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Pulled Pork Sliders

Tender, slow-cooked pulled pork sliders with a smoky barbecue sauce, crisp toppings, and tangy coleslaw. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 10 hours 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker or Instant Pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Serving platter

Ingredients
  

For the Pulled Pork

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce homemade or store-bought

For the Sliders

  • 12 slider buns
  • 1 cup coleslaw mix
  • 1/2 cup coleslaw dressing

For the Toppings (optional)

  • Pickles
  • sliced jalapeños
  • additional barbecue sauce for drizzling

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

  • Season pork shoulder by rubbing in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let sit for about 30 minutes.
  • Tip: For an extra kick, add a splash of hot sauce to the spice rub.

Step 2: Cook the Pork

  • Place seasoned pork into your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Add half of the barbecue sauce over the top.
  • For slow cooking: Set on low for 8-10 hours.
  • For Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.

Step 3: Shred the Pork

  • Once cooked, shred the pork into pieces, mixing in remaining barbecue sauce.
  • Tip: Let shredded pork sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Slaw

  • Combine coleslaw mix and dressing in a mixing bowl; stir until well-coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

  • Slice slider buns and fill each with pulled pork, a spoonful of coleslaw, and additional toppings as desired.
  • Tip: Toast slider buns lightly before assembling for added flavor.

Notes

Pro Tips for Pulled Pork Sliders: Use a good quality pork shoulder for maximum flavor and tenderness. Adjust the barbecue sauce to your taste, exploring different brands or homemade recipes. Let the assembled sliders rest for a few minutes before serving; it melds the flavors beautifully. Make extra pulled pork to freeze for easy meals down the road. Don’t skip the toppings; they add complexity and texture to your sliders.