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Savory BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe Easy Homemade with Pickled Red Onions

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These savory BBQ pulled pork sliders with pickled red onions combine tender, smoky pork with tangy pickled onions on soft slider buns, perfect for casual get-togethers or quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (boneless, trimmed of excess fat)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon black peppercorns or red pepper flakes
  • 12 slider buns (soft, slightly sweet)
  • Optional: fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Trim any large pieces of excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork, massaging it to cover every surface.
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
  4. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
  5. If using an Instant Pot, seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 90 minutes, then allow natural release for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove the pork from the cooker and let it rest briefly on a cutting board.
  7. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
  8. Return shredded pork to the cooker or a large bowl and stir in the barbecue sauce until evenly coated. Reserve some sauce if desired.
  9. Thinly slice the red onion. In a bowl or jar, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and optional spices. Stir until sugar and salt dissolve.
  10. Submerge onions in the liquid, pressing them down to soak. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or longer for better flavor.
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange slider buns on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes until soft and slightly toasted.
  12. Assemble sliders by piling pulled pork onto each bun bottom, topping with pickled red onions and fresh herbs if using, then capping with the bun top.
  13. Serve immediately.

Notes

If pork is too saucy, drain excess liquid before assembling to prevent soggy buns. Pickled onions can be made ahead and stored up to a week. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Warming buns before serving enhances texture. Let pork rest before shredding for juicier meat.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/savory-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-easy-homemade-with-pickled-red-onions/