If you’re craving a melt-in-your-mouth, savory bite that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than these Pulled Pork Sliders. Tender, slow-cooked pork is infused with a blend of spices, giving it a rich depth of flavor, while the homemade pickled cabbage slaw adds a tangy crunch that perfectly complements the juicy pork. Served on soft slider buns, these sliders are the ultimate party food, perfect for game day, gatherings, or a weeknight treat.
Ingredients for Pulled Pork Sliders
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 (3 to 4-pound) boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Vegetable oil, for browning
- 3/4 cup water (for the skillet drippings)
- 2 cups water (for the slow cooker)
- Pickled cabbage slaw
- Fresh green onions, for garnish
- Slider buns, for serving
Preparation Steps for Pulled Pork Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub
To create a flavorful base for the pork, start by making a spice rub. In a small bowl, combine:
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Mix well to combine. This spicy, sweet rub will give the pork its bold flavor profile, so be sure to cover every inch of the meat when applying.
Step 2: Brown the Pork
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned pork shoulder and cook, turning the pork to ensure it’s browned on all sides. This step seals in the flavors and helps create a crispy outer layer.
Once browned, remove the pork from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Don’t discard the pan drippings just yet! Add 3/4 cup of water into the skillet, scraping up any bits left behind, and stir to combine. This will add extra flavor to the cooking liquid.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Pork
Transfer the drippings and water mixture into a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. To this, add:
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cups water
Whisk everything together until fully combined. Place the browned pork shoulder into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours. The slow cooking process will allow the pork to become incredibly tender and easy to shred.
Step 4: Shred the Pork
After 8 hours, the pork should be fall-apart tender. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding with two forks.
While the pork rests, strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until it has reduced by half, thickening slightly. Season with salt to taste.
Step 5: Combine Pork with Reduced Sauce
Once the pork is shredded, place it in a large bowl and pour in about 1 cup of the reduced cooking liquid. Toss the pork to ensure it’s evenly coated, adding additional salt and vinegar to taste.
Step 6: Assemble the Sliders
To assemble, lightly toast the slider buns to enhance their texture and flavor. Then, pile a generous amount of the pulled pork onto each bun. Top with a scoop of pickled cabbage slaw for a tangy crunch, and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a bit of fresh flavor and color.
Serving Tips
These Pulled Pork Sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served for a variety of occasions:
- Game Day: Make them bite-sized for a perfect snack that’s packed with flavor.
- Party or BBQ: Serve these sliders as part of a larger spread. Their juicy, tender meat and tangy slaw will be a crowd favorite.
- Family Meal: They’re simple enough to make on a weeknight, yet delicious enough to feel like a special treat.
Why These Pulled Pork Sliders are a Must-Try
- Tender, Flavorful Pork: Slow cooking ensures the pork is so tender that it practically falls apart with a fork.
- Balance of Flavors: The sweet-spicy rub, rich cooking liquid, and tangy slaw create a perfect balance of flavors that’s savory, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of heat.
- Versatile: Whether you’re serving them as appetizers or as the main course, these sliders are a hit at any gathering.
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful meal that’s simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, these Pulled Pork Sliders are the way to go. With tender pulled pork, a spicy-sweet rub, and crunchy pickled slaw, each bite is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for any occasion, these sliders will quickly become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire.