Smoky Burn Ban BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Slow-cooked pulled pork with a smoky dry rub, served on soft slider buns for a perfect game day or summer cookout treat. This american-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder (boneless), brown sugar, smoked paprika 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 (boneless)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 slider buns
- 1 1/2 cups (optional topping) coleslaw
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tbsp salt, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to make a dry rub.
- Step 2: Rub the 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder evenly with the spice mixture, pressing it into all sides.
- Step 3: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup water around the meat to keep it moist.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Step 5: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, discarding any excess fat.
- Step 6: Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss with the cooking juices for 5 minutes on warm to absorb flavors.
- Step 7: Toast 12 slider buns lightly. Fill each bun with generous portions of pulled pork and top with 1 1/2 cups coleslaw if desired for added crunch and tang.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Burn Ban BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders 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 Smoky Burn Ban 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 (boneless) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Burn Ban 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 Smoky Burn Ban 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 Smoky Burn Ban BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders?
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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