Smoky Burn Ban BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

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

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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 12 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder evenly with the spice mixture, pressing it into all sides.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, discarding any excess fat.
  6. Step 6: Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss with the cooking juices for 5 minutes on warm to absorb flavors.
  7. 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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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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