These BBQ pulled pork sliders are a tasty treat! Nestled on soft Hawaiian rolls, they bring together sweet and smoky flavors that are hard to resist.
Every bite is like a party in your mouth! 🎉 I love serving them at gatherings, and they disappear faster than I can say “seconds, please!” Perfect for a fun meal with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, as it becomes tender. If you can’t find pork shoulder, a pork butt works well too! For a leaner option, try chicken or turkey, but you may need to adjust cooking times.
BBQ Sauce: You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own. If you want a different flavor, try using a mustard-based sauce or a vinegar-based sauce for a zesty twist!
Hawaiian Rolls: These rolls add sweetness. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, try lettuce wraps instead. For a healthier twist, whole-grain or brioche rolls can also work.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds depth, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder could work. For garlic and onion powder, fresh minced garlic and chopped onion can substitute well!
How Can I Make Sure My Pork is Perfectly Tender?
Cooking pork shoulder or butt to perfection is all about low and slow cooking. Here are some tips:
- Start by searing the meat to add flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- In the slow cooker, ensure there’s enough liquid. BBQ sauce goes a long way for flavor.
- Aim for cooking it on low for 8 hours. This slow method breaks down the fibers and makes the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Always let the pork rest a bit before shredding. This keeps the juices in!
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pulled Pork:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
For The Sliders:
- 12-16 Hawaiian rolls
- 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade, optional for topping)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by slow cooking for 8 hours in a slow cooker or 4-5 hours in the oven. Total time will be around 8 hours and 15 minutes, but don’t worry, most of that is just waiting for the delicious pork to cook!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder:
In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Rub this spice mix thoroughly all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s well-coated for maximum flavor.
2. Cook the Pork:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork shoulder on all sides until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. This step seals in the juices and adds great flavor!
3. Slow Cook:
Transfer the seared pork to a slow cooker and pour BBQ sauce over it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is very tender and easily shredded. If you prefer using the oven, wrap the pork tightly in foil and cook at 300°F (150°C) for about 4-5 hours.
4. Shred the Pork:
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker or oven and shred it using two forks. Mix the shredded pork back with the remaining BBQ sauce for extra flavor and moisture.
5. Prepare Sliders:
Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping them connected as a slab or cutting them into individual pieces. If you like, toast them lightly in the oven or on a skillet until golden, which adds a nice crunch!
6. Assemble Sliders:
Place a generous amount of the BBQ pulled pork on the bottom half of each roll. If you’d like a crunch, top with a spoonful of coleslaw.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Cover with the top half of the rolls. For a pretty touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and some chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top.
8. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy the warm BBQ pulled pork sliders with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. These sliders are perfect for a casual meal or as a party appetizer!
Enjoy these deliciously tender and flavorful BBQ pulled pork sliders on sweet, soft Hawaiian rolls! 🍔💖
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content and flavor, you can also use pork butt or even chicken thighs for a lighter option. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the cut!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or include some diced jalapeños into the pork while it cooks. You could also opt for a spicier BBQ sauce to kick things up a notch!
Can I Prepare the Pulled Pork Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the pulled pork a day in advance. Just refrigerate it after shredding and reheat gently before serving. This will help the flavors meld even more!
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can warm it in the microwave or on the stove before serving. For best results, keep the sliders assembled separately to maintain the freshness of the rolls!
