Smokehouse Pulled Pork Sliders with Spicy Pickles

Smokehouse Pulled Pork Sliders with Spicy Pickles

Find the perfect smoky and spicy pulled pork slider recipe, inspired by a famous restaurant's dish, with our easy-to-follow instructions and delicious flavors.

Time: Prep Time: 15 minutes - Cook Time: 3 hours - Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American

Allergens

Wheat, Soy (from BBQ rub), Gluten

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 12 slider buns
  • 2 cups dill pickle slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare a charcoal grill for indirect heat or use a gas grill with one burner turned off.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, tomato paste, paprika, kosher salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
  3. Season the pork shoulder generously with your preferred BBQ rub, then place it in the center of the grill grates, away from direct heat.
  4. Cook the pork for 2 hours or until tender and internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C), basting occasionally with apple cider vinegar mixture. Wrap in aluminum foil and continue to cook for another hour or until the internal temperature reaches 203°F (95°C).
  5. Remove pork from grill, let rest 15 minutes, then shred using two forks. Combine shredded pork with BBQ sauce and keep warm.
  6. Place slider buns on the grill for 2 3 minutes until slightly toasted.
  7. Assemble sliders by placing pulled pork onto buns, adding spicy pickles, and drizzling with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Chef’s Insight

Don't be afraid to adjust the spice level according to your taste preference. Add more cayenne for a spicier slider or use sweet pickles for a milder flavor.

Notes

This recipe makes a delicious and impressive meal for game day gatherings or casual summer get-togethers.

Cultural or Historical Background

This recipe is inspired by the famous pulled pork sandwich served at BBQ joints across the Southern United States, with a twist of tangy and spicy pickles for added flavor.