Print

Flavorful Smoky Chipotle BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders Easy Recipe with Pickled Onion

smoky chipotle bbq pulled pork sliders - featured image
Print Recipe

These smoky chipotle BBQ pulled pork sliders with pickled onion combine tender, juicy pork with a balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners, they are easy to prepare with mostly hands-off slow cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (well-marbled)
  • 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (50 grams)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pickled Red Onion:
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar (120 ml)
  • 1/2 cup water (120 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 12 small slider buns
  • Optional: fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickled onions: Thinly slice one large red onion and place in a heatproof bowl or mason jar.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Heat gently until sugar and salt dissolve.
  3. Pour the hot liquid over the onions, stir to combine, and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Prepare the pork and sauce: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder but leave some for flavor.
  5. In a bowl, mix together 2-3 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  6. Rub this sauce mixture all over the pork shoulder, coating evenly.
  7. Slow cook the pork: Place the pork into the crockpot or Dutch oven. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours or until the pork is fall-apart tender.
  8. Check occasionally; if cooking in the oven, keep it covered to prevent drying out.
  9. Shred the pork: Remove the pork shoulder from the cooker and place it on a large plate or cutting board.
  10. Use two forks or your fingers to shred the meat into bite-sized strands.
  11. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker to soak up juices and stay warm.
  12. Assemble the sliders: Lightly toast slider buns if desired.
  13. Pile pulled pork generously on each bun bottom.
  14. Add a spoonful of pickled onions on top, and garnish with fresh cilantro or jalapeño slices if you like.
  15. Top with the bun and serve warm.

Notes

Do not rush the slow cooking to ensure tender, juicy pork. Add cooking liquid back if pork seems dry when shredding. Adjust chipotle peppers to control heat level. Pickled onions taste better after a day or two in the fridge. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, chipotle BBQ, smoky pulled pork, pickled onions, slow cooker pulled pork, BBQ sliders, easy pulled pork recipe

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/flavorful-smoky-chipotle-bbq-pulled-pork-sliders-easy-recipe-with-pickled-onion/