7UP Lemon-Lime Pulled Pork Sliders
Slow-cooked pulled pork simmered with 7UP for a tender, sweet citrus flavor, served in soft slider buns with tangy slaw. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pounds, trimmed pork shoulder, (240ml) 7UP lemon-lime soda, medium, sliced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds, trimmed pork shoulder
- 1 cup (240ml) 7UP lemon-lime soda
- 1 medium, sliced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 12 slider buns
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a slow cooker, place 3 pounds trimmed pork shoulder and 1 sliced medium yellow onion. Sprinkle 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper evenly over the pork.
- Step 2: Pour 1 cup 7UP lemon-lime soda, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp honey over pork.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until pork is very tender and easily shredded with forks.
- Step 4: While pork cooks, prepare slaw by combining 2 cups coleslaw mix with 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
- Step 5: When pork is done, remove from slow cooker and shred with two forks, discarding excess fat.
- Step 6: Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir to coat with cooking juices.
- Step 7: To assemble sliders, place generous portions of pulled pork on 12 slider buns and top each with a spoonful of cilantro lime slaw.
Frequently asked questions
How long does 7UP Lemon-Lime Pulled Pork Sliders take to make?
Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover 7UP Lemon-Lime Pulled Pork Sliders?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds, trimmed pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 7UP Lemon-Lime Pulled Pork Sliders?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale 7UP Lemon-Lime Pulled Pork Sliders for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with 7UP Lemon-Lime Pulled Pork Sliders?
American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for game day! The lemon-lime flavor was refreshing and the pork pulled apart easily.
- ★★★★★
Loved the tangy twist from the 7UP! My kids devoured these sliders at the picnic.
- ★★★★☆
Tasted great but the pork was a bit bland without extra seasoning. Still a hit at the barbecue.