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Kid-Approved Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders with Apple Slaw

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Tender, savory slow cooker pulled pork with a perfectly balanced spice rub, topped with a crisp and tangy apple slaw. This easy, family-friendly recipe turns even the biggest pulled pork skeptics into fans.

Ingredients

  • Pork shoulder (pork butt), 3 to 4 pounds (1.3 to 1.8 kg)
  • Smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic powder, 1 tablespoon
  • Onion powder, 1 tablespoon
  • Brown sugar, 2 tablespoons (packed)
  • Salt, 1 tablespoon
  • Black pepper, 1 teaspoon
  • Cumin, 1 teaspoon
  • Chili powder, 1 teaspoon
  • Chicken broth, 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons
  • Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon
  • Green cabbage, 2 cups shredded
  • Red cabbage, 1 cup shredded
  • Apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), 1 large
  • Carrot, 1 medium, grated
  • Plain Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup (80 ml)
  • Mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons
  • Apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon
  • Honey, 1 tablespoon
  • Salt, 1/4 teaspoon
  • Celery seed, 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
  • Slider buns, 12 to 16 small buns
  • Butter, softened (for toasting buns)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Trim the fat cap to about 1/4 inch. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Sear the pork on all sides until deep brown, about 2 minutes per side (optional but recommended).
  3. Place the pork in the slow cooker, fat side up. Pour chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce around the pork. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and celery seed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, shred the green and red cabbage, grate the carrot and apple. Toss together in a large bowl. Just before serving, pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat.
  6. When the pork is done, transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat or bone. Add a few tablespoons of cooking liquid if the meat seems dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Split the slider buns and spread softened butter on the cut sides. Toast in a skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute, cut side down, until golden brown. Alternatively, broil on a baking sheet for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Assemble the sliders: pile pulled pork onto the bottom half of each bun, top with a forkful of apple slaw, and place the top bun on. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, sear the pork before slow cooking. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before shredding. Dress the slaw just before serving to keep it crunchy. Leftover pork freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, pulled pork sliders, apple slaw, kid-friendly, easy dinner, game day food, family meal

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/kid-approved-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-sliders-with-apple-slaw/