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Flavorful Pulled Pork Sliders Easy Recipe with Tangy Coleslaw for Game Day

pulled pork sliders - featured image

These pulled pork sliders feature slow-cooked, tender pork shoulder paired with a tangy coleslaw, perfect for game day gatherings. The sliders are handheld, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing with a balance of smoky pork and crisp slaw.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Your favorite BBQ sauce (about ¾ cup, smoky and slightly sweet style recommended)
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 12 slider buns, soft and slightly sweet (potato buns recommended)
  • Optional: dill pickle slices or jalapeño slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pork rub by mixing smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub the spice mix evenly all over the pork, pressing it into the meat.
  3. Pour apple cider vinegar and water or broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the pork shoulder fat side up on the liquid.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
  5. While the pork cooks, toss shredded green and red cabbage, carrot, and sliced red onion in a large bowl.
  6. Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss to coat. Chill until serving.
  7. When pork is done, transfer to a large bowl and shred with two forks or meat claws. Pour some cooking liquid back over the pork for moisture and mix in BBQ sauce to taste.
  8. Optionally, lightly butter and toast the slider buns on a pan or griddle until golden brown.
  9. Assemble sliders by spooning pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun, topping with coleslaw and optional pickle or jalapeño slices, then capping with the top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, season pork the night before and refrigerate. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Save some coleslaw dressing to mix into pork for creamier texture. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for gluten-free option. Swap mayo with dairy-free yogurt for dairy-free option. Add chipotle powder and pickled jalapeños for a spicy variation.

Nutrition

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