Smoky Georgia BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw
Slow-cooked pulled pork infused with smoky spices, piled on mini buns and topped with a crisp, tangy vinegar-based slaw for a perfect Southern slider. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 320 minutes pairs pork shoulder (boneless), smoked paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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 smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 12 mini slider buns
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup carrot, grated
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for slaw)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for slaw)
- 1 tbsp honey (for slaw)
- 1/4 tsp salt (for slaw)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper (for slaw)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder.
- Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan, cover tightly with foil, and roast in the oven for 4-5 hours until meat is fork-tender and shreds easily.
- Step 3: While pork cooks, prepare the slaw by whisking together 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a large bowl. Add 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/2 cup grated carrot. Toss well and refrigerate.
- Step 4: Remove the pork from the oven and shred with two forks. Stir in 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, and 1/4 cup ketchup to create the pulled pork mixture.
- Step 5: To assemble, place generous portions of pulled pork on 12 mini slider buns and top each with a spoonful of the tangy slaw. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Georgia BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 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 Georgia BBQ 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 (boneless) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Georgia BBQ 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 Georgia BBQ 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 Georgia BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw?
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.