As the sun sets and the grill sizzles, let’s embark on a flavor adventure with Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw. This dish is a celebration of bold, comforting tastes that will have your guests asking for seconds. Join me, Chef Savori, as we craft a delightful fusion of juicy, smoky pork and a bright, zesty slaw – the perfect pairing for your next backyard bash or cozy gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw
The smoky, tender pulled pork is the star of this dish, infused with a homemade BBQ seasoning that packs a punch of flavor. The tangy, crunchy slaw provides a delightful contrast, with a burst of bright, zesty notes that balance the richness of the pork. Together, these two elements create a harmonious dance of tastes and textures, perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings. Plus, the slider format makes them easy to enjoy and share, making this dish a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
The key to this recipe is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. You’ll need a pork shoulder or butt, your favorite BBQ seasoning blend, and simple slaw ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing. Grab some soft, pillowy slider buns, and you’re well on your way to a flavor-packed masterpiece.
- 4-5 lbs – Pork shoulder or butt
- 1/4 cup – Homemade or store-bought BBQ seasoning blend
- 3 cups – Shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup – Shredded carrots
- 1 cup – Tangy coleslaw dressing (or your favorite vinegar-based dressing)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pork Shoulder/Butt: Boneless pork loin or tenderloin (leaner cut, may need shorter cooking time)
- Coleslaw: Kale, Brussels sprouts, or a mix of fresh herbs (for a different texture and flavor profile)
How to Make Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw
The key to this recipe is patience and low, slow cooking to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by seasoning the pork with your homemade or store-bought BBQ seasoning blend, massaging it into the meat to ensure even coverage. Then, sear the pork in a hot skillet or on the grill to lock in those delicious, smoky flavors.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Once the pork is seared, transfer it to a slow cooker or oven and let it cook low and slow until it’s fork-tender and practically falling apart. This could take several hours, but the results will be well worth the wait.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the pork is cooking, prepare the tangy slaw by tossing together the shredded cabbage, carrots, and a zesty dressing. When the pork is ready, shred it using two forks and let it soak up all the flavorful juices. Assemble the sliders by piling the pulled pork onto the buns and topping with the tangy slaw.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoky Flavor: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the pork as it cooks for an extra depth of flavor.
- Sauce Variations: Try different BBQ sauce flavors, like a sweet and tangy mustard-based sauce or a spicy habanero version.
- Cheese Topping: For an extra indulgent twist, top the sliders with melted cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
- Experiment with Slaw Ingredients: Feel free to swap in different vegetables, such as kale, Brussels sprouts, or a mix of fresh herbs.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy onion strings, pickled jalapeños, crumbled blue cheese, or a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce.
Storage: Leftover pulled pork and slaw can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Both components can also be frozen for up to 3 months, making this a great make-ahead meal option.
Reheat: For best results, reheat the pulled pork in a skillet or on the stovetop, gently warming it and allowing it to soak up any remaining juices.
Make-Ahead: The slaw can be prepared a few hours or even a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften slightly.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw are a hearty and satisfying dish, but they do pack in some calories and fat from the pork and slaw. Each slider clocks in at approximately 300 calories, with 15 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbs, and 20 grams of protein. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the pulled pork more tender?
The key to ultra-tender pulled pork is to cook it low and slow, either in a slow cooker or in the oven. This allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! The slaw actually benefits from being made a few hours or even a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften slightly, creating an even tastier slaw.
How do I reheat the pulled pork?
For best results, reheat the pulled pork in a skillet or on the stovetop, gently warming it and allowing it to soak up any remaining juices. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to dry it out.
Can I use a different type of pork?
While pork shoulder or butt is the traditional choice for pulled pork, you can also use a boneless pork loin or tenderloin. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted, as these cuts are leaner and may cook more quickly.
What other toppings can I add to the sliders?
The possibilities are endless! Try topping the sliders with crispy onion strings, pickled jalapeños, crumbled blue cheese, or even a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce.
Try These Next
- Smoky Maple Bbq Pork Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Smoky Bbq Beef Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders
Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 500 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Slow Cooked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are perfect for your next BBQ. Slow-cooked to perfection and served with a tangy slaw, they are a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
1. 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
2. 1 cup BBQ sauce
3. 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
5. 1 teaspoon onion powder
6. 1 teaspoon salt
7. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8. 12 slider buns
9. 2 cups coleslaw mix
10. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
11. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
12. 1 tablespoon sugar
13. Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. In a slow cooker, combine the pork shoulder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2. Pour the BBQ sauce over the pork and cover.
3. 3. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
4. 4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
5. 5. In a large bowl, mix coleslaw, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until combined.
6. 6. Serve the pulled pork on slider buns topped with tangy slaw.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can marinate the pork overnight with the spices and BBQ sauce. Feel free to adjust the slaw ingredients to your taste!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pulled pork, sliders, BBQ, smoky, coleslaw