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Tender Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with Easy Zesty Pickled Onions for Perfect Party Bites

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This recipe features slow-cooked, tender pulled pork paired with quick zesty pickled onions, creating a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors ideal for casual gatherings and parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (preferably kosher salt)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
  • Optional: 1 small dried chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Slider buns or mini brioche buns, lightly toasted
  • Optional: coleslaw or fresh greens for crunch
  • Optional: BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork Rub: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well.
  2. Season the Pork: Pat the pork shoulder dry. Rub the spice mix all over the pork. Let sit 15-20 minutes at room temperature if possible.
  3. Set up the Slow Cooker: Pour apple cider vinegar and chicken broth or water into the slow cooker base. Place the pork shoulder fat side up in the slow cooker.
  4. Cook the Pork: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork reaches about 195°F and is tender.
  5. Make the Pickled Onions: Combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and optional chili in a saucepan. Simmer until sugar and salt dissolve. Pour hot liquid over sliced onions in a jar or bowl. Let sit at least 15 minutes.
  6. Shred the Pork: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks, discarding large fat chunks.
  7. Mix in Cooking Juices: Add some cooking liquid back to shredded pork to keep moist. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Assemble the Sliders: Lightly toast buns. Pile pulled pork, pickled onions, and optional coleslaw or BBQ sauce on buns. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not rush cooking time; low and slow yields the best tender pork. Leave some fat on pork for moisture and flavor. Pickled onions should be made fresh and only pickled for about 15 minutes to retain crunch. Toast buns just before assembling to prevent sogginess. Save some pickling liquid for drizzling later. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, slow cooker pulled pork, pickled onions, party food, BBQ sliders, easy pulled pork recipe, zesty pickled onions

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/tender-pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-with-easy-zesty-pickled-onions-for-perfect-party-bites/