Buffet-Style Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked pulled pork piled high on soft slider buns with a crisp, tangy coleslaw, perfect for casual gatherings or game day. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 500 minutes pairs 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 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
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mix all over 3 lbs pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar around it. Cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender and pulls apart easily.
  3. Step 3: While the pork cooks, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage and 1 cup shredded carrot in a bowl. Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a separate bowl, then toss with the cabbage and carrot to make coleslaw. Refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: When pork is done, shred it with two forks and mix in 1 cup barbecue sauce.
  5. Step 5: To assemble sliders, split 12 slider buns, pile each with a generous scoop of pulled pork, and top with a spoonful of coleslaw.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately for a hands-on buffet-style meal.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buffet-Style 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 Buffet-Style 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 Buffet-Style 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 Buffet-Style 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 Buffet-Style 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.

Related recipes