These BBQ pulled pork sliders on Hawaiian rolls are a tasty treat! The sweet, soft rolls are filled with juicy, tender pulled pork, all drenched in BBQ sauce. Yum!
Setting up these sliders is a breeze! I love serving them at parties; they’re always a hit! Plus, who can resist that delightful combo of sweet and smoky flavors? 🙌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking. It becomes tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you might use pork loin, but it won’t be as juicy.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce, or try making it at home for more control over the flavors. If you like it spicy, consider adding a dash of hot sauce!
Hawaiian Rolls: These rolls are sweet and soft, which pairs well with BBQ. If you can’t find them, any soft dinner roll works, but you might miss that sweet flavor.
Spices: I love smoked paprika for its deep, smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works too. Garlic and onion powder are staples; fresh ones can also be used for more flavor.
How Do You Ensure Your Pork Is Tender and Juicy?
The secret to tender pulled pork is low and slow cooking. Using a slow cooker is perfect because it allows the meat to cook evenly. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Trim excess fat but keep some for moisture.
- Rub the spices evenly for great flavor.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours to break down tough fibers.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding to keep moisture in.
Mix the shredded pork with BBQ sauce and a bit of leftover liquid for best flavor and consistency. Don’t rush; let it develop that rich, delightful taste!
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders On Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Pork:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
For the Sliders:
- 1 package Hawaiian slider rolls (12 count)
- Optional: coleslaw for topping
- Optional: pickle slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then requires 8-10 hours to cook in the slow cooker, or 4-6 hours on high. Once cooked, it’ll take another 10 minutes to shred the pork and assemble your sliders. So, plan for a delicious feast that’s ready to serve in just over 8 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Then, take a moment to rub it generously with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling a little adventurous with heat. Make sure all sides are evenly coated for maximum flavor!
2. Cook the Pork:
Next, place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth or water around the pork to keep it nice and moist while it cooks. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the pork is so tender that it falls apart easily with a fork.
3. Shred the Pork:
Once the pork is cooked to perfection, remove it from the slow cooker. Place it on a large cutting board or a platter, and grab two forks. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large chunks of fat you find.
4. Mix with BBQ Sauce:
Now it’s time to mix things up! Pour most of the leftover cooking liquid into a bowl—this will help add moisture to your pork. Add the shredded pork into a large bowl with the BBQ sauce and a splash of the broth. Stir it well until the pork is evenly coated. You can adjust how saucy you want it to be by adding more BBQ sauce or broth.
5. Prepare the Rolls:
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. If you’d like, lightly toast them under the broiler or on a griddle until they’re golden and slightly crispy. This step adds a delightful texture to your sliders!
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Now, it’s time to build your delicious sliders! Generously pile the BBQ pulled pork onto the bottom halves of the rolls. If you like a bit of crunch, feel free to add a spoonful of coleslaw and some pickle slices on top.
7. Serve:
Finally, place the top halves of the rolls onto the pork. Press down gently and serve these tasty sliders warm. Enjoy every bite of these juicy, flavorful BBQ pulled pork sliders!
This recipe will definitely make your gathering festive and delicious! Perfect for parties, game days, or casual family dinners! 🎉
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is ideal for its richness and flavor, you can also use pork loin for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may not be quite as juicy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of BBQ sauce or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make the Pulled Pork in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pulled pork a day ahead. Just cook it in the slow cooker, shred it, and then mix with the BBQ sauce. Store it in the fridge and reheat just before serving. Perfect for saving time on busy days!
What Can I Serve with These Sliders?
These sliders pair well with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob for a complete meal. Enjoy!
