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Flavorful Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Easy Apple Slaw Recipe

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Tender, smoky pulled pork slow-cooked to perfection and topped with a crisp, tangy apple slaw, served on mini slider buns. A perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors that make these sliders a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), well-marbled
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 to 1½ cups (240 to 360 ml) BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 green apple, thinly sliced or julienned (Granny Smith preferred)
  • 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Mini slider buns or soft dinner rolls
  • Pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pork rub by mixing smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl.
  2. Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub the spice mixture all over the meat, pressing it in evenly.
  3. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour ½ cup apple cider vinegar around it. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until tender and easily shredded.
  4. While the pork cooks, combine sliced green apple, shredded red cabbage, and grated carrot in a medium bowl.
  5. Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Toss the dressing with the slaw ingredients until evenly coated. Refrigerate until serving.
  6. Remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid.
  7. Transfer shredded pork to a large bowl and mix gently with BBQ sauce until well coated.
  8. Lightly toast slider buns. Assemble sliders by placing a scoop of pulled pork on the bottom bun, topping with apple slaw, adding pickles if desired, and covering with the top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the slow cooker or BBQ sauce. Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter slaw. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for gluten-free option. Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain temperature. Reheat pork gently with a splash of water or BBQ sauce. Prepare slaw a few hours ahead but not more than a day to keep crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, BBQ, sliders, apple slaw, slow cooker, smoky, easy recipe, party food, comfort food

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/flavorful-smoky-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-with-easy-apple-slaw-recipe/