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Tender Pulled Pork Sliders with Smoky Barbecue Sauce

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Tender pulled pork sliders with a rich, smoky barbecue sauce that delivers nostalgic comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor. Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or a delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
  • 1 cup ketchup (240 ml)
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (60 ml)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (50 g)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 12 small slider buns (brioche recommended)
  • Pickles, sliced
  • Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim any excessive fat from the pork shoulder, leaving some for flavor. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, brown sugar, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder, massaging it in well for even seasoning. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes if possible.
  3. Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker or Dutch oven.
  4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic. Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around it to keep the meat moist during cooking.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. If using a Dutch oven, cover tightly and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 3.5 to 4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  6. While the pork cooks, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce (if using), and black pepper in a saucepan. Simmer on medium-low for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and rich in flavor.
  7. Once cooked, transfer the pork to a large bowl and use two forks or tongs to shred it finely. Discard any large pieces of fat. Mix in some of the cooking juices for extra moisture.
  8. Pour the smoky barbecue sauce over the shredded pork, mixing until everything is coated evenly. Start with half the sauce, then add more to taste.
  9. Toast slider buns lightly if desired. Pile the tender pulled pork onto the buns, add pickles and coleslaw if you like, then top with the bun crowns.
  10. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before shredding to redistribute juices. Adjust barbecue sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding a splash of water or apple cider vinegar. Toast buns lightly for texture contrast. Use fresh spices for best flavor. For quicker cooking, use an Instant Pot on the ‘Meat’ setting for about 1 hour.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, barbecue sauce, slow cooker pulled pork, smoky barbecue, slider recipe, party food, comfort food

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/tender-pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-easy-smoky-barbecue-sauce-tips/