Tired of the same old leftover pork? Transform those delicious pork chops, roasts, or even tenderloin into incredibly flavorful pulled pork sliders! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. It's a fantastic way to minimize food waste and maximize deliciousness, proving that homemade cooking can be both budget-friendly and incredibly satisfying. This recipe offers a simple way to elevate your leftover pork into a delicious and crowd-pleasing meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will impress everyone!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pork, shredded (leftover roast, chops, or tenderloin work perfectly)
- 1/4 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Slider buns
- Your favorite slider toppings (coleslaw, pickles, onions)
Instructions:
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Prepare the pork: If your leftover pork is in larger chunks, shred it using two forks. Ensure it's free of any large pieces of fat or gristle.
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Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Combine and simmer: Add the shredded pork to the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly. Place the mixture in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. This slow simmering process creates a tender and juicy pulled pork.
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Assemble the sliders: Warm the slider buns according to package directions. Spoon the pulled pork onto the bottom halves of the buns. Add your favorite toppings – coleslaw is a classic, but pickles, onions, or even a quick jalapeno slaw offer delightful variations. Top with the other bun halves.
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Serve and enjoy! These pulled pork sliders are best served immediately, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cooking Tips for Pulled Pork Perfection:
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Don't overcook the pork: Overcooked pulled pork can become dry. The simmering step is crucial for maintaining moisture and tenderness.
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Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
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Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings to find your perfect combination! Consider adding cheese, crispy fried onions, or even a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Variations:
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Spicy Pulled Pork: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
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Sweet and Tangy Pulled Pork: Increase the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons for a sweeter flavor profile.
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Pulled Pork Tacos: Skip the slider buns and serve the pulled pork in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.
Nutritional Information (per slider, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This recipe is a fantastic example of how quick dinner ideas can be both delicious and healthy meals. It’s a great way to use leftover pork and create a satisfying meal the whole family will love. From easy recipes for beginners to more advanced culinary techniques, this pulled pork recipe offers a delicious and versatile approach to transforming simple leftovers into something truly special. Enjoy!