Carbondale-Inspired Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked pulled pork sliders seasoned with a smoky dry rub and topped with a crisp vinegar slaw for a perfect balance of savory and tangy. This southern american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, brown sugar, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 8, 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: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 Southern American cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Rub this spice blend all over 3 lbs pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour in 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded carrots, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a bowl. Toss well to make the tangy slaw; refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: Once pork is done, shred it using two forks and mix with the cooking juices for moistness.
  5. Step 5: To assemble sliders, spoon generous portions of pulled pork onto 8 mini slider buns and top with a heap of the tangy slaw. Serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Carbondale-Inspired Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw 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 Carbondale-Inspired Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw?

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 Carbondale-Inspired Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw?

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 Carbondale-Inspired Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Carbondale-Inspired Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw?

Southern 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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