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Flavorful Spicy Pulled Pork Sliders with Pickled Red Onions

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These spicy pulled pork sliders are slow-cooked to tender perfection and topped with tangy pickled red onions, creating a bold and satisfying flavor combination perfect for parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns or a pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 12 slider buns (soft brioche recommended)
  • Optional: fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
  • Optional: smoky barbecue sauce for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spice rub by combining smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
  2. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the spice blend all over the pork, pressing gently to create a crust. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Pour chicken broth or water into the slow cooker. Place the seasoned pork shoulder inside, fat side up. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until tender enough to shred easily.
  4. While the pork cooks, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and optional peppercorns or red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Heat gently until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat.
  5. Place sliced red onions in a jar or bowl and pour the hot vinegar mixture over them. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for longer pickling.
  6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place on a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding large chunks of fat. Stir some cooking liquid back into the pork to keep it moist if desired.
  7. Slice slider buns in half and layer with pulled pork, pickled red onions, and optional fresh herbs or barbecue sauce. Serve warm.

Notes

Let the pork sit with the spice rub for deeper flavor if time allows. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for a gluten-free version. Thinly slice onions for best pickling results. Avoid adding barbecue sauce during cooking to prevent bitterness; add it at serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, spicy pulled pork, pickled red onions, slow cooker pulled pork, party sliders, easy pulled pork recipe

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/flavorful-spicy-pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-easy-homemade-with-pickled-red-onions/