If you’re in need of a quick and delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings, look no further than these Easy Pulled Pork Sliders. With tender, juicy pulled pork piled high on soft slider buns, these little sandwiches are packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. The best part? They’re incredibly simple to make. Just follow our step-by-step instructions and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish in no time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these mouthwatering sliders that are sure to become a new favorite.

Easy Pulled Pork Sliders

Welcome to your ultimate guide on how to make delicious and mouth-watering pulled pork sliders! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a tasty weeknight dinner, these sliders are the perfect choice. Packed with flavor and easy to assemble, this recipe will have your friends and family coming back for seconds. So let’s get started and learn how to make these irresistible pulled pork sliders!

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious pulled pork sliders, you will need the following ingredients:

Pork shoulder

First things first, let’s talk about the star of the show – the pork shoulder. Make sure to choose a boneless pork shoulder with a good amount of marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor. You’ll need about 3 pounds of pork shoulder for this recipe.

Barbecue sauce

Next up is the barbecue sauce. Choose a BBQ sauce that complements the flavors of the pork, whether it’s a smoky, sweet, or tangy sauce. You’ll need about 1 cup of barbecue sauce for this recipe.

Slider buns

To serve your pulled pork, you’ll need some slider buns. Opt for small-sized buns that are soft and slightly sweet, as they pair perfectly with the rich and savory pulled pork. You’ll need about 12 slider buns.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and a hint of tanginess to your pulled pork sliders. You can either make your own coleslaw using shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, and a touch of sugar, or pick up a pre-made coleslaw from the store.

Sliced pickles

Lastly, don’t forget the sliced pickles! These pickles add a delicious tangy element that perfectly balances the richness of the pork. You can use dill or bread and butter pickles, depending on your preference.

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the preparation process!

Preparation

Preparing your pulled pork sliders involves a few steps to ensure the meat is seasoned, slow-cooked, shredded, and coated with barbecue sauce before being assembled into sliders.

Step 1: Seasoning the pork shoulder

To begin, you’ll want to season your pork shoulder with a flavorful spice rub. Mix together 2 tablespoons of paprika, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder, covering it generously. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Slow cooking the pork shoulder

Now comes the slow cooking process, which is key to achieving tender and juicy pulled pork. You have two options for this step: using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot.

If using a slow cooker, place the seasoned pork shoulder in the cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender. If using an Instant Pot, select the “Slow Cook” mode and cook for the same amount of time.

Step 3: Shredding the pork

Once the pork shoulder is cooked, it’s time to shred the meat. Start by removing any excess fat from the pork and discard it. Using two forks, pull apart the pork, separating it into small, bite-sized pieces. The meat should be tender enough to easily shred.

Step 4: Coating with barbecue sauce

Now it’s time for the barbecue sauce! Choose your favorite barbecue sauce or make your own. Mix the shredded pork with about 1 cup of barbecue sauce, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. The barbecue sauce adds a rich and tangy flavor to the pork, enhancing its overall taste.

Step 5: Assembling the sliders

The final step is to assemble your pulled pork sliders. Start by toasting the slider buns lightly to give them a nice crunch. Then, spread a layer of coleslaw on the bottom half of each bun. Next, add a generous amount of the barbecue-coated pulled pork on top of the coleslaw. Finally, add a few sliced pickles and top it all off with the remaining slider bun.

And voila! Your mouth-watering pulled pork sliders are ready to be enjoyed.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to take your pulled pork sliders to the next level:

Choosing the right type of slider bun

When it comes to slider buns, opt for buns that are soft, slightly sweet, and just the right size for easy eating. Brioche or Hawaiian slider buns are great choices, as they add a hint of sweetness that complements the savory pork.

Adding additional toppings

While coleslaw and pickles are classic toppings, feel free to get creative and add other ingredients to your sliders. Some tasty options include sliced red onions, jalapeños for a spicy kick, or even a fried egg for a breakfast-inspired twist!

Serving with side dishes

To make your pulled pork sliders into a complete meal, serve them with some delicious side dishes. Classic side options include potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans, or a refreshing green salad. These sides will perfectly complement the flavors of the sliders and create a well-rounded meal.

Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up or add some extra flavors to your pulled pork sliders, here are a few tasty variations you can try:

Spicy pulled pork sliders

For those who love a bit of heat, add some spice to your pulled pork sliders! Mix some hot sauce or chipotle peppers into your barbecue sauce before coating the pulled pork. Top your sliders with sliced jalapeños or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick.

Sweet and tangy pulled pork sliders

For a sweeter and tangier twist, experiment with a different barbecue sauce. Look for sauces that have a sweet and tangy flavor profile, like honey mustard or pineapple barbecue sauce. The combination of the sweet sauce with the savory pulled pork creates a delectable contrast of flavors.

Smoky pulled pork sliders

If you’re a fan of smoky flavors, enhance the taste of your pulled pork by adding some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the spice rub. This will infuse the pork with a delicious smokiness that will elevate the entire slider experience.

Storage

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because these sliders are so irresistible), here are some tips on storing and reheating them:

Storing leftover pulled pork

Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you have a large amount of leftover pulled pork, consider freezing it in portion-sized bags for future use.

Reheating pulled pork sliders

To reheat your pulled pork sliders, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled sliders in a baking dish and cover them with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.

Freezing pulled pork for later use

If you find yourself with a surplus of pulled pork, freezing it is a great option. Simply place the pulled pork in an airtight freezer bag, squeeze out any excess air, and seal tightly. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the pulled pork overnight in the refrigerator and reheat according to your preference.

Enjoy your homemade pulled pork sliders!

With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the knowledge to create delicious pulled pork sliders from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these sliders are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the amazing combination of tender pulled pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and the perfect slider bun. Happy eating!