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Savory Apple Cider Pulled Pork Sliders Recipe with Easy Pickled Red Cabbage

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Tender, juicy pulled pork slow-cooked in apple cider paired with tangy quick pickled red cabbage, served on slider buns for a fresh and flavorful twist on classic sliders.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder (also called pork butt; well-marbled for tenderness)
  • 2 cups apple cider (unsweetened)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage (about half a small head)
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon black peppercorns or a small dried chili (optional)
  • Slider buns or small rolls (potato buns recommended)
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub it all over with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Place sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add seared pork on top. Pour in apple cider and apple cider vinegar. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours until meat is fall-apart tender.
  4. While pork cooks, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, and optional peppercorns in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves. Place sliced cabbage in a heatproof bowl and pour hot brine over it. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Once pork is cooked, transfer to a cutting board and shred using two forks. Return shredded pork to slow cooker juices and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Toast slider buns lightly if desired. Pile pulled pork on each bun and top with a spoonful of pickled red cabbage. Garnish with fresh herbs if using.

Notes

Do not skip searing the pork to lock in flavor. Use fresh unsweetened apple cider for best results. Let pickled cabbage sit at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for more tang. Drain cabbage before assembling sliders to avoid soggy buns. Setting a timer is recommended to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, apple cider, sliders, pickled red cabbage, slow cooker, easy recipe, party food, comfort food

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/savory-apple-cider-pulled-pork-sliders-recipe-with-easy-pickled-red-cabbage/