Print

Crunchy Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with Zesty Herb Lemon Vinaigrette

crunchy pulled pork sliders - featured image

These crunchy pulled pork sliders feature tender pulled pork paired with a bright, zesty herb lemon vinaigrette and toasted buns for a perfect party snack or family meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds pork shoulder (boneless, trimmed of excess fat)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 small slider buns (preferably brioche)
  • Butter, for toasting buns
  • Optional: pickled red onions or sliced cucumbers for extra crunch

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend all over the pork and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar around the meat. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  3. Remove pork from cooker and shred finely using two forks, discarding large chunks of fat. Return shredded pork to slow cooker to soak in juices.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Stir in chopped parsley and basil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on cut sides of slider buns and toast until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side.
  6. Assemble sliders by spooning pulled pork onto bottom half of toasted buns. Drizzle with vinaigrette and add pickled red onions or cucumbers if desired. Top with bun lid and serve immediately.

Notes

If pork seems dry, add extra broth or vinaigrette to keep juicy. Avoid over-shredding pork to maintain tender strands. Toast buns for crunch and to prevent sogginess. Fresh herbs are preferred for vinaigrette but dried can be used. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, party food, zesty herb lemon vinaigrette, pulled pork recipe, slider buns, easy pulled pork, party snacks