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Flavorful Firecracker Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with Easy Creamy Coleslaw

firecracker pulled pork sliders - featured image

These firecracker pulled pork sliders combine spicy pulled pork with a creamy coleslaw, creating a flavorful and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup firecracker hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp celery seeds (optional)
  • 12 slider buns (soft and slightly sweet, e.g., King’s Hawaiian)
  • Pickle slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from pork shoulder but leave some for flavor. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub spice mix all over the pork shoulder.
  3. Place seasoned pork in slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth to keep moist. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until fork-tender.
  4. Mix hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a bowl until smooth. Adjust heat and sweetness as desired.
  5. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots. In a smaller bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and celery seeds if using. Pour dressing over veggies and toss to coat. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Once pork is cooked, transfer to a bowl or cutting board and shred using two forks or meat claws.
  7. Pour firecracker sauce over shredded pork and stir gently to coat. Add cooking juices if pork seems dry.
  8. Lightly butter and toast slider buns in a skillet or oven until golden and warm.
  9. Assemble sliders by placing a generous amount of pulled pork on the bottom bun, topping with creamy coleslaw, adding pickle slices if desired, and crowning with the top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a leaner option, swap pork shoulder with pork loin. Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for gluten-free. Mayo can be substituted with vegan alternative or Greek yogurt for dairy-free or lighter slaw. Avoid shredding pork when too hot to keep it juicy. Keep extra sauce for dipping. Pork and sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated gently before assembling.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, firecracker sauce, creamy coleslaw, slow cooker pulled pork, backyard barbecue, spicy pulled pork, slider recipe