Smoky Texas BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Tender pulled pork slow-cooked with smoky spices served on soft slider buns with tangy coleslaw. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 495 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 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 slider buns
- 3 cups coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for slaw)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt (for slaw)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for slaw)
Instructions
- Step 1: Rub 3 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Step 2: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup water. Cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is very tender and easily shredded.
- Step 3: While pork cooks, mix 3 cups coleslaw mix with 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 4: Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks, discarding any excess fat and bones. Mix some cooking juices back into the shredded pork to keep it moist.
- Step 5: Toast 12 slider buns lightly, then pile each with a generous portion of pulled pork and top with the prepared coleslaw. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Texas 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 Texas 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 Smoky Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders?
BBQ & Smoked 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.
