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Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with Easy Pickled Red Onions

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A simple and forgiving slow cooker pulled pork slider recipe featuring tender pork shoulder and tangy homemade pickled red onions, perfect for casual gatherings and busy days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar (for pickling)
  • ½ cup water (for pickling)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt (for pickling)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Slider buns or small sandwich rolls (brioche buns recommended)
  • Optional: coleslaw or your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the pork shoulder with paper towels.
  2. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Rub the seasoning evenly all over the pork shoulder.
  4. Pour apple cider vinegar, water or broth, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.
  5. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker, fat side up.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  7. While the pork cooks, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl and whisk until sugar dissolves.
  8. Add sliced red onions to the pickling liquid, pressing them down to submerge, and let pickle at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  9. When pork is done, transfer to a large bowl and shred using two forks, discarding large pieces of fat.
  10. Mix some cooking liquid back into the shredded pork for extra juiciness.
  11. Toast slider buns lightly if desired.
  12. Assemble sliders by piling pulled pork on buns, topping with pickled red onions and optional coleslaw or BBQ sauce.
  13. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh, firm pork shoulder for best texture. Pickled onions can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Keep leftover cooking liquid to drizzle over pork to keep moist. Cooking on low heat yields best texture. Avoid pork loin as it dries out. Shred pork with forks for fluffy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, sliders, pickled red onions, BBQ, easy recipe, comfort food, party food

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/tender-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-with-easy-pickled-red-onions/