published Jun 01, 2022 Pulled pork sliders are always sure to please, but it can get a bit boring making the same thing time and time again. With this recipe, I turn this tried and true crowd favorite into something new!My Asian pulled pork slider recipe involves a dry rub containing a couple of staple Chinese seasonings: white pepper and Chinese Five Spice, a blend of my own design. Not only that, but the meat is slow cooked in a sweet and spicy Asian marinade made with red chili paste, vinegar, apple butter, and a handful of other ingredients. The meat literally drinks up all of the sauce and, along with the spiced crust that was seared on by the dry rub, becomes unbelievably tender. Slow cooker dinners are quick, painless, and perfect for the busy family! I recommend trying these Sweet and Sour Ribs as well for a filling, flavorful, and — most importantly – easy weeknight meal.
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Pork – I use a boneless pork shoulder (roughly 3 lbs) for this recipe. It’s seasoned with a mix of white pepper, some kosher salt, and my own Chinese Five Spice blend. It’s less expensive to make at home: perfect for Asian flavor lovers!Sauce – The savory, spicy, and sweet sauce that the meat will cook in includes:Rice Wine Vinegar – A sweet, acidic vinegar. Substitute with sherry vinegar, if necessary.Red Chili Paste – A spicy condiment made with dried chiles. This is a very hard ingredient to replace, so I do not recommend it. If you want less heat, just add some cayenne pepper to your tastes. Black Bean Paste – A bitter and salty paste.Apple Butter – For a fruity, fresh sweetness. Use applesauce for a less sugary alternative. Green Onions – Possible substitutes include chives, shallots, and garlic. Chicken Stock – Stock is used as the base of the sauce. You could use beef or vegetable sauce per your preferences. Lemon Grass Paste – An optional ingredient that I highly recommend using for a delicate, floral, citrusy flavor that brightens the whole dish.For Serving – Serve pork sliders on toasted brioche buns with a bit of peanut butter that melts and a mixture of carrot cabbage slaw, mayonnaise, and rice wine vinegar.
HOW TO MAKE ASIAN PULLED PORK
How do I reheat Asian pulled pork in my Instant Pot?
You’ll want to reheat leftover Asian pulled pork along with all of the leftover sauce to keep it nice and juicy. So just pour everything into the Instant Pot and reheat on a low temperature until warmed all the way through.
Can I make Asian pulled pork in the slow cooker?
Absolutely! If making these pulled pork sliders in a slow cooker, you’ll want to first sear the meat in a skillet before transferring to the cooker. Then pour all of the sauce over the meat and cook on low for 6 hours. Shred the pork right in the slow cooker and follow the rest of the recipe as described.
How long is pulled pork good in the refrigerator?
You can keep cooked pork in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. That’s the rule of thumb for most cooked meats, actually!