Spiced Game Day Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw

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

Tender pulled pork simmered in a smoky spice rub, served on soft slider buns with a crisp, tangy slaw perfect for basketball game nights. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 200 minutes pairs pork shoulder, brown sugar, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, 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: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves 8 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Rub this spice blend evenly over 2 lbs pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and pour 1 cup water and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar around it. Cover tightly with foil and roast for 3 hours or until pork is fork-tender.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, and 1 grated medium carrot in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper until smooth. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Step 4: Once pork is tender, remove from oven and shred with two forks, mixing with the pan juices for moisture.
  5. Step 5: Toast 8 slider buns lightly. Pile pulled pork generously on each bun and top with a spoonful of tangy slaw. Serve immediately for a hearty game day treat.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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 Spiced 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced 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 Spiced Game Day Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Spiced Game Day 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.

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