Introduction to Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw
Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re anything like me, you know that life can get pretty hectic. Between juggling work, family, and everything in between, finding time to whip up a delicious meal can feel like a daunting task. That’s where these Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw come in! They’re not just a quick solution for a busy day; they’re a crowd-pleaser that will impress your loved ones. Imagine tender, flavorful pork nestled in soft slider buns, topped with a zesty slaw that adds the perfect crunch. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist!
Why You’ll Love This Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw
These Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw are a game-changer for busy moms and professionals alike. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal hands-on time while the oven does the heavy lifting. The combination of smoky, sweet pork and crunchy, tangy slaw creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, they’re perfect for gatherings, making you the star of the show without breaking a sweat!
Ingredients for Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these mouthwatering Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pork shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, becoming tender and juicy as it cooks.
- Barbecue sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce that infuses the pork with flavor. Choose your favorite brand or make your own!
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a nice tang and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness and caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
- Smoked paprika: Gives the pork a smoky flavor that’s essential for that BBQ taste.
- Garlic powder: A must-have for adding depth and richness to the sauce.
- Onion powder: Complements the garlic and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Black pepper and salt: Basic seasonings that elevate the taste of the pork.
- Slider buns: Soft and fluffy, they’re the perfect vessel for your pulled pork.
- Coleslaw mix: A convenient way to add crunch and freshness to your sliders.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the slaw, helping to bind the ingredients together.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a zesty kick to the slaw, balancing the creaminess.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness that rounds out the flavors in the slaw.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust to your preference for the best flavor.
For those looking to customize, feel free to swap out the pork shoulder for chicken or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option. You can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal that will wow your family and friends.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that the pork cooks evenly and becomes tender. Trust me, you want that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Each ingredient plays a role: the barbecue sauce brings sweetness, while the vinegar adds tang. The spices give depth, making your pork flavorful and irresistible!
Step 3: Cook the Pork
Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and pour the sauce mixture over it, making sure it’s well-coated. Cover the pan tightly with foil. This step is essential; it traps moisture, allowing the pork to cook slowly and become tender. Bake for 4-5 hours, and your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 4: Make the Tangy Slaw
While the pork is cooking, let’s whip up that tangy slaw! In a bowl, mix the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. This slaw is all about balance. The creaminess of the mayo, the zing from the mustard, and the sweetness of honey create a delightful crunch that complements the pork perfectly.
Step 5: Shred the Pork
Once the pork is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Mix it with the remaining sauce in the pan for extra flavor. This step is where the magic happens; you’ll see how tender and juicy the pork is!
Step 6: Assemble the Sliders
Now comes the fun part—assembling your sliders! Take a slider bun and pile on a generous amount of pulled pork. Top it off with a scoop of tangy slaw. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine. Serve them up warm, and watch everyone dig in!
Tips for Success
- Marinate the pork overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 190°F for perfect tenderness.
- Let the shredded pork sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving.
- For a spicy kick, add some hot sauce to the slaw.
- Keep slider buns warm in a towel until ready to serve.
Equipment Needed
- Roasting pan: A large baking dish works too if you don’t have one.
- Aluminum foil: Essential for covering the pan; parchment paper can be a substitute.
- Mixing bowls: Any size will do for combining ingredients.
- Two forks: Perfect for shredding the pork; you can also use a meat shredder.
Variations
- Spicy Pulled Pork: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a fiery kick.
- BBQ Chicken Sliders: Swap the pork shoulder for boneless chicken thighs for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Option: Use jackfruit or mushrooms as a meat substitute for a delicious plant-based slider.
- Different Slaw: Experiment with different slaw ingredients, like adding apples or nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Buns: Use gluten-free slider buns to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sides: Serve with crispy potato chips or sweet potato fries for a delightful crunch.
- Refreshing Drinks: Pair with iced tea or lemonade to balance the richness of the sliders.
- Presentation: Arrange sliders on a wooden board for a rustic look, garnished with fresh herbs.
FAQs about Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw
Can I make Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pulled pork and tangy slaw a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the pork and assemble the sliders for a quick meal.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
For these Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw, I recommend a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. However, feel free to use your favorite brand or even a homemade version for a personal touch!
Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Yes! If you’re short on time, a slow cooker is a fantastic option. Cook the pork on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. It will still turn out tender and flavorful!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled pork and slaw in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3-4 days. Just reheat the pork before serving it on fresh buns!
What can I serve with these sliders?
These sliders pair wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or even a fresh garden salad. They’re perfect for any gathering or family dinner!
Final Thoughts
Making Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw is more than just cooking; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table. The joy of pulling apart tender pork and layering it with that zesty slaw is a culinary adventure that brings everyone together. Whether it’s a casual family night or a festive gathering, these sliders are sure to impress. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can focus on what truly matters—enjoying time with your loved ones. So roll up your sleeves, dive into this recipe, and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Slaw You Can’t Resist!
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious pulled pork sliders topped with a tangy slaw, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 slider buns
- 2 cups coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and pour the sauce mixture over it.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake for 4-5 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
- While the pork is cooking, prepare the tangy slaw by combining the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Once the pork is done, shred it with two forks and mix it with the remaining sauce in the pan.
- To assemble the sliders, place a generous amount of pulled pork on each slider bun and top with the tangy slaw.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the pulled pork marinate overnight in the sauce before cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the slaw by adding more or less honey.
- These sliders can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
