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Tender Star-Spangled BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

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A foolproof, tender, and juicy pulled pork slider recipe with a tangy-sweet BBQ sauce perfect for summer parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup molasses or dark honey
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 soft slider buns (potato buns recommended)
  • Pickles, sliced
  • Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice blend evenly all over the pork.
  2. Optional: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Brown the pork on all sides until golden crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Place the pork in the slow cooker. Pour apple cider vinegar and water or broth around the pork, not directly on top to preserve the rub. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork shreds easily with a fork.
  4. While the pork cooks, whisk together ketchup, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
  5. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred into bite-sized pieces using forks or meat claws. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  6. Pour BBQ sauce over shredded pork and toss until evenly coated. Return to slow cooker on warm setting if serving later.
  7. Toast slider buns lightly if desired. Pile BBQ pulled pork on each bun, add pickles and optional coleslaw. Serve immediately.

Notes

Searing the pork is optional but adds flavor. Use gluten-free buns for a gluten-free version. If pork seems dry, add a splash of cooking liquid when shredding. Leftovers taste better the next day. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to keep moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, BBQ pulled pork, summer party recipe, slow cooker pulled pork, BBQ sliders, easy pulled pork, star-spangled BBQ

Find it online: https://spoonette.com/tender-star-spangled-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-easy-recipe-for-perfect-summer-parties/