders are perfect for a party or a casual gathering with friends. Just follow these simple steps to create the perfect slider experience.
First, prepare the pulled pork for the slow cooker. Then, set out some slider buns and let your guests assemble their own sliders however they like. Top with BBQ sauce (try our Kentucky Bourbon BBQ Sauce), Cilantro Lime Coleslaw, or any of your other favorite toppings!
These easy-to-make sliders are sure to be a hit at your next get together. So gather up your ingredients and get started today!
- Pork shoulder - You could also use Pork Butt or a Pork Picnic cut. Should be about 4 to 5 lbs. The same process is for any of these three cuts.
- Chopped onion
- Ketchup
- Maple syrup - Pure Maple syrup is best, but the common pancake syrup works fine also.
- Apple cider vinegar - or Rice vinegar
- Paprika - regular or smoked if you want a smokier flavor.
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Coleslaw and buns for serving
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Pulled Pork Sliders
Start off by rinsing the pork and trimming the excess fat off of it. Just get the bulk of it off. Some have more fat than others.
Step 1. Prepare the Pork
Trim the excess fat off, and pat dry.
Season the pork by rubbing the spices onto the surface.
Mix the vinegar, maple syrup, and remaining spices.
Add the chopped onions into the ketchup mixture.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 2. Cook in the slow cooker
Mix the ketchup, onion, spice blend well, and now you have a maple based barbecue sauce for your pork.
Line your slow cooker pot with a slow cooker liner. Add a little bbq sauce to the bottom.
Lay the seasoned pork butt (or shoulder or picnic) into the slow cooker.
Coat the pork with the remaining barbecue sauce. Cover and put on slow for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 3. Shred the meat and serve on slider buns
When your pulled pork is finished cooking it will loosen easily with a fork. You will then break it up in chunks or shreds, depending on the style of pulled pork you prefer. Break it up, mix it well with the self made juices in the slow cooker.
It may seem a little soupy at first, but the shredded meat will absorb a lot of it. Mix it well. Add more vinegar for a Carolina style of pulled pork, or more barbecue sauce for a Texas pulled pork.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Serving Suggestions
Heap your pulled pork on buns for pulled pork sliders and top with coleslaw. Serve with chips. Serve with some great pulled pork side dishes: Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese, Texas Cowboy Beans, Cracker Barrel Cornbread Muffins, and Southern Braised Collard Greens.
Substitutions
You can substitute chicken breasts and thighs for a chicken version of this pulled pork recipe. Stick to the breasts and thighs though, so fishing the bones out is easy. You will need about 5 pounds total meat. Discard the chicken skin before cooking.
Variations
Depending on the flavors you like you can play around with this recipe to get great variations:
- Chipotle Pulled Pork Sliders - Add about 1 teaspoon of chipotle ground chili powder, or about ⅓ of a can of canned chipotle peppers.
- Cajun Pulled Pork - Use some Cajun spice blend and omit the ketchup and maple syrup, using beer instead.
- Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork - Add a can of Dr. Pepper to the pork butt with the spices and vinegar. Reduce the ketchup to ½ cup. Don't use diet!
- Coca Cola Pulled Pork - Add a can of regular Coca Cola to the pork butt with the spices and vinegar. Reduce the ketchup to ½ cup.
Equipment
You will want a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker or crock pot. If your pork roast is large should probably use the 6 quart.
Storage
Pulled pork freezes exceptionally well. Just seal it up in vacuum bags, ziplock bags, or plastic tubs. You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. BBQ Pulled Pork is easy to prepare ahead of time for parties or family gatherings.
Tips for Success
- Look for either crock pot or slow cooker liner bags, as these make clean up super easy.
- If planning a party, make your pulled pork at least 1 day ahead, the flavors will blend together even more!
Frequently asked questions
You will need about 10 lbs of raw pork before trimming to serve to large pulled pork sandwiches per person.
Try using the Hawaiian rolls, they are a great texture for making sliders and just the right size.
You can use regular hamburger buns, or broiche hamburger buns for a sweeter flavor.
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Ingredients
- 5 lb pork shoulder (or pork butt, or pork picnic)
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- ¼ cup cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1.4 teaspoon pepper, ground
- Buns & Coleslaw for serving
Instructions
- Fit the slow cooker with the cooking liner.
- Add ketchup and apple cider vinegar to a bowl. Stir until mixed.1 cup ketchup, ¼ cup cider vinegar
- Add maple syrup (or brown sugar), paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.3 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1.4 teaspoon pepper, ground
- Add the chopped onions to the ketchup mixture, blend in well. Add a few tablespoons of the sauce to the bottom of the lined slow cooker.1 cup onion, chopped
- Add the seasoned pork roast and pour the remaining sauce on top of the roast. Spread it evenly on top of the roast.5 lb pork shoulder
- Cover and cook on the HIGH setting for 4 to 5 hours, or LOW for 8 hours. It should be fork tender.
- Remove roast using tongs or two forks into a large bowl or pot. Pull apart into shred size of your choosing. Add back some of the liquids from the slow cooker, or add in some of your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Pile on buns, top with sauce and/or coleslaw, and serve!Buns & Coleslaw for serving
Notes
- Look for either crock pot or slow cooker liner bags, as these make clean up super easy.
- If planning a party, make your pulled pork at least 1 day ahead, the flavors will blend together even more!
Nutrition
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