Western-Themed Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw

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

Juicy, slow-smoked pulled pork served on mini brioche buns with a zesty vinegar coleslaw for a fun western-style BBQ experience. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 510 minutes pairs pork shoulder (bone-in), brown sugar, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 30 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tbsp black pepper to create a spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 4 lb pork shoulder evenly with the spice mixture, covering all sides.
  3. Step 3: Preheat smoker to 225°F and smoke the pork shoulder for about 8 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is pull-apart tender.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, combine 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 cups shredded green cabbage, and 1 cup shredded carrot in a bowl; mix well to make tangy coleslaw.
  5. Step 5: Once pork is done, let rest for 30 minutes, then shred with forks and mix with 2 tbsp yellow mustard.
  6. Step 6: Assemble sliders by placing generous pulled pork on each of the 8 mini brioche buns and topping with a spoonful of coleslaw and optional 1/4 cup pickled jalapenos for heat.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Western-Themed Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw take to make?

Total time is about 510 minutes (30 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 Western-Themed Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw?

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 Western-Themed Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw?

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 Western-Themed Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw 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 Western-Themed Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Coleslaw?

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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