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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders with Easy Apple Cider Slaw

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These tender slow cooker pulled pork sliders paired with a crisp, tangy apple cider slaw are perfect for fuss-free gatherings and comfort food cravings. The slow cooker makes the pork melt-in-your-mouth tender while the slaw adds a refreshing crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage (can substitute half with red cabbage)
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
  • 1 small apple, thinly sliced or julienned (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 slider buns or small soft rolls
  • Optional: pickles, sliced jalapeños, or extra BBQ sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend all over the pork, pressing into the meat (10-15 minutes).
  2. Optional: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour in apple cider vinegar, chicken broth (or water), and sprinkle brown sugar over the top. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork easily pulls apart with a fork.
  4. While pork cooks, shred cabbage and carrot using a box grater or food processor. Thinly slice the apple. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Toss shredded veggies and apple with dressing. Refrigerate until serving.
  5. Remove cooked pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks or a stand mixer paddle. Discard large pieces of fat. Return shredded pork to slow cooker to soak up juices for 10 minutes.
  6. Slice slider buns in half and toast lightly if desired. Pile pulled pork on bottom buns, top with apple cider slaw, and cover with top bun. Add pickles or extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

Searing the pork before slow cooking adds extra flavor but can be skipped if short on time. For gluten-free, use gluten-free rolls or serve over lettuce leaves. Prepare slaw shortly before serving to keep it crisp. If slaw is wet after sitting, gently squeeze out excess liquid. Let pork rest a few minutes before shredding to keep it juicy. Adjust slow cooker times based on your appliance’s heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, slow cooker pulled pork, apple cider slaw, easy sliders, BBQ sliders, comfort food, party food, game day recipe

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/tender-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-sliders-with-easy-apple-cider-slaw-recipe/