Print

Savory BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe Easy Homemade with Pickled Red Onions

bbq pulled pork sliders - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender, smoky pulled pork paired with tangy pickled red onions served on soft slider buns. Perfect for casual gatherings and easy entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless, trimmed of excess fat)
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (for BBQ sauce)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (for pickled onions)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls)
  • Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickled red onions: Combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat gently until sugar dissolves. Place thinly sliced red onions into a glass jar or bowl, pour the hot vinegar mixture over them, and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Make the BBQ sauce: In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
  3. Prepare the pork shoulder: Pat dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook the pork: For slow cooker, place pork in slow cooker, pour half the BBQ sauce over it, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours until tender. For oven, preheat to 300°F (150°C), place pork in Dutch oven or oven-safe pan, add half the BBQ sauce, cover, and cook for 3-4 hours until tender.
  5. Shred the pork: Remove pork from cooking vessel and shred with two forks, discarding large chunks of fat.
  6. Mix shredded pork with remaining BBQ sauce and stir to coat evenly. Keep warm.
  7. Assemble sliders: Slice buns in half, pile pulled pork, top with pickled red onions and optional toppings like coleslaw or pickles. Serve immediately.

Notes

If pork feels dry, add reserved cooking liquid or extra BBQ sauce to moisten. Let pork rest 10-15 minutes before shredding. Pickled onions add brightness and cut through richness. For gluten-free, use almond flour buns or store-bought alternatives. For dairy-free, skip coleslaw or use vegan mayo-based slaw.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/savory-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-easy-homemade-with-pickled-red-onions/