These Sweet and Savory Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders are a true treat! Tender pork mixed with a tasty sauce sits on soft buns, making them perfect for any get-together.
Who can resist those little flavor-packed sandwiches? They’re so good, I often make extra just in case! Enjoy them with some coleslaw for a well-rounded meal that’s super easy to share.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is ideal for pulling because it has lots of marbling, resulting in juicy, tender meat. If you can’t find pork shoulder, pork loin or even beef brisket can be good alternatives, though they might change the flavor a bit.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and helps caramelize the meat. If you need a substitute, you can use coconut sugar or even honey, but adjust the amount of other liquids to keep the consistency right.
Spices: Paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder really bring flavor. If you are out of something, you can mix in Italian seasoning or taco seasoning for a different taste. I recommend using smoked paprika if you like a deeper flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds acidity, balancing out the sweetness. White vinegar or even lemon juice can work well too if you’re in a pinch.
Barbecue Sauce: I prefer a sweet variety, but feel free to choose a spicy or tangy sauce depending on your taste. You can also make your own using ketchup, vinegar, and spices for a custom flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Smoke on My Pork?
Smoking pork can be tricky, but with the right steps, you’ll achieve mouthwatering results. Here’s how to get that perfect smoky flavor:
- Heat Management: Keep your smoker at a steady 225°F. Too high a temperature can dry out the meat.
- Wood Chips: Choose wood chips like hickory, apple, or cherry for flavor. Soak them in water for about 30 minutes before using to create more smoke.
- Spraying: Spraying apple cider vinegar every hour isn’t just to keep it moist; it helps develop a nice bark on the outside of the pork. Use a spray bottle for an even application.
- Resting: After smoking, let the pork rest for 30 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, making the meat tastier and easier to shred.
Following these steps will ensure your pulled pork sliders are a hit at any gathering!
How to Make Sweet and Savory Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 4-5 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (sweet variety preferred)
- 12 slider buns
- Pickles (optional, for serving)
- Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 4 hours of preparation time if you let the pork marinate overnight, plus roughly 7-8 hours of cooking time in the smoker. So, plan for a full day of deliciousness and fun with these sliders!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. This spice mix will give your pork a flavorful kick!
2. Season the Pork:
Take the spice mixture and rub it all over the pork shoulder. Make sure it’s well coated for the best flavor! Once done, wrap the pork tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours or, for the best flavor, overnight.
3. Smoke the Pork:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Place the pork shoulder inside and smoke it for about 1.5 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature hits 195°F (90°C). Be sure to keep the temperature steady and add wood chips as needed to maintain smoke.
4. Baste with Vinegar:
Every hour during cooking, take a spray bottle filled with apple cider vinegar and give the pork a little spritz. This will help keep it moist and flavorful!
5. Shred the Pork:
Once the pork is done cooking, take it out of the smoker and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to shred. After resting, use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
6. Mix with Barbecue Sauce:
In a large bowl, toss the shredded pork with your favorite barbecue sauce until it’s evenly coated. You can add more or less sauce depending on your taste—yum!
7. Assemble Sliders:
Take the slider buns and slice them in half. Put a generous amount of the smoked pulled pork on the bottom half of each bun. If you like, drizzle on some extra barbecue sauce, and add pickles and coleslaw for a crunchy finish. Then, place the top halves of the buns on each slider.
8. Serve:
Arrange your delicious sliders on a platter and serve warm. It’s also nice to have extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty sweet and savory smoked pulled pork sliders!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! If you can’t find pork shoulder, you can substitute with pork ribs or a pork loin, though the texture will differ. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Pork ribs will take less time, while pork loin might require extra moisture to prevent it from drying out.
How Do I Store Leftover Pulled Pork?
Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. For best results, reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little extra barbecue sauce or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make the Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pulled pork a day in advance! Just allow it to cool completely, store it in the fridge, and reheat before assembling the sliders. You can also prepare the cole slaw the day before and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What Type of Barbecue Sauce Should I Use?
Feel free to use any sweet barbecue sauce you like! If you enjoy a bit of heat, look for one with a spicy kick or add hot sauce to the pulled pork after mixing in the barbecue sauce. Homemade sauce works great too if you have a favorite recipe!
