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Flavorful BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with Easy Bourbon Coleslaw

BBQ pulled pork sliders - featured image

These flavorful BBQ pulled pork sliders with bourbon coleslaw combine smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors for an effortless and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage (about half a medium head)
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Slider buns or small sandwich rolls, lightly toasted
  • Pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend all over the pork evenly. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour apple cider vinegar and BBQ sauce over the meat. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender enough to shred. Alternatively, cook on high for 4-5 hours.
  3. While pork cooks, prepare the bourbon coleslaw. Combine shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Toss dressing with cabbage mixture and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir to combine with juices. Keep warm on low.
  5. Lightly toast slider buns. Assemble sliders by piling pulled pork on bun bottoms, topping with bourbon coleslaw and pickles if desired, then placing bun tops. Serve immediately.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free coleslaw, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. If pork seems dry, stir in extra BBQ sauce or slow cooker juices. Let pork rest 10 minutes before shredding for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, sliders, bourbon coleslaw, slow cooker, party food, easy recipe, smoky pulled pork