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Flavorful Smoked Paprika BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with Easy Apple Slaw

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Tender pulled pork with smoky paprika flavor served on toasted slider buns topped with a crisp, tangy apple slaw. Perfect for gatherings and easy slow cooker preparation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 medium apples, thinly sliced or julienned (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • 12 slider buns or small soft rolls (brioche recommended)
  • Butter for toasting buns

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pork rub by combining smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub the spice mix all over the pork, pressing it in evenly. (Prep time: 10 minutes)
  3. Place the pork in the slow cooker. Mix BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar in a separate bowl and pour over the pork.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily.
  5. While pork cooks, toss sliced apples, shredded cabbage, and carrots in a large bowl.
  6. Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and pour over the slaw. Toss gently and refrigerate until serving.
  7. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred using forks or meat claws. Return shredded pork to slow cooker juices and stir to keep moist.
  8. Butter the insides of slider buns and toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
  9. Assemble sliders by piling pulled pork on bun bottoms, topping with apple slaw, and covering with bun tops. Serve immediately.

Notes

If pork is dry, stir in extra BBQ sauce or slow cooker juices before serving. Toast buns last-minute to prevent sogginess. For oven method, cook pork covered at 300°F for 4-5 hours. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for gluten-free option. Swap mayo for Greek yogurt or vegan alternative for lighter or dairy-free slaw.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, smoked paprika, BBQ, sliders, apple slaw, slow cooker, easy recipe, party food, comfort food

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/flavorful-smoked-paprika-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-with-easy-apple-slaw/