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Firecracker Pulled Pork Sliders

firecracker pulled pork sliders - featured image

Flavorful firecracker pulled pork sliders with creamy coleslaw combine smoky, spicy pork with a tangy, creamy slaw for a perfect balance of bold flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt, trimmed
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (smoky brand like Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
  • 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust based on heat preference)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s recommended)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp celery seed (optional)
  • 12 slider buns, split and lightly toasted
  • Pickles or jalapeño slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub spice mix evenly over the pork. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
  2. Place pork in slow cooker. Whisk together barbecue sauce, sriracha, and honey in a separate bowl. Pour sauce over pork and turn to coat. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily. (Cook time: 4-8 hours depending on setting)
  3. Remove pork from slow cooker and transfer to a large bowl. Shred meat finely with two forks or meat claws, discarding large fat chunks. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and stir to coat with remaining sauce. Keep warm. (Prep time: 10 minutes)
  4. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots. In a smaller bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and celery seed if using. Pour dressing over cabbage mix and toss until well coated. Refrigerate until serving. (Prep time: 10 minutes)
  5. Lightly toast slider buns in toaster oven or under broiler for 1-2 minutes to add crunch and prevent sogginess. (Prep time: 2 minutes)
  6. Assemble sliders by spooning pulled pork onto bottom half of each bun. Top with creamy coleslaw and add pickles or jalapeños if desired. Place top bun and serve immediately. (Assembly time: 5 minutes)

Notes

If sauce is too thick after cooking, stir in a splash of water or apple juice before shredding pork. Adjust sriracha for desired heat. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Coleslaw tastes better after chilling for 1-2 hours. Pork can be cooked ahead and reheated. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, firecracker pulled pork, creamy coleslaw, barbecue sliders, spicy pulled pork, easy pulled pork recipe, slow cooker pulled pork