Mini BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw

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

Slow-cooked pulled pork smothered in smoky barbecue sauce, served on mini buns with crunchy tangy coleslaw for a perfect bite. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs BBQ sauce, medium, sliced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine 2 lbs trimmed pork shoulder pieces, 1 medium sliced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Pour 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar over the top.
  2. Step 2: Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir in 1 cup BBQ sauce to coat evenly. Keep warm.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage, 1 grated medium carrot, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined for the coleslaw.
  5. Step 5: To assemble, split 8 slider buns and pile each with a generous scoop of pulled pork and a spoonful of coleslaw. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mini BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw 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 Mini BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with 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 bbq sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mini BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with 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 Mini BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw 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 Mini BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with 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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