Pulled Pork Sliders: A Crowd-Pleasing Recipe for Any Occasion
Pulled pork sliders are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for backyard barbecues, game days, or any casual gathering. This recipe delivers juicy, tender pulled pork that's bursting with flavor, all nestled in soft slider buns. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-follow guide!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 12 sliders. Adjust quantities as needed for your crowd.
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For the Pork:
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder (butt roast)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns
- Your favorite coleslaw (optional)
- Pickled red onions (optional)
Equipment You'll Need:
- Slow Cooker: This is the key to achieving incredibly tender pulled pork.
- Mixing Bowls: For prepping the ingredients.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the pork is cooked through.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Pulled Pork:
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Sear the Pork: Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until lightly browned. This step adds depth of flavor.
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Slow Cooker Magic: Place the seared pork shoulder in your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
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Cook Low and Slow: Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
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Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
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Mix and Simmer (Optional): You can mix the shredded pork back into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker for a few minutes to create a flavorful sauce.
Assembling the Sliders:
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Warm the Buns: Lightly toast the slider buns to enhance their flavor and texture.
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Pile it High: Place a generous portion of the shredded pulled pork on each slider bun.
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Add Your Toppings: Top with your favorite coleslaw and/or pickled red onions for extra flavor and crunch.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the pulled pork for a spicy kick.
- BBQ Sauce: Drizzle your favorite BBQ sauce over the pulled pork before serving.
- Different Woods: Experiment with different wood chips for smoking the pork shoulder for an even more intense smoky flavor (if using a smoker).
- Make it Ahead: The pulled pork can be made a day or two in advance, making this recipe perfect for entertaining.
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This recipe provides a delicious and crowd-pleasing pulled pork slider experience. Remember to adjust the spice levels and toppings to suit your preferences, and enjoy the delicious results!