Pulled Pork Sliders - Best Illinois BBQ Pork Sliders

Introduction

Pulled pork sliders are a must-have for any barbecue lover, and cooking them on the Arteflame grill ensures they stay juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. The high heat of the center grill grate locks in the juices while the flat top cooktop evenly cooks the pork to perfection. Paired with coleslaw on a soft mini bun, these sliders are an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 pork shoulder (about 4 lbs)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• Mini slider buns
• 2 cups coleslaw

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
3. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes before cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the pork shoulder

1. Rub the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Step 3: Sear the pork

1. Place the pork shoulder on the center grill grate and sear for about 4 minutes per side to lock in the juices.

Step 4: Slow cook the pork

1. Move the pork to the flat cooktop, closer to the edge where the temperature is lower.
2. Slow-cook the pork, turning occasionally, for about 5 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F.
3. Remove from the grill when it reaches 175°F as it will continue to rise in temperature.

Step 5: Shred the pork

1. Let the pork rest for 15 minutes.
2. Use two forks to shred the pork and mix with barbecue sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the sliders

1. Butter the mini slider buns and lightly toast them on the Arteflame flat cooktop.
2. Place a generous amount of pulled pork on each bun.
3. Top with coleslaw and serve warm.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork.
• Let the pork rest before shredding to retain juices.
• Slow-cooking on the Arteflame’s flat cooktop ensures even cooking without burning.

Variations

1. Spicy Pulled Pork: Add 1 tbsp cayenne pepper to the seasoning for an extra kick.
2. Honey BBQ Pulled Pork: Replace brown sugar with honey for a slightly sweeter flavor.
3. Asian-Style Pulled Pork: Use hoisin sauce instead of barbecue sauce and top with pickled vegetables.
4. Smoky Chipotle Pulled Pork: Add 1 tbsp chipotle powder to the seasoning for a rich smoky flavor.
5. Carolina-Style Pulled Pork: Substitute vinegar-based barbecue sauce for a tangy twist.

Conclusion

These pulled pork sliders showcase how the Arteflame grill can elevate classic barbecue dishes. The searing heat locks in juices, while the flat cooktop ensures an even, perfectly tender pork shoulder.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Sweet potato fries
• Creamy coleslaw
• Grilled pickles
• Classic potato salad