Y’all, get ready to experience the ultimate flavor explosion in your mouth! I’m whipping up a batch of my Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw, and trust me, this dish is about to take your taste buds on a wild ride. We’re talking about tender, juicy pork drenched in a delectable maple bourbon glaze, piled high on fluffy slider buns and topped with a refreshing, tangy slaw. This is the stuff that food dreams are made of, my friends. Let’s dive in and get our hands dirty!
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw
These Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders are the ultimate party pleaser and crowd-pleaser. The combination of the rich, smoky pork, the sweet and boozy maple bourbon glaze, and the tangy, crunchy slaw is a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Plus, these sliders are perfect for feeding a crowd, whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a game day gathering, or just a casual hangout with friends. Get ready to be the talk of the town with this insanely delicious dish!
Ingredients
For the pulled pork, you’ll need pork shoulder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and a few other pantry staples. The tangy slaw is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, a tangy vinegar-based dressing, and a few spices to really make it pop. And let’s not forget the maple bourbon glaze that ties it all together – a sweet and boozy concoction that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds go wild.
- 3-4 lbs – Pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp – Smoked paprika
- 2 tsp – Garlic powder
- 2 tsp – Onion powder
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pork: Chicken or jackfruit (for a plant-based option)
- Bourbon: Whiskey or apple cider (if you’re not a fan of bourbon)
How to Make Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw
Now it’s time to get your hands dirty and bring this flavor-packed dish to life! Let’s dive in, step by step.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by seasoning your pork shoulder with the smoky spice blend, then let it sit for a bit to let the flavors really soak in. While the pork is doing its thing, whip up the tangy slaw dressing and get those veggies prepped and ready to go.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now it’s time to get that pork cooking! Pop it in the oven or slow cooker and let it work its magic, filling your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma. Once the pork is fork-tender, shred it up and toss it with the maple bourbon glaze.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Time to bring this dish together! Pile the saucy pulled pork onto those fluffy slider buns, then top it off with the tangy, crunchy slaw. Get ready for an explosion of flavors in every bite!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Feeling fancy? Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a drizzle of extra maple bourbon glaze to really take this dish over the top. Trust me, your guests will be begging for the recipe.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Slaw Variation: Try a spicy slaw or a creamy coleslaw for a fun twist.
- Glaze Variation: Swap out the bourbon for other liquors or use a different sweetener.
- Toppings: Go for crispy onion strings or crumbled bacon for an extra indulgent slider.
- Get Creative: Let your inner food rebel shine and have fun with this recipe!
Serving & Storage
Serve with: classic BBQ sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, or a fresh, crunchy salad.
Storage: The pulled pork and slaw can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored separately in the fridge.
Reheat: Simply reheat the pork before serving and give the slaw a quick toss.
Make-Ahead: This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead of time, so you can enjoy the party instead of slaving away in the kitchen!
Nutrition Information
These Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders are a flavor explosion, but they’re also packed with some pretty impressive nutrition stats. The pork is a great source of protein, while the cabbage and carrots in the slaw provide a nice dose of fiber and vitamins. And let’s not forget the maple bourbon glaze, which adds a touch of natural sweetness. Indulge in these sliders without any guilt, my friends!
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! The pulled pork and slaw can both be made up to 3 days in advance and stored separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the pork and toss the slaw.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Definitely! While pork shoulder is the traditional choice, you can easily swap it out for chicken, beef, or even jackfruit for a plant-based option.
How spicy are these sliders?
The recipe as written has a mild level of spice, thanks to the smoked paprika. But if you’re looking to turn up the heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce to the glaze.
Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?
Absolutely! The pork shoulder is perfect for the slow cooker. Just pop it in, cover it with the spice rub, and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours on low.
What should I serve with these sliders?
These Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders are the star of the show, but they also pair beautifully with classic BBQ sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, or a fresh, crunchy salad.
Try These Next
- Smoky Bourbon Bbq Meatballs With Spicy Maple Glaze
- Smoky Maple Bourbon Brisket With Sweet Potato Mash
- Smoked Applewood Bbq Ribs With Maple Glaze
Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 600 minutes
- Total Time: 620 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🍖 SMOKE HOUSE
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders are a perfect blend of sweet and smoky flavors, served on soft buns with a tangy slaw that adds crunch and brightness.
Ingredients
1 (4-5 lb) pork shoulder roast
1 cup maple bourbon
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
8 slider buns
2 cups coleslaw mix
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp celery seed
Instructions
1. 1. In a slow cooker, place the pork shoulder roast and pour the maple bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar over it.
2.
3. 2. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture over the pork.
4.
5. 3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
6.
7. 4. Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker to soak in the juices.
8.
9. 5. In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and celery seed. Mix well.
10.
11. 6. To assemble the sliders, place a generous amount of pulled pork on each slider bun and top with tangy slaw.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a splash of hot sauce to the pulled pork mixture.
These sliders are great for parties and can be made ahead of time. Just reheat the pulled pork before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pulled pork, sliders, smoky, bourbon