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Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders: Best Labor Day Recipe

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These Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders for Labor Day are the kind of recipe that lets you actually enjoy the party instead of hiding in the kitchen. The pork comes out fork-tender every single time, whether you use a slow cooker or an Instant Pot.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless, preferably boneless)
  • 1 ½ cups your favorite BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 to 15 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls recommended)
  • Coleslaw mix (for topping, tossed with creamy dressing)

Instructions

  1. Prep the pork shoulder: Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder, getting into every crevice. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.
  2. Sear the pork (optional but recommended): Heat a large skillet or the Instant Pot on the sauté setting over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until deeply browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  3. Build the cooking liquid: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and ½ cup of the BBQ sauce. Pour this mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker or Instant Pot.
  4. Cook the pork: For slow cooker: Place the seared pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork shreds easily with a fork. For Instant Pot: Place the pork and cooking liquid into the pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on HIGH pressure for 90 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then do a quick release.
  5. Shred the pork: Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a large cutting board or bowl. Using two forks or meat claws, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat or the bone if using a bone-in roast.
  6. Add the remaining sauce: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker or a large bowl. Pour the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the pork and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit in the warm sauce for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors meld together.
  7. Toast the buns: While the pork rests, split your slider buns in half. Place them cut-side down on a griddle or in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 1 to 2 minutes until golden.
  8. Assemble the sliders: Pile a generous amount of pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw if using. Place the top bun on and secure with a toothpick if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear—it adds deep flavor. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before shredding to retain moisture. Use the cooking liquid (skimmed of fat) to add back to the shredded pork for extra flavor. Toast the buns to prevent sogginess. The pulled pork tastes even better the next day. For a spicier version, add 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the cooking liquid.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pulled pork sliders, Labor Day recipe, slow cooker pulled pork, Instant Pot pulled pork, easy pulled pork, summer cookout, pulled pork sliders

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/easy-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-best-labor-day-recipe/