Get ready to experience the ultimate in smoky, saucy, and sensational flavor with these Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders! As the bold culinary rebel behind Maxivore.com, I’m about to take your taste buds on an incredible flavor adventure that will leave you utterly amazed. These sliders are the stuff of epic food dreams – prepare to have your mind blown by the explosive combination of tender, juicy pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and perfectly fluffy slider buns. Let’s dive in and turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
These Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are an absolute must-try for any food lover seeking an epic, mouth-watering meal that will have you coming back for more. Featuring melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork that’s been slow-cooked to perfection and smothered in a irresistible homemade BBQ sauce, these sliders are a true flavor explosion. The tender pork paired with the fluffy buns and tangy sauce creates a taste sensation that will leave you craving every last bite. Plus, these sliders are incredibly easy to make, so you can whip up this legendary dish anytime you get a craving for something insanely delicious. Get ready to experience the ultimate in smoky, saucy, and sensational flavor!
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to create these Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The star of the show is, of course, the mouthwatering pulled pork, which gets its incredible flavor from a blend of spices, brown sugar, and a low and slow cooking method. The tangy BBQ sauce is made from a combination of classic ingredients like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. And let’s not forget the fluffy, lightly toasted slider buns that bring everything together for an epic flavor experience.
- 4-5 lbs – Pork shoulder or pork butt
- 2 tbsp – Smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 tsp – Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pork: Chicken or beef (for a different protein option)
- BBQ Sauce: Swap with your favorite store-bought or homemade version (to customize the flavor)
How to Make Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Let’s get this flavor party started! Preparing these Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders is a breeze, and the end result is nothing short of legendary.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by seasoning your pork shoulder with a mouthwatering blend of spices, including smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Once the pork is coated in the flavorful rub, it’s time to let the magic happen. Transfer the seasoned pork to a slow cooker and let it work its tender, juicy wonders for several hours, filling your kitchen with the most tantalizing aroma.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
After the pork has had time to become fall-apart tender, it’s time to shred it into glorious, flavor-packed strands. Transfer the pork to a large bowl and use two forks to pull it apart into bite-sized pieces. Now, it’s time to smother the pulled pork in your homemade BBQ sauce, made from a delectable combination of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of brown sugar. Stir everything together until the pork is evenly coated in the tangy, smoky sauce.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly toast the slider buns until they’re golden brown and perfectly crisp. Place a generous helping of the saucy pulled pork onto the bottom buns, then top with the fluffy upper buns. Voila – you’ve just created a culinary masterpiece that’s about to blow your mind!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crispy Onion Strings: Top the sliders with crispy fried onion strings for an extra crunchy and flavorful twist.
- Tangy Coleslaw: Add a refreshing crunch by topping the pulled pork with a tangy homemade coleslaw.
- Honey BBQ Sauce: For a sweeter, more caramelized flavor, try using a honey-based BBQ sauce instead of the classic version.
- Spicy Sriracha: Add a fiery kick by stirring some sriracha into the BBQ sauce or drizzling it over the top of the sliders.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, and plenty of napkins (trust me, these sliders get messy in the best way!).
Storage: Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy these flavor-packed sliders all week long.
Reheat: To reheat the leftover pulled pork, simply place it in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until it’s piping hot.
Make-Ahead: The pulled pork can be made up to 4 days in advance, so you can prep everything ahead of time and simply assemble the sliders when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are a deliciously indulgent treat, but they can also be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Each slider contains approximately 250 calories, with a good amount of protein from the pork and carbohydrates from the slider buns. The BBQ sauce provides a source of natural sweetness, while the spices and smokiness add tons of flavor without a lot of extra calories or fat.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pork should I use for the pulled pork?
For the most tender and flavorful pulled pork, opt for a pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts have the perfect balance of fat and lean meat to create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the pulled pork actually tastes even better the next day. You can make the pork up to 4 days in advance and simply reheat it and assemble the sliders when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make the BBQ sauce spicier?
For an extra kick of heat, try adding a few tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce. You can also experiment with different types of chili peppers to find your perfect level of spice.
Can I bake the pulled pork instead of using a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely bake the pork shoulder in the oven if you don’t have a slow cooker. Just place the seasoned pork in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake at 300°F for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.
How do I reheat the leftover pulled pork?
To reheat the leftover pulled pork, simply place it in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until it’s piping hot.
Try These Next
- Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Spicy Chipotle Bbq Pulled Pork Nachos
- Smoky Bbq Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf With Maple Glaze
Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: 🍖 SMOKE HOUSE
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the perfect blend of tender, flavorful pulled pork and tangy BBQ sauce, served on soft slider buns. Ideal for game day or a casual gathering!
Ingredients
– 3 lbs pork shoulder (or butt)
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 12 slider buns
– Coleslaw (optional topping)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
3. 2. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. 3. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and add 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce.
5. 4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
6. 5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
7. 6. Mix the shredded pork with the remaining BBQ sauce.
8. 7. Serve the pulled pork on slider buns, topped with coleslaw if desired.
Notes
– For added flavor, consider marinating the pork overnight with the spice rub.
– Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
– These sliders are great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pulled pork, sliders, BBQ, smoked, sandwiches