Elevate your taste buds with our mouthwatering BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw, a harmonious fusion of tender, flavorful pork and a refreshingly crisp coleslaw. Brace yourself for a culinary experience that will tantalize your senses and leave you craving more of this delectable creation.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw
Indulge in the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with our BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. The tender, juicy pork is slow-cooked to perfection, infusing every bite with a depth of flavor that will transport you to the heart of the American South. Paired with a vibrant coleslaw that adds a refreshing crunch, this dish is a true celebration of gourmet comfort food. Prepare to be enchanted by the elegant simplicity and irresistible charm of this dish.
Ingredients
To create our mouthwatering BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, you’ll need a few carefully selected ingredients. The star of the show is the succulent pork shoulder, which we’ll slowly braise in a flavorful homemade BBQ sauce. Complementing the pork is a crisp coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy, creamy dressing. Finally, we’ll nestle the pulled pork between pillowy-soft brioche buns for a truly decadent and gourmet experience.
- 4 lbs – Pork shoulder, seasoned with salt and pepper
- 1 large – Onion, diced
- 4 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 1 cup – Homemade BBQ sauce
- 2 cups – Chicken stock
- 1/4 cup – Apple cider vinegar
- 12 – Brioche buns, split
- 4 cups – Shredded cabbage
- 2 – Carrots, shredded
- 1 cup – Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp – Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp – Granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Buns: Gluten-free brioche-style buns or lettuce wraps — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Dairy-Free Coleslaw: Plant-based mayonnaise — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw
Begin by preparing the tender, flavorful pork that will be the star of this dish. We’ll then whip up a vibrant coleslaw to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky pork.
Step 1 — Sear the Pork
Begin by seasoning the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, sear the pork on all sides over medium-high heat until a beautiful caramelized crust forms. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
Step 2 — Braise the Pork
In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar until fragrant and softened. Deglaze the pot with a splash of apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add your homemade BBQ sauce, chicken stock, and the seared pork shoulder back to the pot. Cover and transfer to the oven, allowing the pork to braise for 3-4 hours, or until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender.
Step 3 — Shred the Pork
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Toss the shredded pork with the rich, flavorful braising liquid to coat it evenly.
Step 4 — Assemble the Sliders
In a separate bowl, prepare the coleslaw by tossing together shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy, tangy dressing. To assemble the sliders, place a generous portion of the BBQ pulled pork on the bottom half of each brioche bun, then top with a spoonful of the coleslaw. Finish by placing the top bun and serving immediately.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Elevated Coleslaw: For an even more decadent twist, consider adding a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese or a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce to the coleslaw.
- Bun Creativity: You can also experiment with different types of buns, such as Hawaiian rolls or pretzel buns, to complement the flavors.
- Spice it Up: If you prefer a spicier version, consider adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
- Patience is Key: Remember, the key to truly exceptional pulled pork is in the slow cooking process, so don’t be tempted to rush it. The low and slow method is the secret to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy fries, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: The pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the coleslaw for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the pork gently in a skillet or the microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: The pulled pork can be made in advance and reheated before assembling the sliders.
Nutrition Information
Each slider, including the bun, pulled pork, and coleslaw, contains approximately 350 calories, 15 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein. This dish is a balanced and satisfying meal, providing a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot to make the pulled pork?
Absolutely! The pulled pork can be easily adapted for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Simply place the seasoned pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, and broth in the appliance and cook on low for 8-10 hours (slow cooker) or high pressure for 60-90 minutes (Instant Pot).
How do I make the coleslaw dressing?
The coleslaw dressing is a simple blend of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, a touch of sugar, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the ratios to suit your personal taste preferences.
Can I make the pulled pork in advance?
Yes, the pulled pork can be made up to 4 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it gently before assembling the sliders.
What can I serve with the BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders?
These sliders pair beautifully with classic sides like crispy fries, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a fresh green salad. You can also offer additional toppings like pickled onions, jalapeños, or a selection of sauces for your guests to customize their sliders.
How spicy are these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders?
The BBQ sauce used in this recipe has a mild to moderate level of spice. If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a touch of your favorite hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
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Mouthwatering BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw
- Total Time: 320 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
Indulge in the refined comfort of BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, perfectly paired with a crisp, tangy coleslaw. This elegant dish is a delightful indulgence for any gathering.
Ingredients
1. 2 lbs pork shoulder
2. 1 cup BBQ sauce
3. 12 slider buns
4. 2 cups coleslaw mix
5. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
6. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
7. Salt and pepper to taste
8. Optional: pickles for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. 2. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper, then place it in a roasting pan.
3. 3. Cover the pork with BBQ sauce and roast for 4-5 hours until tender.
4. 4. While the pork is cooking, prepare the coleslaw by mixing the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
5. 5. Once the pork is done, shred it with two forks and mix it with the remaining BBQ sauce.
6. 6. Serve the pulled pork on slider buns topped with coleslaw and pickles if desired.
Notes
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches, Burgers & Melts
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg