South Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Introduction

Get ready to turn your backyard into the ultimate BBQ haven with these mouthwatering South Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. Using the Arteflame Grill, we'll slow-grill pork shoulder to tender perfection, then layer it on warm slider buns with tangy coleslaw and bold mustard sauce. Thanks to the Arteflame's unique ability to sear at over 1,000°F and the reverse sear method, your pork will be juicy, smoky, and unforgettable. This is South Carolina barbecue at its finest – juicy, flavorful, and grilled to impress.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tbsp onion powder
• Slider buns (12)
• 1 cup coleslaw (prepared or homemade)
• 1/2 cup South Carolina mustard BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp butter (for griddle cooking)
• Optional: pickles for extra tang

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on 3 paper napkins.
2. Place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light.
4. Wait about 20 minutes for full heat – the cooktop should be hot and the center grill grate ready to sear at 1,000°F.

Step 2: Season the Pork Shoulder

1. In a small bowl, mix salt, brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Rub the mix generously all over the pork shoulder.

Step 3: Sear the Pork on the Center Grate

1. Butter the flat cooktop and grill grates lightly.
2. Sear the pork shoulder on the center grate for 3-4 minutes per side to lock in juices.

Step 4: Reverse Sear on the Flat Griddle Cooktop

1. Move the seared pork to the outer cooktop griddle closer to the edge (lower heat zone).
2. Cover loosely with foil and cook low and slow for approximately 3-4 hours, turning every 30–45 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 200°F.
3. Remove at 185°F to rest. Cover and let it come up to temperature.

Step 5: Shred the Pork

1. Once rested and tender, shred the pork using two forks. It should pull apart easily.

Step 6: Toast and Assemble the Sliders

1. Butter the flat cooktop griddle again and toast slider buns until golden.
2. Layer bottom bun with pulled pork, a spoonful of coleslaw, a drizzle of mustard BBQ sauce, and optional pickles.
3. Top it off with the other half of the bun. Serve hot.

Tips

• Always remove meat from the grill 15°F before your final desired internal temp.
• Use hardwood like oak or hickory for deeper smoke flavors.
• Keep your pork shoulder moist with a spray of apple juice if needed during cooking.
• Toast your slider buns on the outer ring of the Arteflame for gentle crisping.
• Use the Arteflame flat cooktop for coleslaw prep, lightly wilting cabbage for a smoky flavor twist.

Variations

1. Sweet Heat Pulled Pork: Add cayenne and honey to your rub for a sweet-spicy contrast.
2. Carolina Vinegar Style: Swap mustard BBQ sauce with a tangy vinegar-based sauce for a different regional take.
3. Tropical Pulled Pork: Add pineapple juice and Jamaican jerk rub before grilling for a Caribbean twist.
4. Beer-Braised Pulled Pork: Cook pork in a shallow pan of dark beer on the cooktop for rich malty flavors.
5. Applewood Bacon Pulled Pork: Roll the shredded pork in grilled crumbled bacon for an extra burst of smoky flavor.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter and sea salt
• Pickled vegetables or dill cucumber salad
• Sweet potato fries made on the Arteflame griddle
• Crisp amber ale or a chilled sweet tea
• Grilled peach halves with vanilla ice cream for dessert

Conclusion

These South Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are the perfect combination of smoky, tangy, and tender. The Arteflame Grill takes your barbecue game to the next level, offering searing perfection and full-flavored cooking with ease. Whether it's game day or a summer cookout, these sliders are sure to impress.