Smoky Game Day Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw

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

Slow-smoked pulled pork piled onto soft slider buns with a crisp, tangy cabbage slaw, perfect for game day gatherings or casual meals. This american-inspired pork ready in about 435 minutes pairs pork shoulder (bone-in), smoked paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 420 min Serves 12 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Rub this spice mix evenly over the entire surface of 4 lbs pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Preheat smoker or grill to 250°F. Place pork shoulder fat-side up on the smoker grate and smoke for 6-7 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is tender enough to pull apart easily.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, prepare the slaw by mixing 3 cups coleslaw mix with 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss well and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: When pork is done, let rest for 20 minutes. Shred pork with two forks and toss with a sauce made from 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, and 1 tbsp honey.
  5. Step 5: Assemble sliders by piling pulled pork onto 12 slider buns and topping with a generous spoonful of tangy slaw. Serve immediately for a smoky, tangy, and crunchy bite.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Game Day Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 435 minutes (15 min prep + 420 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 Game Day Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw?

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 (bone-in) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Game Day Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw?

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 Game Day Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw 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 Game Day Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw?

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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