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Best Smoky Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders – Easy 30-Minute Recipe

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These smoky, sweet, and tender pulled pork sliders are ready in just 30 minutes using pre-cooked pork and a bourbon-infused BBQ sauce. Perfect for game days, cookouts, or a quick weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) pre-cooked pulled pork
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) bourbon (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Bulleit)
  • 1 cup (240ml) ketchup
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 12 slider buns (brioche or potato)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
  • Coleslaw (optional, for serving)
  • Pickles (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Make the bourbon BBQ sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Set aside.
  2. Warm the pulled pork: Place pre-cooked pulled pork in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm enough to break apart easily.
  3. Deglaze with bourbon: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bourbon and simmer for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until reduced by half. Remove from heat.
  4. Build the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the reduced bourbon. Stir until smooth and glossy. Return to medium heat.
  5. Add the pork: Add warmed pulled pork to the skillet, breaking it up. Stir to coat. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Toast the buns: Preheat broiler to high. Split slider buns and arrange cut-side up on a baking sheet. Brush with melted butter. Broil for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted with golden edges.
  7. Caramelize the pork: Increase heat to medium-high. Cook pork undisturbed for 1-2 minutes, then stir and repeat until edges are slightly caramelized.
  8. Assemble the sliders: Place bottom half of each toasted bun on a platter. Spoon about 1/4 cup of pork onto each bun. Top with coleslaw and pickles if using. Place top bun on each slider and press gently.
  9. Serve immediately: Best served warm. For parties, keep warm in a low oven (200°F) covered loosely with foil for up to 30 minutes.

Notes

Don’t rush the bourbon reduction—it cooks off the raw alcohol and concentrates the vanilla and oak flavors. Toast the buns to prevent sogginess. Let the pork rest in the sauce for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Season as you go, not just at the end. Avoid overloading the buns; aim for about 1/4 cup of pork per slider.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork sliders, bourbon BBQ, game day recipe, 30-minute meal, easy pulled pork, smoky bourbon, slider recipe

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