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Flavorful Sweet and Spicy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

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These sweet and spicy BBQ pulled pork sliders offer a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors with tender pork that melts in your mouth. Ideal for parties and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), well-marbled
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • BBQ Sauce:
  • 1 cup tomato ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 small slider buns
  • Coleslaw (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
  2. Combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Rub the spice mix all over the pork, covering every side. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, honey, hot sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust sweetness or heat to taste and set aside.
  5. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
  6. Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours until fork-tender.
  7. Instant Pot: Cook on ‘Meat/Stew’ setting under high pressure for 60 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes.
  8. Transfer cooked pork to a large bowl or foil tray and shred using two forks or meat claws.
  9. Pour about 1½ cups (360 ml) of BBQ sauce over shredded pork and gently fold to combine. Adjust sauce amount to preference.
  10. Optional: Lightly toast slider buns on a skillet or under a broiler until golden brown.
  11. Assemble sliders by piling saucy pulled pork onto bottom halves of buns, topping with coleslaw if desired, then covering with bun tops.
  12. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Do not over-shred the pork to avoid mushy texture. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of apple juice or water to loosen without diluting flavor. Let pork rest 10 minutes before shredding to keep juices locked in. Butter buns before toasting for extra richness and to prevent sogginess. Spice level can be adjusted by reducing cayenne and omitting hot sauce if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled pork, sweet and spicy, sliders, party food, slow cooker, Instant Pot, barbecue sauce

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/flavorful-sweet-and-spicy-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-easy-recipe-for-perfect-party-bites/