Why This Pulled Pork Is So Darn Good

Okay, so I’ve tried making pulled pork a million times, and let me tell you, the first few attempts were… less than stellar. The pork was either dry, bland, or just plain tough—ugh, I hated it. But that’s how I learned a super important trick. See, most recipes just have you dump everything in and hope for the best. Nope, not here. What really makes this pulled pork amazing is the dry rub. It locks in all those flavors, creating a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender because it’s not battling all that darn liquid at the beginning! This method makes amazing BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders every single time.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

• The pork is so tender, it basically melts in your mouth—no tough, chewy bites here!
• The BBQ sauce is completely customizable. Use your favorite store-bought kind or even make your own!
• You can make this in my trusty slow cooker or my Instant Pot, which is what I make on busy nights, whichever you prefer.
• Sliders are so easy—I mean, who can say no to a slider?
• My kids absolutely love this recipe topped with creamy coleslaw and pickles.
• These are perfect for parties, game day, or a quick weeknight dinner.

What You’ll Need for BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Best Pork Shoulder for BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

A 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder, also known as a pork butt (so weird, I know!), is the key to amazing pulled pork. You don’t need anything fancy here, but seriously, don’t skimp on the fat! That marbling is what gives you that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Look for a shoulder with good coloring and decent fat distribution within the meat.

When selecting your pork shoulder, try to find one that is evenly shaped. This will help ensure even cooking. Pork shoulder is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, making it a great option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. If you’re having a larger gathering, you can easily double or triple this recipe.

Aromatics

• Yellow Onion: Provides a nice sweet flavor base to the meat. I find it works best when diced, but you can also slice it if you prefer. Other types of onions work too, but yellow onions provide a mild flavor after cooking.
• Garlic: Adds that pungent, savory taste that just pairs so well with pork and BBQ sauce. Fresh garlic is always best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch if you’re short on time.

Don’t be shy with the aromatics; they really make a difference. For a deeper garlic flavor, you can even roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Simply wrap a head of garlic in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the recipe as directed.

Spices

• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the rub caramelize beautifully. Light or dark brown sugar can be used; dark brown sugar will provide a slightly deeper, more molasses-like flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: This is essential for that smoky BBQ flavor. Don’t skip it! Regular paprika won’t give you the same depth of flavor.
• Chili Powder: Adds warmth and depth of flavor that complement the smoked paprika. This is the one I always reach for because it’s so versatile. You can also use a spicier chili powder if you want a little heat.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: They enhance the savory flavor, making it extra delicious. Make sure your powders are fresh for the best flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To season and balance all the flavors—super important! Use kosher salt for the best results. It distributes evenly and enhances all the flavors.

For a more complex flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the spice rub. You can also adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on your preference for sweetness. Adding one teaspoon of cumin delivers a layer of earthiness.

Liquid or Sauce

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the pork. You don’t want this to be too sweet! If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar can be substituted, but it will be a bit more tart. Using a splash of pineapple juice is also a great option with a similar effect!
• Worcestershire Sauce: I swear, this stuff is magic. It adds umami and depth of flavor that you just can’t get anywhere else. Soy sauce can also work, but keep in mind that it can be saltier.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your absolute favorite! I love a smoky-sweet one, but you do you. Experiment with different flavors—a Carolina-style vinegar-based sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce would also be delicious.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a can of Dr Pepper or Coca-Cola to the slow cooker or Instant Pot along with the other liquids. The sugars in the soda will help caramelize the pork and add a unique sweetness. Be sure to use regular soda, not diet, as the artificial sweeteners can have a bitter taste when cooked.

Vegetables or Add-ins

• Slider Buns: Hawaiian rolls always disappear fast in my house, and I make this at least once a week, but potato rolls or even brioche work great too. Check your local bakery for an amazing selection of rolls for your sliders.

For a fun twist, try using pretzel slider buns. The slight saltiness of the pretzel bread pairs perfectly with the sweet and smoky pulled pork. Consider adding a slice of cheese to the buns before piling on the pork. The cheese will melt slightly from the heat of the pork.

Toppings

• Coleslaw: Adds a cool and creamy contrast to the warm and smoky pork that I just can’t resist. You can buy pre-made coleslaw or make your own, but definitely don’t skip this one if you love a tangy bite!
• Pickles: Add a tangy and crunchy bite that cuts through the richness. I love using dill pickles! Bread and butter pickles or spicy pickles would also be a great addition.

Upgrade your coleslaw by adding some shredded carrots, red onion, or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. For a spicier kick, try using pickled jalapeños instead of regular pickles. Another great topping option is a vinegar-based slaw, which is a perfect complement to pulled pork.

How to Make BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Prep & Season

1. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder. Make sure every nook and cranny is coated for maximum flavor! Don’t be afraid to really massage the rub into the meat. Let the pork sit with the rub for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator, for even deeper flavor.

If you have the time, try dry-brining the pork shoulder. This involves salting the pork shoulder generously and letting it sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before applying the spice rub. This helps the pork retain moisture and flavor during cooking.

How to Make BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders in the Slow Cooker

1. Add 1 chopped yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the bottom of your slow cooker. The onions and garlic will create a flavorful base for the pork to cook on.
2. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic. The placement on top helps ensure the bottom doesn’t stick and burn.
3. Pour in 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. These liquids add moisture and flavor to the pork.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. Cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness after the minimum time.

