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Savory BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Easy Recipe with Fresh Crunch Slaw

BBQ pulled pork sliders - featured image

These sliders feature smoky, tender pulled pork with a tangy fresh crunch slaw, perfect for quick family meals or entertaining. The recipe combines slow-cooked pork with a sticky BBQ glaze and a light, zesty slaw for a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky, slightly sweet brand recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Β½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Β½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and julienned or shredded
  • Β½ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (vegan mayo optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 12 slider buns or small brioche rolls, lightly toasted
  • Butter for toasting buns (optional)
  • Pickles for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl. Rub this spice mix all over the pork, pressing it into every nook and cranny. (Prep time: 10 minutes)
  2. Place the pork shoulder in your slow cooker. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth or water to keep the meat moist. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreddable.
  3. Carefully transfer the pork to a large bowl. Use two forks or meat claws to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large chunks of fat. Pour off excess cooking liquid but reserve a few tablespoons to keep the pork juicy. (About 10 minutes)
  4. Stir in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce until every shred is coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. (5 minutes)
  5. In a large bowl, combine green and red cabbage, shredded carrot, and sliced red onion. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes. (Prep time: 15 minutes)
  6. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns and toast until golden brown and slightly crisp. (5 minutes)
  7. Assemble the sliders by piling pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun, topping with fresh crunch slaw, and adding pickles if desired. Cap with the bun tops and serve immediately. (5 minutes)

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, substitute mayonnaise with plant-based alternative. Slow cook on low for best texture. Shred pork while warm. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Add reserved cooking liquid to pork if dry. Slaw should be lightly dressed to stay crunchy.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, sliders, pulled pork sliders, fresh crunch slaw, easy BBQ recipe, slow cooker pulled pork, party food, comfort food