Classic Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders

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

Tender smoked pulled pork served on soft slider buns with a tangy barbecue sauce. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder (Boston butt), smoked paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°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 to create a dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 lb pork shoulder thoroughly with the dry rub, coating all sides evenly. Place the pork shoulder on the smoker grate and smoke for 6-8 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender enough to pull apart easily.
  3. Step 3: Remove the pork from the smoker and let it rest for 20 minutes, then use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the shredded pork with 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and 1 cup barbecue sauce, mixing well to coat the meat.
  5. Step 5: Assemble sliders by placing generous portions of the pulled pork on 12 slider buns and topping each with approximately 2 tbsp of coleslaw for crunch and tang.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders 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 Classic Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders?

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 (boston butt) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders?

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 Classic Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders 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 Classic Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders?

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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