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Juicy Mini Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe Easy Homemade with Pickled Red Onions

mini pulled pork sliders - featured image

These juicy mini pulled pork sliders with pickled red onions are tender, flavorful, and perfect for casual gatherings or game days. The slow-cooked pork pairs beautifully with tangy pickled onions for a delicious bite-sized treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for pickling)
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • About 12 mini slider buns (soft and slightly sweet, like Hawaiian rolls)
  • Optional: BBQ sauce of choice

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice one large red onion. In a bowl or jar, combine ½ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir until sugar dissolves, then add the onions. Press down to submerge and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1½ teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend all spices.
  3. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Spread 2 tablespoons yellow mustard evenly over the pork to help the rub stick. Massage the dry rub all over the pork, covering every surface.
  4. Place the rubbed pork shoulder into a slow cooker. Set on low and cook for 4 to 5 hours until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with forks.
  5. Remove the pork shoulder carefully and place on a large cutting board or plate. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large chunks of fat. If the pork seems dry, stir in a little warm water, broth, or BBQ sauce to moisten.
  6. Optional: Split the mini buns and toast them lightly in a pan or oven until golden and slightly crisp around the edges.
  7. Assemble the sliders by piling a generous amount of pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a spoonful of pickled red onions and a drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired. Close with the top bun.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free slider buns or serve on lettuce wraps. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Shred pork while warm for best texture. Pickled onions can be stored up to 2 weeks and taste better after a day or two. Leftover pork tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Avoid stirring pork too often during cooking to preserve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, mini sliders, pickled red onions, slow cooker pulled pork, easy pulled pork recipe, BBQ sliders, party food, game day recipe