These pulled pork sliders are a tasty treat! Slow-cooked, tender pork is piled high on soft buns, and you can top them with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Honestly, who can resist those little sandwiches? They’re perfect for parties or a relaxed dinner at home. I love serving them with coleslaw for that extra crunch! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder/Butt: This is the star of the show! It’s fatty and flavorful, making it perfect for pulled pork. If you want a leaner option, you can use pork loin, but it might not be as juicy. Turkey or jackfruit can be good substitutes for a leaner or vegetarian option.
Barbecue Sauce: The type of barbecue sauce affects the flavor significantly. I love a smoky sauce, but if you’re watching sugar, try a sugar-free or vinegar-based sauce. You can also make your own using ketchup, vinegar, and spices if you want a personal touch.
Slider Buns: Keeping it classic with soft slider buns is great, but feel free to swap for whole wheat or gluten-free buns if needed. Hawaiian rolls add a nice sweetness as well!
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar pairs perfectly with pulled pork, you can switch it up with pepper jack for a bit of heat or even omit it for a dairy-free version. Vegan cheese options can also work!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Shredded Pulled Pork?
Getting tender, shreddable pork is crucial for sliders! Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with the right cut of meat – pork shoulder or butt works best due to its fat content.
- Slow-cook it! Whether using a slow cooker or oven, low and slow is the key to break down the meat fibers. About 8 hours on low is perfect.
- Don’t rush the shredding process. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding to keep the juices in. Use two forks or your hands (when it’s cool enough) to pull apart the pork.
- After shredding, mix liberally with your barbecue sauce, so every bite is flavorful.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly shredded pork for your sliders every time!
How to Make Pulled Pork Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1/2 cup sliced cheddar cheese or cheddar slices
- 12 slider buns (soft, small buns)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Optional: coleslaw or sliced pickles for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pulled pork sliders recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 4-8 hours to cook, depending on your method. You’ll need time to slow cook the pork until it’s tender, plus a few minutes for shredding and assembling the sliders. Perfect for a laid-back day or a gathering with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pork:
Start by making a spice mix. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder, covering it well.
2. Cooking the Pork:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Then, transfer the seared pork shoulder to a slow cooker or a roasting pan.
– If using a slow cooker, cook on low for about 8 hours.
– If using the oven, preheat to 300°F (150°C) and cover the pan for about 4 hours. The pork should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork when it’s done.
3. Shredding the Pork:
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the cooker or oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before shredding it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat you find while shredding.
4. Mixing with Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix the shredded pork with your favorite barbecue sauce until it’s well coated. You can adjust the amount of sauce according to your preference for a saucy or a bit drier filling.
5. Preparing the Sliders:
If you like, lightly toast the slider buns. On the bottom half of each bun, place a slice of cheddar cheese. Spoon a generous amount of the pulled pork mixture over the cheese.
– In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with a little garlic powder for extra flavor. Spread this on the top half of each bun, then assemble the sliders.
6. Serving:
Place the sliders on a serving platter, and if you want, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve them right away! You can also offer coleslaw or sliced pickles as toppings for that extra crunch and flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Pulled Pork Sliders! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Pork for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork shoulder, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw it is overnight in the fridge or using the cold water method in a sealed bag. Never cook pork from frozen as it can lead to uneven cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Pulled Pork?
Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I Make the Pulled Pork in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pulled pork a day or two ahead of time. Just store the cooked pork in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it before assembling the sliders. This can also enhance the flavors as they meld together.
What Are Some Good Toppings for the Sliders?
While coleslaw and sliced pickles are popular choices, you can also try jalapeños for heat, avocado slices for creaminess, or even crispy onions for extra crunch. Customize your sliders to suit your taste!
