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Savory Pulled Pork Sliders with Crunchy Coleslaw

pulled pork sliders - featured image

Tender pulled pork paired with a tangy, crunchy coleslaw makes these sliders a perfect crowd-pleaser for parties and casual get-togethers. Easy to prepare using a slow cooker or Instant Pot shortcut.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce
  • 3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup carrot, julienned or shredded
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Slider buns (about 12 small buns; brioche recommended)
  • Pickles or jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pork rub by mixing brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub the seasoning mix all over the pork. Let sit for 15 minutes if possible.
  3. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour chicken broth or water around it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until tender. Alternatively, cook in an Instant Pot on high pressure for 60 minutes with natural release.
  4. Remove pork and shred using two forks or a stand mixer, discarding excess fat. Reserve some cooking juices.
  5. Mix shredded pork with barbecue sauce and reserved juices until evenly coated.
  6. Make the coleslaw by whisking mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add cabbage, carrots, and red onion and toss well. Chill for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Lightly toast slider buns on a skillet or in the oven until golden but soft.
  8. Assemble sliders by spooning pulled pork onto bun bottoms, topping with coleslaw, and placing the bun crown on top. Add pickles or jalapeños if desired.
  9. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For best texture, use fresh, crisp cabbage for coleslaw. Let pork rub sit for 15 minutes if possible. Warm buns slightly before assembling to prevent sogginess. Pulled pork can be made a day ahead and reheated gently. Substitute gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for gluten-free diet. Use avocado mayo or vegan mayo for dairy-free coleslaw. Oven roasting method: roast pork at 300°F for about 4 hours covered tightly in foil, adding broth halfway through.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, coleslaw, party food, slow cooker recipe, Instant Pot, easy pulled pork, barbecue sliders, potluck recipe