Oh my gosh, do I have a treat for you today! I can hardly contain my excitement as I share my absolute favorite recipe for Sweet and Savory Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders. These little beauties are perfect for game day, family gatherings, or just when you want to impress your friends. Picture this: tender, smokey, shredded pork piled high on a soft slider bun, topped with crunchy coleslaw and tangy pickles. Trust me; it’s as delicious as it sounds!
I remember the very first time I made these sliders. It was a warm summer afternoon, and my friends had gathered at my place for a backyard BBQ. As the pork slowly smoked away, the tantalizing aroma wafted through the air, making everyone’s mouths water. When the time finally came to serve up those sliders, there was barely a crumb left! That’s when I knew I had a winner on my hands. So let’s dive into this recipe that’ll have everyone at your table singing your praises!
What’s in Sweet and Savory Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders?
Pork Shoulder (or Pork Butt): This is the star of the show! I recommend using a well-marbled cut like pork shoulder for maximum flavor and tenderness. You can usually find it in any grocery store or butcher.
Smoked Paprika: This gives the pork a beautiful smoky flavor without the grilling hassle.
Brown Sugar: It adds a lovely sweetness that balances perfectly with the smoky spice.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These are essential for building that deep, savory flavor we all love.
Salt & Black Pepper: Always a must! They enhance the overall taste.
Cayenne Pepper: If you like a little kick, throw in this optional ingredient to spice things up!
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a nice tanginess to the pulled pork while helping create the perfect texture.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand! This is what brings it all together. Add more to your heart’s content for serving.
Coleslaw Mix: A crunchy topping that brings freshness and crunch.
Mayonnaise & Apple Cider Vinegar (for coleslaw): The mayo makes it creamy, while the vinegar maintains that classic tang.
Slider Buns: I love using soft, pillowy buns for that perfect bite.
Dill Pickle Slices: They add a kick of brightness you won’t want to skip!
Red Sandwich Picks: Just a fun way to keep everything together and add a pop of color!
Is Sweet and Savory Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders Good for You?
Now, while I can’t say this is a salad, the Sweet and Savory Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders do pack quite a few nutritional benefits!
Pork Shoulder: This cut is rich in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Plus, it contains important vitamins and minerals like zinc and B vitamins.
Coleslaw Mix: Often comprised of cabbage, carrots, and onions, it’s a crunchy way to get some veggies into your meal. Just be mindful of the mayo if you’re watching your fat intake.
Overall, moderation is key! Enjoy these sliders as part of a balanced meal, and don’t forget to share with friends, because you definitely don’t want to be left with leftovers!
Ingredients
– 2-3 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt)
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
– 1/2 cup coleslaw mix (for topping)
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (for coleslaw)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for coleslaw)
– Salt and pepper to taste (for coleslaw)
– Slider buns (about 12)
– Dill pickle slices (for garnish)
– Red sandwich picks (for garnish)
This recipe makes about 12 sliders, perfect for a small gathering or just for you to have leftovers!
How to Make Sweet and Savory Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders?
1. **Prepare the Rub**: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub the spice mix all over the pork shoulder. Don’t be shy–make sure it’s well-coated! For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better.
2. **Smoke the Pork**: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Once ready, place the pork shoulder in the smoker and smoke it for about 8 to 10 hours. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 195-205°F (90-96°C) for perfectly tender pork.
3. **Prepare the Slaw**: While the pork is smoking, mix your coleslaw ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss them together and set the bowl aside.
4. **Shred the Pork**: Once the pork is done, pull it out of the smoker and let it rest for about 30 minutes. Grab two forks and shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat.
5. **Mix with BBQ Sauce**: In a large bowl, mix the shredded pork with apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce. Give it a good stir and taste; adjust seasonings as needed.
6. **Assemble the Sliders**: Slice the slider buns in half and place a generous scoop of the pulled pork on the bottom half of each bun. Don’t skimp on the pork; you want these to be packed!
7. **Top it Off**: Add a spoonful of coleslaw on top of the pork and a couple of pickle slices for that extra burst of flavor.
8. **Garnish and Serve**: Place the top half of the bun on your masterpiece and secure with a red sandwich pick for a bit of flair. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side, because, let’s be real – who can resist a little more sauce?
Oh So Helpful Tips for Your Sliders!
– If you’re in a time crunch, you can cook the pork in a slow cooker. Just season it, add a splash of apple cider vinegar, and cook on low for 8 hours. It won’t have quite the same smoky flavor, but it’ll be super tasty!
– Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Some people like adding jalapeños for a little added heat or even sliced avocado for creaminess.
– Leftovers? No problem! These sliders taste even better the next day. Just reheat the pork, assemble, and enjoy all over again.
I genuinely hope you give these Sweet and Savory Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders a go. Every bite is a delightful experience that will no doubt have everyone raving. Don’t forget to drop me a comment and let me know how it went – I love hearing about your culinary adventures! Happy cooking!
