These BBQ pulled pork sliders on sweet Hawaiian rolls are a tasty treat! The tender pork is slathered in rich barbecue sauce and piled high on soft, sweet rolls that kids and adults will love.
Making these sliders is super easy! I like to set up a slider assembly line and let everyone build their own. It turns into a fun mealtime activity that always gets smiles. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for pulled pork because it has the right amount of fat for flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use pork loin, but it might not be as juicy. For a quicker prep, you can buy pre-cooked, shredded pork!
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, try regular paprika mixed with a bit of liquid smoke. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice preference—skip it for a milder taste.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce. Homemade is great if you have the time, but store-bought works just as well. I love a tangy vinegar-based sauce for a nice zing!
Hawaiian Rolls: The irresistible sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory pork. If you can’t find them, any soft dinner roll can work. Just look for something airy and slightly sweet.
How Do You Get Tender, Shreddable Pulled Pork?
The secret to perfect pulled pork lies in cooking it low and slow. This allows the connective tissues to break down, making the pork tender. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for the best results. The slow cooker needs about 8 hours on low, while the Instant Pot takes around 1 hour (plus time to naturally release pressure).
- Don’t rush the cooking process; patience is key. If possible, let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding to keep those juices in.
- Use two forks to gently pull apart the pork. It should shred easily with little effort. Try to not overdo it, or you might end up with mushy pork.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pulled Pork:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), boneless
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
For the Sliders:
- 12 Hawaiian slider rolls
- 2 cups coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful dish takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus cooking time. For the slow cooker, you’ll need about 8 hours on low, or if using an Instant Pot, around 1 hour (plus natural release). After cooking, it takes about 15 minutes to assemble the sliders. Perfect for a party or family gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by mixing the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly all over the pork shoulder. This spice blend will give your pork a delicious flavor!
2. Cook the Pork:
Place the seasoned pork shoulder in your slow cooker or Instant Pot. If you’re using a slow cooker, set it to low and cook for about 8 hours. If you’re using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for about 1 hour and then allow it to naturally release pressure. Your goal is to have the pork be super tender and easy to shred.
3. Shred the Pork:
Once the pork is done cooking, carefully remove it from the cooker. Use two forks to shred the pork, discarding any large pieces of fat as you go. It should fall apart easily—this is the sign of well-cooked meat!
4. Mix with Barbecue Sauce:
Put the shredded pork back into the slow cooker or transfer it to a large bowl. Pour in about 1 cup of barbecue sauce and stir until the pork is well coated. Keep it warm while you get ready to assemble the sliders.
5. Assemble the Sliders:
Take your Hawaiian rolls and slice them horizontally. On the bottom half of each roll, pile a generous amount of the pulled pork. Top it off with a spoonful of coleslaw and sprinkle some fresh cilantro leaves on top if you’d like! Finally, place the top half of the roll on the slider.
6. Serve:
Arrange your delicious sliders on a platter. Don’t forget to have some extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Enjoy these tender, juicy sliders with sweet Hawaiian rolls and fresh coleslaw for a perfect party or game day snack!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Shoulder for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork shoulder! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker method.
Can I Prepare the Pulled Pork in Advance?
Absolutely! You can cook the pulled pork a day or two in advance. Once cooked, let it cool, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently in a pot, adding a splash of barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. If you’re planning on storing sliders already assembled, consider keeping the pork, coleslaw, and rolls separate to prevent sogginess.
What Can I Serve With These Sliders?
These sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with baked beans, potato salad, or chips for a classic BBQ meal. Fresh fruit or a simple green salad can also balance out the flavors nicely.
