Description
A small-batch slow cooker pulled pork recipe designed to yield exactly enough meat for 12-16 sliders without leftovers. Tender, flavorful, and perfect for couples or small families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds pork shoulder or butt
- 2 tablespoons pork rub (paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper)
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot or Crystal)
- 12–16 Pullman buns or Hawaiian rolls
- Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Mix the pork rub ingredients in a small bowl and rub the mixture all over the pork, leaving the fat cap on for moisture.
- Place the sliced onions in the bottom of a small slow cooker (3-4 quart) to act as a rack. Place the rubbed pork on top of the onions.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce until smooth. If the tomato paste is too thick, add a splash of water.
- Pour the sauce over the pork. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours (or HIGH for 4-5 hours if short on time).
- Once the pork is fork-tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, discarding large pieces of fat or gristle.
- Pour about half of the liquid from the slow cooker into the bowl with the shredded pork and toss to coat. Reserve the rest for serving or freezing.
- Split the buns open and pile the shredded pork onto the bottom halves. Top with extra sauce and coleslaw if desired.
Notes
Do not trim all the fat off the pork shoulder; leave about ¼ inch to keep the meat juicy. Ensure your slow cooker isn’t too large for this small batch to ensure even cooking. The liquid left in the slow cooker can be frozen in ice cube trays for use in soups or stews later. For extra texture, lightly toast the buns in butter before assembling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (approx. 3
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: slow cooker pulled pork, small batch recipe, pulled pork sliders, no leftovers, weeknight dinner, pork shoulder, slider buns