Print

Flavorful BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe Easy Homemade with Pickled Red Onion

BBQ pulled pork sliders - featured image
Print Recipe

These BBQ pulled pork sliders feature tender slow-cooked pork shoulder tossed in a balanced homemade barbecue sauce, topped with tangy pickled red onions, and served on soft slider buns. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual parties, they offer a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor combination that pleases both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 lbs pork shoulder (1.8–2.3 kg), with some fat marbling
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (360 ml), homemade or store-bought
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard (30 ml)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (25 g)
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika (7 g)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (2.5 g)
  • 1 tsp onion powder (2.5 g)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pickled Red Onion:
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar (120 ml)
  • ½ cup water (120 ml)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (12 g)
  • 1 tsp salt (6 g)
  • 12 small slider buns (soft, slightly sweet; Martin’s Potato Rolls recommended)
  • Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, extra BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickled red onions: Thinly slice one large red onion. In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup apple cider vinegar, ½ cup water, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt until dissolved. Submerge the onion slices in the liquid and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Season the pork: Mix 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this dry spice mix all over the 4-5 lb pork shoulder, working it into the crevices.
  3. Cook the pork: Place the pork in the slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Pour the sauce over the pork. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. If using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 60 minutes with natural release. The pork should be fork-tender and fall apart easily.
  4. Shred and mix: Remove the pork from the cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker, mixing well with the sauce for extra flavor.
  5. Assemble the sliders: Slice slider buns in half. Pile a generous scoop of pulled pork on the bottom bun. Add a layer of pickled red onions (drain excess liquid). Top with optional extras like pickles or coleslaw, then cover with the top bun.

Notes

[‘Use pork shoulder with good marbling for juicy meat.’, ‘Low and slow cooking breaks down connective tissue for tender pork.’, ‘Pickled red onions can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor.’, ‘Let pork rest after cooking to preserve juices and ease shredding.’, ‘If pork seems dry, stir in more BBQ sauce before assembling sliders.’, ‘Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 4 days or freeze pork up to 3 months.’, ‘Reheat gently on skillet with splash of water or BBQ sauce to keep moist.’, ‘For gluten-free, swap slider buns with gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps.’, ‘Add cayenne or hot sauce to BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.’, ‘Optional toppings like coleslaw or pickles add texture and flavor.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled pork sliders, pulled pork recipe, slow cooker pulled pork, pickled red onions, slider buns, party food, easy dinner, barbecue

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/flavorful-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-easy-homemade-with-pickled-red-onion/