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Flavorful Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe Easy Homemade with Pickled Onions and Spicy Coleslaw

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Tender slow-cooked pulled pork served on toasted slider buns with tangy pickled onions and a creamy, spicy coleslaw. Perfect for casual gatherings and easy to make ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage (about half a small head)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 small slider buns, lightly toasted
  • Butter for toasting buns (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pork rub by mixing smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub evenly over the pork shoulder. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
  2. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Pour apple cider vinegar over the top, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until fork-tender. Alternatively, cook covered in a Dutch oven at 300°F for 3 to 4 hours, turning occasionally.
  3. Make the pickled onions by combining apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and peppercorns in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves. Pour over thinly sliced red onions in a heat-proof jar or bowl. Let sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour or refrigerate overnight.
  4. Prepare the spicy coleslaw by combining shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, hot sauce, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over veggies and toss to coat. Chill until ready to serve.
  5. Shred the cooked pork using two forks or tongs. Stir in BBQ sauce until well coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Toast slider buns in a skillet over medium heat with butter until golden brown and slightly crisp.
  7. Assemble sliders by piling pulled pork on the bottom bun, topping with pickled onions and spicy coleslaw, then covering with the top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

For juicier pork, add a splash of reserved cooking juices or extra BBQ sauce when assembling. Thinly slice onions for quicker pickling. Toast buns just before serving to prevent sogginess. Slaw can be made ahead to let flavors meld. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for dietary adaptations. Liquid smoke can be added for extra smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, pickled onions, spicy coleslaw, slow cooker pulled pork, BBQ sliders, easy pulled pork recipe, game day food, slider recipe

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