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Savory Cola Braised Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with Easy Creamy Coleslaw

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Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked in cola and barbecue sauce, served on slider buns with a creamy, tangy coleslaw. A crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make recipe perfect for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 can (12 fl oz / 355 ml) cola (regular or diet)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) barbecue sauce
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage (about 225 g)
  • 1 cup shredded carrot (about 75 g)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 g)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 12 slider buns or small soft rolls
  • Pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and pat dry. Optionally, sear the pork in a hot skillet with oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Rub the spice mix evenly over the pork shoulder.
  3. Place sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. Place the pork shoulder on top of the onions. Pour the entire can of cola over the pork, then spoon barbecue sauce over the top without mixing.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  6. Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks or meat claws, discarding large pieces of fat.
  7. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with juices and sauce. Let soak for 10-15 minutes. If sauce is thin, cook uncovered on high for 20-30 minutes to thicken.
  8. In a medium bowl, whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Add shredded cabbage and carrot, toss to coat, and chill.
  9. Slice slider buns horizontally. Assemble sliders by piling pulled pork on bun bottoms, topping with creamy coleslaw and pickles if desired, then cap with bun tops.
  10. Serve immediately warm.

Notes

Optional searing of pork adds caramelized crust and flavor. Use regular cola for best caramel notes; diet cola reduces sugar. Leftover sauce can be drizzled over sliders. For gluten-free, use gluten-free slider buns. For dairy-free slaw, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo. Slaw can be customized with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, sliders, cola braised, creamy coleslaw, slow cooker, barbecue, easy recipe, party food, comfort food

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/savory-cola-braised-pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-with-easy-creamy-coleslaw/