Looking for a delicious and easy to make recipe for BBQ pulled pork sliders? Look no further! This recipe is sure to please everyone at your next gathering.
The pork is slow cooked in a flavorful barbecue sauce until it is fall apart tender. Then, it is piled high on slider buns and topped with your favorite toppings. These sliders are perfect for a casual get together or a backyard barbecue.
In today’s blog, we’ll walk you through a step by step guide on how to craft these irresistible sliders in the comfort of your own kitchen. From selecting the ideal cut of pork to creating a tantalizing blend of spices and the perfect BBQ sauce, we’ll cover all the essential elements that make this recipe a standout crowd pleaser.
What Is The Best Way To Cook Pulled Pork?
There are many ways to cook pulled pork, but the most popular methods are:
- Slow cooker: This is the easiest method and produces tender, juicy pork. Simply place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker, add your favorite BBQ sauce, and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Oven: This method is a bit more hands-on, but it produces crispy, flavorful pork. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and roast the pork shoulder for 3-4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grill: This method is perfect for summertime cookouts. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the pork shoulder for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pound) pork shoulder, boneless and trimmed
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 slider buns, split
- Your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, coleslaw, pickles, and onions
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine the pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the pork.
- Place the pork in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is easily shredded with two forks.
- Shred the pork and return it to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with the sauce.
- To assemble the sliders, place a slider bun on a serving plate. Top with some of the pulled pork, then your favorite toppings. Repeat with remaining buns and toppings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a few tablespoons of smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder to the barbecue sauce.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the pork in a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over low heat for 8-10 hours.
- Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
What Are Some Other Variations Of This Recipe?
There are many different variations of this recipe. Some popular variations include:
- Adding different types of vegetables to the pork, such as onions, peppers, or carrots.
- Using different types of BBQ sauce, such as sweet, spicy, or smoky.
- Adding different toppings to the sliders, such as cheese, bacon, or sour cream.
What Goes With BBQ Sliders?
There are many things that go well with BBQ sliders. Here are a few suggestions:
- Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a classic side dish that goes well with BBQ. The sweetness of the coleslaw helps to balance out the acidity of the BBQ sauce.
- Macaroni salad: Macaroni salad is another classic side dish that goes well with BBQ. The creamy macaroni salad helps to offset the richness of the BBQ sauce.
- Potato salad: Potato salad is a hearty side dish that goes well with BBQ. The starchy potatoes help to soak up the BBQ sauce, and the vegetables in the potato salad add a bit of freshness.
- Cucumber salad: Cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish that goes well with BBQ. The cucumbers help to cleanse the palate after eating the rich BBQ sauce.
- Cactus salad: Cactus salad is a unique and flavorful side dish that goes well with BBQ. The cactus adds a bit of texture and flavor to the dish.
In addition to these side dishes, you can also serve BBQ sliders with a variety of drinks, such as:
- Beer: Beer is a classic drink that goes well with BBQ. The bitterness of the beer helps to balance out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- Soda: Soda is a refreshing drink that goes well with BBQ. The carbonation helps to cleanse the palate after eating the rich BBQ sauce.
- Water: Water is always a good choice when you are eating a heavy meal. The water will help to keep you hydrated and feeling full.
No matter what you choose to serve with your BBQ sliders, you are sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Facts
Here are the nutritional facts for one mouthwatering BBQ pulled pork slider:
- Calories: 305
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6.4g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.9g
- Cholesterol: 53mg
- Sodium: 822mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 16g
Is BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Healthy?
The healthiness of BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders depends on the ingredients used and the serving size. A typical recipe for BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders calls for pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, slider buns, and cheese. Pork shoulder is a good source of protein and iron, but it is also high in fat. Barbecue sauce can be high in sugar and calories. Slider buns are typically made with white flour, which is high in carbohydrates. Cheese is also high in fat and calories.
If you are looking for a healthier version of BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, you can use lean pork, a sugar-free barbecue sauce, whole wheat slider buns, and low fat cheese. You can also reduce the amount of meat and cheese used in each slider.
Health Benefits Of BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Healthy
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders can be a healthy option if you choose the right ingredients and make them in moderation. Here are some of the health benefits of BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders:
- Protein: Pork is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
- Iron: Pork is also a good source of iron, which is important for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
- Zinc: Pork is a good source of zinc, which is important for the immune system.
- Vitamin B12: Pork is a good source of vitamin B12, which is important for energy production and brain health.
- Selenium: Pork is a good source of selenium, which is an antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage.
Conclusion
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders can be a healthy option if you choose the right ingredients and make them in moderation. However, it is important to be aware of the calorie, fat, and sodium content of the sliders and to adjust your portion size accordingly.
By following these tips, you can enjoy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders without feeling guilty.