Description
These Shredded Pork Sliders feature tender, flavorful pork shoulder slow-roasted with a savory dry rub and cola for a perfect balance of sweet and smoky tastes. Served on soft slider buns, they make an ideal party appetizer or comforting meal.
Ingredients
Dry Rub
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder (or Boston butt)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 16 ounces Dr. Pepper (or other dark cola, beef broth, or root beer)
- 1/2 cup water
To Serve
- 16 slider buns (dinner rolls, or hamburger buns)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Rub: In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, kosher salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
- Season the Pork: Place the pork shoulder on a sheet of plastic wrap. Rub the dry seasoning mixture evenly all over the meat. Roll the pork tightly in the plastic wrap to seal and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 250°F to slowly roast the pork ensuring tender results.
- Sear the Pork: Heat olive or avocado oil in a cast iron Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned to lock in flavors.
- Add Liquid: Carefully pour the cola (or substitute) around the pork, avoiding pouring directly on top so as not to wash off the spices. The liquid should cover about half the height of the roast.
- Roast the Pork: Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for 5 hours, checking midway at 2 1/2 hours to add water if necessary to maintain proper moisture.
- Check for Doneness and Shred: After 5 hours, the pork should be fork-tender and easy to shred. If not sufficiently tender, continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches approximately 225°F, ideal for shredding.
- Assemble Sliders: Shred the pork meat and pile it onto slider buns. Serve warm for delicious shredded pork sliders.
Notes
- Refrigerating the pork with the dry rub overnight enhances the flavor deeply.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of pork reaches around 225°F for perfect tenderness.
- If cola is unavailable, beef broth or root beer are excellent alternatives to add flavor and moisture.
- Be careful when pouring cola around the roast to not remove the seasoning rub.
- Adding water during roasting helps prevent the meat from drying out.
- Cast iron Dutch ovens or heavy-bottomed pots retain heat evenly, ideal for slow roasting.
- Slider buns can be toasted lightly before assembling for added texture.
- Prep Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
