How to Create Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

Pulled pork sliders are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game days, or just a hearty dinner. With their smoky BBQ flavor, tender pulled pork, and soft slider buns, they’re a treat for the taste buds. The best part? You don’t need to be a master chef to make them! In this blog, I’ll walk you through the process of creating smoky BBQ pulled pork sliders step by step in simple English. Let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need

Before we start, gather your ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt) – About 4-5 pounds (good for shredding).
BBQ Rub – A mix of spices to flavor the pork (you can buy it or make your own).
BBQ Sauce – Smoky or sweet BBQ sauce, based on your preference.
Chicken Broth or Apple Juice – For extra moisture and flavor when cooking.
Slider Buns – Soft buns that are small enough to hold in one hand.
Optional: Coleslaw, pickles, or onions for toppings.

Equipment:

Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, or Oven – For cooking the pork.
Tongs – To handle the pork.
Forks – For shredding the pork.
Measuring Cup – To pour liquids accurately.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pulled pork sliders may look fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple to make. Follow these steps:

1. Prep the Pork

Start by preparing your pork shoulder. If needed, pat the pork dry using a paper towel. Then coat the entire piece of pork with BBQ rub. If you don’t have a rub, make a simple mix using spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and brown sugar. Gently massage the rub into the meat so it’s well-seasoned.

If you have time, let the pork sit in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight. This lets the flavors seep into the meat.

2. Cook the Pork

Choose your cooking method based on the tools you have. Every method works beautifully, so don’t stress!

Slow Cooker Method (Recommended):

Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker.
Add about 1 cup of chicken broth or apple juice for moisture and flavor.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 8 hours, or on High for 5-6 hours. It’s ready when the pork is so tender that you can pull it apart with a fork.

Oven Method:

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Put the pork shoulder in a roasting pan or Dutch oven.
Add a cup of chicken broth or apple juice to the pan.
Cover the pan with aluminum foil or a tight-fitting lid and roast for about 4-6 hours, checking occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid.

Instant Pot Method:

Place the pork in the Instant Pot and add broth or apple juice.
Cook on High Pressure for 1 hour and let the pressure release naturally for 15-20 minutes.

3. Shred the Pork

Once the pork is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl or plate. Use two forks to shred the meat. Simply pull the pork apart into small pieces—this is where it gets its name, “pulled pork.” Remove any fat or gristle as you shred.

4. Add BBQ Sauce

Now it’s time to add the smoky BBQ flavor! Pour BBQ sauce over the shredded pork and mix it well. Start with a little sauce and taste as you add more. You want the pork coated but not swimming in sauce. Heat the sauced pork in the slow cooker, oven, or stove for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.

5. Assemble the Sliders

Grab your slider buns and set up your assembly station. Here’s how to build your sliders:

Base: Place the bottom half of the slider bun on a plate.
Pulled Pork: Add a generous scoop of BBQ pulled pork on top of the bun.
Toppings (Optional):
Add crunchy coleslaw for freshness.
Try pickles or sliced onions for a tangy kick.
Top Bun: Cover with the top half of the bun.

Feel free to get creative with toppings. Coleslaw adds a nice contrast to the smoky BBQ, but it’s optional.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Your smoky BBQ pulled pork sliders are ready to serve! Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear within minutes. These sliders are best enjoyed warm, but they taste just as good at room temperature.

Tips for Success:

Choose the Right Pork: Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is the best cut for pulled pork because it’s juicy and tender after slow cooking.
Make Ahead: The pulled pork can be cooked and stored in the fridge up to 2 days in advance. Reheat in the oven or slow cooker and add fresh toppings right before serving.
BBQ Sauce Variety: Experiment with different BBQ sauces—smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy. You can even mix two sauces for a unique flavor.

Final Thoughts:

Smoky BBQ pulled pork sliders are easy to make and incredibly delicious. By using simple ingredients and following these steps, you can whip up sliders that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating your family to a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your apron and get cooking—your sliders are waiting!

How to create smoky BBQ pulled pork sliders