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Tender Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with Creamy Coleslaw

tender pulled pork sliders - featured image

These tender pulled pork sliders with creamy coleslaw combine smoky, savory, and tangy flavors for a simple yet show-stopping comfort food perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage (about half a small head)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 slider buns, soft and fresh
  • Pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice blend evenly all over the pork shoulder.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Transfer the seared pork to a slow cooker. Pour in apple cider vinegar and water or chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is fork-tender. Alternatively, cook in a 300°F (150°C) oven in a Dutch oven for 3-4 hours.
  4. While pork cooks, toss shredded cabbage and carrots in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over veggies and mix well. Refrigerate until serving.
  5. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred finely using two forks or meat claws. Return shredded pork to slow cooker juices to keep moist.
  6. Lightly toast slider buns in a skillet or oven just before serving.
  7. Assemble sliders by spooning pulled pork onto buns, topping with creamy coleslaw, and adding pickles if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If pork dries out during cooking, add more broth or vinegar. Drain excess moisture from cabbage before mixing coleslaw dressing to avoid sogginess. Toast buns before assembling to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Greek yogurt can substitute mayonnaise in coleslaw for a lighter option.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, creamy coleslaw, slow cooker pulled pork, BBQ sliders, comfort food, easy pulled pork recipe