Pulled Pork Sliders: The Ultimate Recipe for Deliciousness

Pulled Pork Sliders: Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that culminates in the most irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth sliders you’ve ever tasted! Imagine tender, smoky pulled pork, piled high on soft, pillowy slider buns, and drizzled with your favorite tangy barbecue sauce. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about them!

Pulled pork itself has deep roots in American barbecue tradition, particularly in the Southern states. It’s a testament to resourcefulness and patience, transforming a tough cut of pork shoulder into a tender, flavorful masterpiece through slow cooking and smoking. While the origins of pulled pork are steeped in history, the slider version is a more modern, convenient, and utterly addictive adaptation.

What’s not to love about pulled pork sliders? They’re the perfect party food, ideal for game day gatherings, potlucks, or even a fun family dinner. The combination of the savory, smoky pork, the sweet and tangy sauce, and the soft, slightly sweet bun is simply divine. Plus, their small size makes them incredibly easy to eat and perfect for portion control (though you might find yourself reaching for seconds, or thirds!). This recipe will guide you through creating the most delicious and satisfying pulled pork sliders you’ve ever had.

Ingredients:

• For the Pork:
• 4-5 lb boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), excess fat trimmed
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• For the BBQ Sauce:
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Sliders:
• 24 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work great!)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, sliced onions

Preparing the Pork Rub:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is create our amazing pork rub. This is where all the flavor magic happens, so don’t skip any of these steps!

1. In a large bowl, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. This ensures that every bite of your pulled pork is packed with flavor.

Rubbing and Sealing the Pork:

Now comes the fun part – getting that rub all over the pork shoulder. This is crucial for creating a delicious bark and infusing the meat with flavor.

1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better.
2. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Really massage it in there!
3. Place the rubbed pork shoulder in a large resealable plastic bag or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
4. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be. I usually go for overnight to maximize the flavor.

Slow Cooking the Pork:

Time to get that pork nice and tender! We’re going to slow cook it until it practically falls apart. You can use a slow cooker or an oven for this step. I’ll give you instructions for both.

Slow Cooker Method:

1. Remove the pork shoulder from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
3. Pour the apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce over the pork.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is easily shredded with a fork. The internal temperature should reach at least 203°F (95°C).

Oven Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Remove the pork shoulder from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
3. Place the pork shoulder in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot.
4. Pour the apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce over the pork.
5. Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 4-5 hours, or until the pork is easily shredded with a fork. The internal temperature should reach at least 203°F (95°C).

Making the BBQ Sauce:

While the pork is cooking, let’s whip up our homemade BBQ sauce. This sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky, and it really takes these sliders to the next level.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and black pepper.
2. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more brown sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or cayenne pepper for heat.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.

Shredding the Pork:

Once the pork is cooked, it’s time to shred it! This is the most satisfying part of the whole process, watching that tender meat fall apart.

1. Remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker or Dutch oven and place it on a large cutting board.
2. Let the pork rest for about 10-15 minutes before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful pork.
3. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat or gristle.

Combining Pork and BBQ Sauce:

Now, let’s bring it all together! We’re going to toss that shredded pork with our delicious homemade BBQ sauce.

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded pork and the BBQ sauce.
2. Toss the pork and sauce together until the pork is evenly coated.
3. If the pork seems a little dry, you can add a little bit of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker or Dutch oven to moisten it up.

Preparing the Slider Buns:

While the pork is getting saucy, let’s get those slider buns ready. A little bit of mayo and mustard adds a nice touch.

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
2. Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly on the cut sides of the slider buns.

Assembling the Sliders:

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – assembling those delicious pulled pork sliders!

1. Spoon the pulled pork mixture onto the bottom halves of the slider buns.
2. Top with your favorite toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, or sliced onions.
3. Place the top halves of the slider buns on top.

Serving and Enjoying:

These sliders are best served warm. You can serve them immediately, or you can keep them warm in a slow cooker on the warm setting until you’re ready to serve. I like to serve them with a side of potato salad or coleslaw for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Pulled Pork Sliders are more than just a meal; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it delivers that authentic, smoky, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork experience without requiring you to babysit a smoker all day. The combination of the perfectly seasoned pork shoulder, the tangy and sweet barbecue sauce, and the soft, toasted slider buns creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you and your guests craving more. It’s the ideal dish for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or even a potluck gathering. Trust me, the minimal effort required yields maximum flavor payoff.

But the beauty of these Pulled Pork Sliders lies not only in their deliciousness but also in their versatility. Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipe to your own preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub or incorporate a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the barbecue sauce. If you prefer a sweeter flavor profile, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Sliders: Serve the pulled pork on toasted slider buns with a generous helping of coleslaw and a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce.
* Hawaiian Sliders: Use sweet Hawaiian rolls instead of regular slider buns and top the pulled pork with grilled pineapple slices for a tropical twist.
* Spicy Sliders: Add sliced jalapeños or pickled peppers to the sliders for an extra layer of heat.
* Pulled Pork Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
* Pulled Pork Tacos: Use the pulled pork as a filling for tacos, topped with your favorite taco toppings like salsa, cilantro, and onions.
* Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with pulled pork, cheese, sour cream, and chives for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* Coleslaw Creations: Experiment with different coleslaw recipes. A vinegar-based coleslaw cuts through the richness of the pork beautifully, while a creamy coleslaw adds another layer of indulgence.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your own signature Pulled Pork Sliders. The possibilities are endless!

I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love this recipe. It’s simple, straightforward, and delivers incredible results every time. The key is to be patient and allow the pork to cook low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender. Once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, you can easily adapt it to create a variety of delicious and satisfying meals.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker or oven, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade Pulled Pork Sliders. I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures! Please, try this recipe and don’t hesitate to share your experience, modifications, and photos in the comments below. Let me know what you think, what variations you tried, and how much your family and friends enjoyed them. Happy cooking!

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