Arcade-Themed Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pulled pork piled high on mini buns with a crisp, tangy coleslaw, inspired by fun family arcade centers. This american-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, yellow mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 12 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 2 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place in slow cooker and pour 1 cup barbecue sauce over the top. Cook on low for 8 hours until pork is tender and pulls apart easily.
  2. Step 2: While pork cooks, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded carrot, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, and 1/2 tsp celery seed in a bowl. Toss thoroughly to create a tangy coleslaw and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: When pork is done, shred it with two forks and mix with cooking juices for extra flavor. Lightly toast 12 mini slider buns.
  4. Step 4: Assemble sliders by piling generous portions of pulled pork onto each toasted bun and topping with a heaping spoonful of the prepared tangy coleslaw. Serve immediately to enjoy warm pulled pork with crisp, refreshing slaw.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Arcade-Themed Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 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 Arcade-Themed Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw?

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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Arcade-Themed Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw?

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 Arcade-Themed Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw 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 Arcade-Themed Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw?

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.

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