For an even more intense flavor, you can sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This will create a beautiful crust on the outside and lock in the juices. Be sure to sear all sides of the pork until browned.

How to Make BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders in the Instant Pot

1. Add 1 chopped yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the bottom of your Instant Pot. The onions and garlic will create a flavorful base for the pork to cook on.
2. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic. This will help prevent the pork from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
3. Pour in 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. These liquids will help tenderize the pork and add flavor.
4. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 60-75 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural pressure release. Don’t skip that natural release, trust me! The natural pressure release allows the pork to continue cooking and become even more tender. A quick release can result in tougher pork.

If you want to add a smoky flavor to your Instant Pot pulled pork, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to the cooking liquid. Be careful not to add too much, as it can be overpowering.

How to Shred Pork for BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

1. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker or Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board. Be careful, the pork will be very hot!
2. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. It should easily fall apart at this point. If the pork is not shredding easily, it may need to cook longer.
3. Skim any excess fat from the cooking liquid, though you can skip this step if you want and it won’t ruin anything, then pour about 1 cup of the liquid over the shredded pork. Also, stir in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. The cooking liquid adds moisture and flavor back into the pork, while the BBQ sauce gives it that classic BBQ taste. Reserve some BBQ sauce for serving, too.

For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon or two of butter to the shredded pork along with the cooking liquid and BBQ sauce. This will help create a more luscious and flavorful pulled pork.

How to Assemble BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

1. Slice the slider buns in half and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or butter on each half, if desired. I usually skip this, but my kids love it! A little mayonnaise or butter can help prevent the buns from getting soggy.
2. Pile a generous amount of the BBQ pulled pork onto the bottom buns. Don’t be shy, load them up. You won’t regret it!
3. Top with coleslaw and pickles, if desired. Feel free to add other toppings like sliced onions, jalapeños, or your favorite cheese.
4. Place the top buns on the sliders. That’s it—you’re done! Serve immediately and enjoy!

If you’re making these sliders for a party, you can assemble them ahead of time and keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting. Just be sure to add the coleslaw and pickles just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

Tips for the Best BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

• Don’t rush the cooking process: Whether you’re using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, allow the pork to cook until it’s truly fork-tender. The longer it cooks, the more collagen breaks down, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
• Use a meat thermometer: If you want to be absolutely sure your pork is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 195-205°F (90-96°C) for optimal shreddability.
• Let the pork rest: After cooking and before shredding, let the pork rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
• Toast the buns: Toasting the slider buns adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy from the pulled pork and sauces.
• Get creative with toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to customize your sliders. Some other tasty options include:
• Caramelized onions
• Jalapeños
• Pickled onions
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
• Different BBQ sauces
• Fried onions

Consider adding some crispy fried onions or onion rings to add more texture. Experimenting with different types of cheese can also be a fun way to change things up.

Troubleshooting

• Pork is dry: If your pulled pork turns out dry, try adding more of the cooking liquid or BBQ sauce to the shredded meat. You can also add a tablespoon or two of melted butter to add moisture and flavor.
• Pork is tough: If your pork is not shredding easily, it likely needs to cook longer. Return it to the slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook for another hour or two until it’s fork-tender.
• BBQ sauce is too sweet: If your BBQ sauce is too sweet for your liking, add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.

If you find that your pulled pork is too salty, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar to help balance out the flavors. Saltiness can depend on your choice of broth or dry rub.

How to Serve BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

These BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are best served warm and are comfort food done right. Offer a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping—because why not? They pair so well with crispy french fries, potato salad, or creamy mac and cheese. I also like a simple green salad to cut through the richness. Just FYI, the pork is always best enjoyed fresh, but it’s still tasty after sitting for a bit.

For a fun presentation, serve the sliders on a platter lined with parchment paper or butcher paper. This will give them a rustic and appealing look that’s perfect for parties or game day gatherings.

How to Store and Reheat BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

• Fridge: Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the buns and toppings separate to prevent them from getting soggy.
• Freezer: Pulled pork freezes great! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be amazing.
• Reheating: Reheat the pulled pork in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a bit more BBQ sauce before reheating to prevent drying for a moist and flavorful meal.

When reheating frozen pulled pork, add a little bit of broth or water to help rehydrate the meat and prevent it from drying out. Slow and steady is key when reheating.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders FAQ

Can I use a different cut of pork?

Pork shoulder is really the best choice because of the fat content, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use pork loin or tenderloin. They will likely be less tender and need shorter cooking times, so watch them closely!

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

You bet! This is what I do when I want to make these sliders for a party. Just make the pulled pork a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before assembling everything, and you’re good to go.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

You can substitute white vinegar or lemon juice, but honestly, apple cider vinegar adds a unique tanginess that really complements the BBQ flavor. So, if you can, grab a bottle for this!

Can I make my own BBQ sauce if I don’t want to use store-bought?

Absolutely! There are tons of great homemade BBQ sauce recipes that you can try to completely customize your BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. Don’t overthink this recipe; just work with what you have!

Helpful References:

Related Recipes

• Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
• Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Chops

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