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Tender Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Easy Pickled Onion Slaw

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A hands-off slow cooker recipe delivering tender, juicy BBQ pulled pork sliders topped with a bright and tangy pickled red onion slaw. Perfect for casual gatherings and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought, e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (e.g., Hellmann’s)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 12–16 slider buns or small soft rolls
  • Optional: pickles or extra BBQ sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend all over the pork, pressing it into the meat.
  2. In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  3. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is tender enough to shred easily.
  4. While pork cooks, thinly slice the red onion. In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat until sugar dissolves, then pour hot mixture over onions in a jar or bowl. Let sit at least 30 minutes to pickle.
  5. In a large bowl, toss shredded cabbage with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and about half of the pickled onions (drained slightly). Adjust to taste.
  6. When pork is done, transfer to a large bowl or platter. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Spoon some cooking liquid over pork if desired for moisture.
  7. Slice slider buns and pile on pulled pork. Top with pickled red onion slaw and optional pickles or extra BBQ sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use pork shoulder for best tenderness. Keep slow cooker lid closed during cooking to maintain moisture. Pickled onions can be made up to a week ahead. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo or omit and add extra vinegar and olive oil to slaw. Shred pork gently with two forks to avoid mushy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, BBQ pulled pork, sliders, pickled onion slaw, easy dinner, party food, comfort food

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/tender-slow-cooker-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-with-easy-pickled-onion-slaw/