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Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders for the Best Cookout

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These easy BBQ pulled pork sliders are tender, smoky, and perfect for any cookout. With a simple sear and slow cooker method, they deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • Pork shoulder (3-4 pounds)
  • Yellow onion (1 large), sliced into thick rings
  • Garlic cloves (4-5), smashed
  • Chicken broth (1 cup), low-sodium
  • Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons)
  • Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon)
  • Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons)
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Brown sugar (2 tablespoons, packed)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon), kosher
  • Black pepper (½ teaspoon), freshly ground
  • Your favorite BBQ sauce (1 ½ cups)
  • Slider buns (12-15), brioche or potato rolls
  • Coleslaw (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Take the pork shoulder out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. Pat it completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Sprinkle the rub all over the pork shoulder and rub it in, covering every surface.
  3. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. Add a tablespoon of oil with a high smoke point (avocado or canola). Carefully place the pork shoulder in the hot skillet and sear without moving for 4-5 minutes per side, until deeply browned on all sides (about 15 minutes total).
  4. While the pork sears, slice the onion into thick rings and smash the garlic cloves. Layer the onion rings in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the smashed garlic on top. Pour in chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.
  5. Place the seared pork shoulder on top of the onions. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and falls apart easily.
  6. Carefully transfer the pork shoulder to a large cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat by pulling them apart in opposite directions. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  7. Pour off most of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker, leaving about ½ cup along with the softened onions. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Add BBQ sauce and stir to combine. Cook on warm or low for another 20-30 minutes.
  8. Split the slider buns and toast them lightly under the broiler or in a dry skillet. Pile the pulled pork generously onto the bottom buns. Top with coleslaw if desired, then add the top buns. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear—it creates a crust that infuses the dish with deep, smoky richness. Let the pork rest before shredding to keep it moist. Toast the buns to prevent sogginess. For crispy edges, broil the shredded pork on a sheet pan for 3-5 minutes before adding sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, pulled pork sliders, easy pulled pork, slow cooker pulled pork, cookout recipe, barbecue sliders

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