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Smoky Brown Sugar Pulled Pork Sliders with Quick Pickled Onion

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A quick and easy pulled pork slider recipe featuring smoky brown sugar seasoned pork shoulder paired with tangy quick pickled onions, perfect for gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (1.4–1.8 kg), well-marbled
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (100 g)
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (5 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (5 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5 ml)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (120 ml)
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup water (120 ml)
  • 12 small slider buns
  • Yellow mustard (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rub by combining brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
  2. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Massage the rub all over the pork, coating evenly.
  3. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For slow cooker: cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until tender. For Instant Pot: cook on high pressure for 60 minutes with natural release.
  4. Make quick pickled onions by combining apple cider vinegar, water, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer until salt dissolves. Pour hot brine over thinly sliced red onions in a glass bowl. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Transfer cooked pork to a large bowl and shred using two forks or tongs, discarding large fat chunks. Mix in some cooking juices to keep moist.
  6. Slice slider buns in half and toast lightly if desired. Assemble sliders by piling shredded pork and topping with quick pickled onions. Add yellow mustard if desired.

Notes

Use applewood smoked paprika for deeper smoky flavor. Pat pork dry before applying rub for better caramelization. Let pickled onions sit at least 30 minutes for best texture. Save cooking juices to keep pork moist. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns. For dairy-free, skip butter on buns. Pork butt can be used as a substitute. Roast pork at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours if no slow cooker or Instant Pot is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, sliders, brown sugar, smoked paprika, quick pickled onions, easy pulled pork, party food, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/smoky-brown-sugar-pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-easy-quick-pickled-onion-ideas/