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Savory BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Creamy Coleslaw

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These savory BBQ pulled pork sliders with creamy coleslaw are quick and easy to make, perfect for parties or casual dinners. The tender, smoky pork pairs beautifully with a cool, creamy slaw for a satisfying flavor and texture combination.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky, slightly sweet, e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 mini slider buns, lightly toasted
  • For the creamy coleslaw:
  • 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon celery seed
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat dry. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Optional: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork shoulder on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Transfer pork to a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add chopped onions, garlic, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and ½ cup BBQ sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  4. Remove pork and let rest for 10 minutes. Shred pork using two forks or meat claws, discarding large fat chunks.
  5. Return shredded pork to cooker or pot. Stir in remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce and warm for 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt or vinegar if needed.
  6. Make the coleslaw: Combine shredded cabbage and grated carrot in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Toss dressing with veggies until evenly coated. Chill until serving.
  7. Lightly butter slider buns and toast on a hot skillet or griddle for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Assemble sliders by piling pulled pork on bottom bun, topping with creamy coleslaw, then placing top bun. Serve immediately warm.

Notes

Browning the pork before slow cooking adds flavor and a nice crust. Let pork rest before shredding for easier handling. Make coleslaw a day ahead for best flavor and texture. Toast buns just before assembling to avoid sogginess. Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness or tanginess with vinegar or sugar to taste. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Pork can be cooked in oven at 300°F for about 3 hours as an alternative.

Nutrition

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