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Flavorful BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw

BBQ pulled pork sliders - featured image

These sliders feature smoky, tender pulled pork paired with a crisp, tangy coleslaw, perfect for summer parties and casual gatherings.

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 salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (thick, smoky style like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s)
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (light or dairy-free if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 24 mini slider buns or dinner rolls, lightly toasted
  • Pickle slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the pork shoulder evenly.
  2. Pour the apple cider vinegar into the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
  4. Remove the pork shoulder carefully and shred the meat using two forks, discarding any large chunks of fat.
  5. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker or a bowl. Stir in 1 cup BBQ sauce and heat gently on low for 15-20 minutes.
  6. In a large bowl, combine shredded green and red cabbage with grated carrot.
  7. In a separate small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  8. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss until well coated. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
  9. Just before serving, slice and toast slider buns lightly under the broiler or on a skillet until golden and slightly crisp.
  10. Assemble sliders by piling pulled pork on each bun bottom, topping with coleslaw, adding a pickle slice if desired, and crowning with the top bun.

Notes

For gluten-free option, use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps. The pork can be cooked a day ahead and reheated gently with extra sauce. Coleslaw tastes better after a few hours chilling. Avoid microwaving coleslaw to prevent sogginess. Use slow cooker liners for easier cleanup. Toast buns just before assembly to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, sliders, coleslaw, summer party recipe, slow cooker pulled pork, easy BBQ recipe, backyard barbecue