If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing, melt-in-your-mouth comfort food that’s bursting with flavor, these Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw are your new go-to recipe. Picture tender, slow-cooked pork piled high on soft slider buns and topped with crisp, tangy slaw that adds just the right crunch. This quick and delicious Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw recipe is perfect for gatherings, game days, or any time you want a handheld dish that feels both indulgent and fresh. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have sliders that your friends and family will rave about!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe approachable for cooks of all levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: Slider size makes these ideal for parties, potlucks, or casual dinners with friends.
- Tender and Juicy Pork: Slow-cooked pork ensures every bite is packed with rich, flavorful tenderness.
- Crunchy Slaw Contrast: The zesty slaw adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the richness of the pork beautifully.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak seasoning and toppings to suit your personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in creating a delicious balance of flavors and textures. From tender pork to fresh slaw components, these simple staples combine to make an irresistible dish.
- Pork Shoulder (or Boston Butt): The best cut for juicy pulled pork that shreds easily.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy glaze that complements the pork perfectly.
- Slider Buns: Soft, small buns that hold the pork and slaw without overpowering the flavors.
- Cabbage (Green and/or Red): Crisp and crunchy base for the slaw.
- Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the slaw.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy texture in the slaw.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a zesty tang that brightens the slaw.
- Honey or Sugar: Balances the vinegar with a subtle sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the flavors in both pork and slaw.
Variations for Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw
One of the best things about this Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw recipe is how easily it adapts to your preferences. Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or want to try next time.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or sriracha to the slaw for some heat.
- Vegan Option: Swap the pulled pork for jackfruit and use a vegan mayo in the slaw.
- Different Buns: Try brioche buns or pretzel rolls for a richer bread choice.
- Alternate Slaw Dressings: Replace mayo with Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette for a lighter slaw.
- Smoky Twist: Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the pork rub for an extra smoky flavor.
How to Make Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Pork
Start with trimming any excess fat from your pork shoulder. Rub the pork with a simple spice blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This seasoning creates a flavorful crust while the meat cooks.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Pork
Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker or oven-safe pot with a splash of broth or water. Cook low and slow for about 8 hours (or in an oven at 300°F for 4-5 hours) until the meat is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Step 3: Make the Slaw
While the pork cooks, prepare the slaw by finely shredding cabbage and grating carrots. Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss the veggie mixture with the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Step 4: Shred and Sauce the Pork
Once cooked, shred the pork using two forks. Mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce to keep it moist and flavorful. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Lightly toast the slider buns to add a bit of crunch. Pile on the saucy pulled pork, then top generously with the crunchy slaw. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 195°F for perfect shredding.
- Don’t Skip Toasting Buns: Toasting prevents sogginess and adds flavor and texture contrast.
- Drain Slaw Dressing Excess: For a less watery slaw, let it sit briefly and drain excess liquid before topping the sliders.
- Make Pork Ahead: Pulled pork tastes even better the next day as flavors meld, so cooking ahead saves time.
- Customize BBQ Sauce: Mix different styles (sweet, spicy, smoky) to find your perfect BBQ flavor blend.
How to Serve Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like sliced pickles, fresh cilantro, or chopped green onions can elevate the sliders, adding bursts of bright flavor and extra texture layers.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crispy sweet potato fries, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad to round out your meal with complementary flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange sliders on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce and pickles. Add colorful napkins or themed decorations for festive occasions. You can even stack sliders in tiers for an eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pulled pork and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Freeze the pulled pork without the slaw in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat pulled pork gently in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Add fresh slaw right before serving to preserve its crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Slow cooking the pork shoulder ensures it becomes tender and easy to shred, making a slow cooker the perfect tool for this recipe.
What type of BBQ sauce works best for these sliders?
Classic smoky and sweet BBQ sauces work great, but feel free to experiment with spicy or tangy varieties to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the slaw a few hours before serving but keep the dressing separate until just before assembling the sliders to keep it crisp.
Are there alternatives to pork for this recipe?
Jackfruit is a popular vegan substitute that mimics pulled pork texture well, especially when cooked with BBQ sauce.
How do I prevent the slider buns from getting soggy?
Toasting the buns and serving the sliders immediately after assembling helps keep the bread from becoming soggy, especially with juicy pulled pork.
Final Thoughts
These Pulled Pork Sliders with Slaw are the ultimate comfort food made simple and spectacular. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe brings juicy pork and crunchy slaw together in a perfect handheld bite every single time. Give it a try and watch these sliders become a fast favorite at your table!