Summer is in full swing, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill and indulge in some of the most crave-worthy, comfort-packed flavors of the season. Introducing our Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders — a sizzling fusion of tender, juicy pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and a touch of smoky goodness, all nestled between soft, fluffy slider buns. Get ready to savor the flavors of backyard barbecues and cozy family gatherings with this epic dish.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Prepare to be amazed by the mouthwatering combination of tender, shredded pork and a zesty, tangy BBQ sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. The slow-cooked, golden-brown pulled pork is infused with a perfect blend of spices, creating a warm, comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with the lush, velvety sauce. Topped with crisp, fresh coleslaw and nestled between soft, pillowy slider buns, these Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your guests coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, a game-day gathering, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is a surefire way to satisfy all your barbecue cravings.
Ingredients
Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey with the key ingredients for our Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. You’ll need boneless pork shoulder, a blend of aromatic spices, tangy apple cider vinegar, and a rich, smoky BBQ sauce to create the mouthwatering pulled pork. For the perfect slider buns, grab some soft, fluffy potato rolls or Hawaiian rolls. Top it all off with a crisp, refreshing coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing.
- 3-4 lbs – Boneless pork shoulder or pork butt
- 2 tbsp – Paprika
- 1 tbsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp – Onion powder
- 1 cup – Apple cider vinegar
Ingredient Substitutions
- BBQ Sauce: Use a honey-based BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Coleslaw: Try topping the sliders with pickled onions, dill pickles, or a tangy, zesty slaw for a different twist.
How to Make Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Get ready to unleash the flavors of summer with our step-by-step guide to creating these mouthwatering Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by seasoning the pork shoulder with a blend of smoky, savory spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, then pour in a flavorful mixture of apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of brown sugar. Cover and let the pork slow-cook to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Once the pork is fork-tender, it’s time to shred it into delicious, bite-sized pieces. Transfer the pork to a large bowl and use two forks to gently pull and shred the meat. Then, pour in your favorite smoky BBQ sauce and toss everything together until the pork is evenly coated in the tangy, zesty sauce.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Grab your soft, fluffy slider buns and start assembling these irresistible Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. Spoon a generous portion of the saucy, shredded pork onto the bottom bun, then top it with a generous helping of crisp, tangy coleslaw. Finally, cap off the slider with the top bun and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoky Flavor: Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the pulled pork for an extra boost of smoky flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a few tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pulled pork for a touch of heat.
- Serving Ideas: Serve the Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders alongside creamy mac and cheese, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a fresh garden salad for a truly satisfying and delicious feast.
- Presentation: For a party-ready presentation, set up a slider bar with the shredded pork, coleslaw, and buns, allowing your guests to assemble their own creations.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: creamy mac and cheese, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a fresh garden salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the pulled pork in a saucepan or the microwave before assembling the sliders.
Make-Ahead: The pulled pork can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the pork and assemble the sliders.
Nutrition Information
Dive into the comforting and crave-worthy flavors of these Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, guilt-free. Each slider provides a hearty serving of tender, juicy pork, balanced by the tangy coleslaw and soft, fluffy bun. With just 300 calories per slider, you can indulge in this smoky, indulgent delight without sacrificing your healthy eating goals.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make the pulled pork?
The pulled pork for these sliders can be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, taking anywhere from 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high, depending on your appliance. This hands-off cooking method ensures the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and infused with all the delicious flavors.
Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time?
Absolutely! The pulled pork can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the pork in a saucepan or the microwave, then assemble the sliders with the coleslaw and buns.
What type of pork should I use?
For the most tender and flavorful pulled pork, we recommend using a boneless pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts of pork have the perfect balance of fat and lean meat, ensuring the pork stays moist and juicy during the slow cooking process.
Can I make these sliders on the grill?
Absolutely! After slow-cooking the pork, you can finish it off on the grill for a delightful smoky char. Simply shred the pork, toss it with the BBQ sauce, and place it in a grill-safe pan or foil packet. Grill over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the pork is hot and slightly crispy on the edges.
How do I make the coleslaw?
For a quick and easy coleslaw, simply shred a mix of green and red cabbage, carrots, and onion. Toss the shredded veggies with a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before assembling the sliders.
Try These Next
- Maple Bourbon Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders
- Smoky Maple Bbq Pork Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Nachos With Cheese Sauce
Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Slider Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 500 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the perfect addition to your next cookout. Tender, flavorful pulled pork smothered in a smoky BBQ sauce, served on soft slider buns. A crowd-pleaser for sure!
Ingredients
2 pounds pork shoulder
1 cup smoky BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
12 slider buns
Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C).
2. Rub the pork shoulder with paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pork in the smoker and cook for about 8 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C).
4. Remove the pork from the smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Shred the pork using two forks and mix in the smoky BBQ sauce.
6. Serve the pulled pork on slider buns topped with coleslaw if desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper to the rub.
You can also use a slow cooker if you don’t have a smoker. Cook on low for about 8 hours or until tender.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pulled pork, sliders, BBQ, smoked meat