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Smoky Pulled Pork Sliders

This dish features tender, shredded pork shoulder slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender, then mixed with smoky barbecue sauce. The meat is piled onto toasted slider buns with crunchy pickles and optional toppings, creating a juicy, flavorful bite with a satisfying texture and smoky aroma.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds pork shoulder preferably fatty for juiciness
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce smoky and slightly sweet
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 slider buns brioche buns lightly toasted
  • 6 slices dill pickles sliced
  • optional cheddar cheese or coleslaw for topping
  • to taste salt, pepper, smoked paprika seasoning

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Forks
  • Baking sheet
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Season the pork shoulder generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then sear it in a hot skillet until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This locks in juices and adds flavor.
  2. Place the seared pork in a slow cooker along with sliced onions and minced garlic. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the meat is super tender and easily pulls apart.
  3. Once cooked, transfer the pork to a large platter and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the meat into fibrous strands, feeling the satisfying pull with each rip.
  4. Mix the shredded pork with smoky barbecue sauce, stirring to coat every strand evenly. The meat should be glossy and flavorful, ready to be piled onto buns.
  5. While the pork rests, toast the slider buns lightly in the oven or on a baking sheet until just golden, about 3 minutes. This adds crunch and helps prevent sogginess.
  6. Arrange the toasted buns on a serving platter. Spoon a generous amount of the smoky pulled pork onto the bottom halves of each bun.
  7. Add slices of dill pickles on top of the pork for a bright, vinegary crunch. If desired, add slices of cheddar cheese or a dollop of coleslaw for extra flavor and texture.
  8. Top each slider with the remaining bun halves and serve immediately, allowing the flavors to meld and the aromas to fill the room. Enjoy these juicy, smoky bites!