Smith's Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Slow-cooked pork shoulder smothered in tangy-smoky barbecue sauce, served on mini buns with pickled onions for a crowd-pleasing weekend meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 33 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1.5 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup onion
- 1/2 cup pickled red onions
- 12 mini buns
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 3 lbs pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then rub with 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1.5 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Place pork in a slow cooker, pour 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar over it, and cook on low for 8 hours until fork-tender.
- Step 3: Remove pork from slow cooker, shred with two forks, and mix with 1 cup barbecue sauce until fully coated.
- Step 4: Heat 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup diced onion in a skillet over medium heat for 10 minutes until onion is translucent and caramelized.
- Step 5: For pickled onions: combine 1/2 cup pickled red onions with 2 tbsp mayonnaise and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
- Step 6: Warm mini buns in a toaster oven for 2 minutes. Spread 1 tsp pickled onion mixture on each bun, top with pulled pork, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smith's Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 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 Smith's Smoky BBQ 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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smith's Smoky BBQ 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 Smith's Smoky BBQ 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 Smith's Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders?
American slow cooker 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 8-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
