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Smoky Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with Jalapeño Coleslaw

smoky slow cooker pulled pork sliders - featured image

A flavorful and easy slow cooker pulled pork recipe paired with a creamy, spicy jalapeño coleslaw, perfect for casual gatherings and quick prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage (about half a small head)
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 slider buns or small rolls (brioche buns recommended)
  • Pickles or sliced red onion (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend all over the pork shoulder.
  2. Pour chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top, fat side up. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
  3. Check if the pork is done by shredding with two forks; it should fall apart easily. If not done, cook for an additional 30 minutes and check again.
  4. While pork is nearing the final hour, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, and chopped jalapeño in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss dressing with veggies and refrigerate until serving.
  5. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred using two forks or meat claws. Discard large fat pieces. Return shredded pork to slow cooker and mix with cooking juices.
  6. Lightly toast slider buns. Assemble sliders by piling pulled pork on buns and topping with jalapeño coleslaw. Add pickles or sliced onions if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a saucier pork, stir in barbecue sauce after shredding. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for low-carb or gluten-free diets. Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt or dairy-free coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option. Toast buns just before serving to prevent sogginess. Leftovers keep well refrigerated; reheat pork gently with broth to avoid drying.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, slow cooker, sliders, jalapeño coleslaw, smoky, barbecue, easy recipe, party food, family dinner