These BBQ pulled pork sliders on Hawaiian rolls are a tasty treat! The sweet and soft rolls paired with savory, tender, and juicy pulled pork make each bite a delight.
Honestly, who can resist those little sandwiches? They’re perfect for parties or just a cozy night in. I love piling on extra BBQ sauce and serving with coleslaw for a yummy crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This is the star of the dish! It’s juicy and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use pork loin, but note that it may be less tender and flavorful.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for ease. If you want to make it from scratch, a mix of ketchup, vinegar, and a bit of molasses can work well too. For a spicier kick, add some hot sauce.
Coleslaw: I love adding coleslaw for extra crunch. If you’re short on time, store-bought coleslaw works great. You can also make a simple slaw with shredded cabbage and a bit of vinegar and sugar.
Hawaiian Rolls: These are sweet and perfect for sliders. If you can’t find them, other soft rolls like potato rolls or slider buns will work just as well.
How Do I Get the Pork to Shred Easily?
The secret to getting tender, shreddable pork is low and slow cooking. Whether you’re using a slow cooker or the oven, patience is key! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Slow Cooker: Set it to low for 8 hours. The meat will become super tender.
- Oven: Cook it at 300°F (150°C) for about 4-5 hours. Cover it tightly to keep moisture in.
- Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding.
Use two forks to shred the pork. This makes it easier to pull apart. Enjoy the aroma as you cook—your kitchen will smell amazing!
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pulled Pork:
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For The Sliders:
- 12 Hawaiian slider rolls
- 1 cup coleslaw (optional, for topping)
- Butter for toasting rolls (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus cooking time of 8 hours for a slow cooker or 4-5 hours for the oven. Don’t forget about an additional 10-15 minutes to assemble and serve your delicious sliders. It’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by making a spice mix! In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy). Rub this seasoning all over the pork shoulder so it stays flavorful during cooking.
2. Cook the Pork:
You have two great methods to choose from:
- Slow Cooker Method: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in your slow cooker. Add the apple cider vinegar. Cover it and cook on low for about 8 hours, or until it’s tender and can be shredded easily.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan, add apple cider vinegar, and cover tightly with foil. Roast for 4-5 hours until it’s tender and easily shreddable.
3. Shred the Pork:
Once your pork is cooked, carefully remove it from the cooker or oven and transfer it to a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat, making sure to discard any excess fat. The aroma will be mouthwatering!
4. Mix with BBQ Sauce:
Add in the BBQ sauce and brown sugar, mixing well until the pork is nicely coated. If you like your pulled pork extra saucy, feel free to add more BBQ sauce!
5. Prepare the Sliders:
If you’d like to toast your Hawaiian rolls, slice them in half and lightly butter the insides. Toast them in a skillet or in the oven until they are golden and warm.
6. Assemble Sliders:
On each bottom half of the Hawaiian roll, pile on a generous amount of the BBQ pulled pork. If you’re using coleslaw, add a spoonful on top for some extra crunch and flavor. Place the top half of the roll on each slider.
7. Serve:
Arrange your sliders neatly on a serving platter, and if desired, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve these warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
These BBQ pulled pork sliders are perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Leftover Pulled Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover pulled pork works perfectly. Just reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave, then mix with BBQ sauce before assembling your sliders.
What Can I Substitute for BBQ Sauce?
If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can create a quick substitute using ketchup, a splash of vinegar, and some brown sugar. Alternatively, teriyaki sauce or a spicy sauce can give it an interesting twist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled pork sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the sliders in foil and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Make the Pork Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pulled pork a day in advance! Just refrigerate it after cooking. When you’re ready to serve, reheat and assemble the sliders for a quick and easy meal.