Smoky Kansas City Style Pulled Pork Sliders with Whiskey BBQ Sauce

This Kansas City inspired dish is perfect for backyard barbecues and casual family dinners. The slow-cooked pulled pork is smoky and tender, and when it’s combined with a rich whiskey-infused barbecue sauce, it becomes a mouthwatering delight. Served on fluffy slider buns, these mini sandwiches pack enormous flavor and are perfect for both adults and kids alike.

Ingredients:

For the Pulled Pork:
– 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt), trimmed of excess fat
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tbsp kosher salt
– 1 tbsp ground black pepper
– 1 tbsp garlic powder
– 1 tbsp onion powder
– 1 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 cup apple juice

For the Whiskey BBQ Sauce:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup whiskey
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp molasses
– 1 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp salt

For the Sliders:
– Slider buns
– Coleslaw (optional)
– Pickles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pulled Pork:
– In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
– Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork, ensuring it is evenly coated.
– Place the pork in a slow cooker. Pour the apple cider vinegar and apple juice into the slow cooker around the pork.
– Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.

2. Make the Whiskey BBQ Sauce:
– While the pork is cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, whiskey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, molasses, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
– Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
– Remove from heat and let the sauce cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

3. Assemble the Sliders:
– Once the pork has finished cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
– Toss the shredded pork with about half of the whiskey BBQ sauce, or to taste.
– Toast the slider buns if desired.
– Assemble the sliders by placing a generous portion of pulled pork on the bottom half of each bun. Top with coleslaw and pickles if using. Add the top bun.
– Serve with extra whiskey BBQ sauce on the side.

Enjoy these Smoky Kansas City Style Pulled Pork Sliders with Whiskey BBQ Sauce, and savor the rich, complex flavors in every bite.