BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw

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

Mini BBQ pulled pork sliders topped with crunchy tangy coleslaw or summer cookouts. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 320 minutes pairs boneless pork shoulder, smoked paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 300 min Serves 12 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice blend all over 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan, cover tightly with foil, and roast for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.
  3. Step 3: While the pork roasts, combine 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, and 1 medium shredded carrot in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Step 4: When the pork is done, shred it using two forks and mix in 1 cup BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Assemble sliders by placing generous portions of pulled pork on 12 small slider buns and topping with the tangy coleslaw. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 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 BBQ 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 boneless pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in BBQ 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 BBQ 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 BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw?

American bbq & smoked 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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