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Cozy Smoky Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Slaw

pulled pork sliders with apple slaw - featured image
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Tender, smoky pulled pork piled high on soft slider buns with a crisp, tart apple slaw. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for cozy nights and crowd-pleasing potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple, julienned or grated
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp celery seeds
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 slider buns (brioche buns recommended)
  • Butter, for toasting the buns (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the spice rub. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  2. Season the pork. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture all over the meat, pressing it in gently. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. Start the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce into the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the liquid.
  4. Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork shreds easily with a fork. Flip the pork once at the 6-hour mark if cooking on low.
  5. Shred the pork. Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a large cutting board or bowl. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  6. Add the BBQ sauce. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker (or a large bowl). Pour in the reserved cooking liquid and the 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Toss to coat. Let it sit in the warm slow cooker for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  7. Make the apple slaw. While the pork rests, combine the shredded cabbage, julienned apple, and red onion in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and celery seeds. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  8. Toast the buns (optional but worth it). Split the slider buns and butter the cut sides. Place them on a baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, until golden.
  9. Assemble the sliders. Place a generous heap of pulled pork on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a spoonful of apple slaw. Add the top bun and press down gently. Serve immediately.

Notes

For deeper flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a hot skillet with oil before adding to the slow cooker. Make the slaw fresh just before serving to prevent browning. Leftover pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, apple slaw, slow cooker, smoky pulled pork, comfort food, easy recipe, potluck

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/cozy-smoky-pulled-pork-sliders-with-apple-slaw-easy-recipe/