Coffee Rubbed Pulled Pork Sliders (by Sarah Hauser)
(Ed: Sarah is a prolific blogger and writer that you need to check out. In preparation for this weekend’s super football game, we asked her to come up with a super (bowl) worthy fantastic recipe. True to form, she did not disappoint! These coffee rubbed pulled pork sliders are absolutely super (bowl)! Be sure to make a double batch ahead of time because they’re definitely going to be gone. Plus, you may want to think about saving some of the pulled pork for breakfast too.
When we’re cooking with coffee, we recommend using a decaf coffee. There’s just something about the way the coffee flavors comes out a little bit stronger and smoother than regular coffee. All that to say, if regular coffee is all you have, by all means, stick with that!)
A Little Background
I enjoy watching football. OK, let me clarify: most of the time I enjoy watching football. And by most of the time I mean when I’ve finally given up hope that the Bears will actually do anything productive, flip the channel to another game, and momentarily pick a different team to root for. Fair-weather fan, I know. I fully admit it. But I’m a Bears fan just by marrying a Bears fan, so I don’t have to watch every painful second of every game, right?
Regardless of where your team loyalties lie, half the fun of game day is getting together with friends and family – and you can’t watch football without food. I think it’s physically impossible. Just like movie night and buttered popcorn or Chicago baseball and a Vienna Beef hot dog, the experience of watching football requires the appropriate fare. Super Bowl weekend and coffee rubbed pulled pork sliders certainly fits that requirement.
Why not have pulled pork for breakfast? Save some of the meat in the fridge or freezer, and top it with an over-easy egg the next day. Check out this recipe for more info!
This recipe for Coffee Rubbed Pulled Pork Sliders is made in the slow cooker, so if you’re having a big crowd over, you don’t have to worry about prepping food while everyone arrives. (It also freezes well, so you can save leftovers.) The coffee flavor complements the pork and isn’t overpowering, so even those who aren’t coffee fans will love it. It’s sweet, savory, and smoky with a hint of spice at the end. Top the pork with a tangy, creamy homemade slaw, serve it on slider buns, relax on the couch, and savor the day the Falcons’ beat the Patriots.
Coffee Rubbed Pulled Pork Sliders
Yields about 20-24 sliders (10-12 servings)
- 1 (4-5 pound) pork butt roast
- 3 Tablespoons finely ground coffee
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 20-24 slider buns
In a small bowl, mix together the coffee, chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper. Thoroughly rub the spice mix all over the pork butt roast. You should end up using most, if not all, of the spice rub.
Place the spice-rubbed pork in a 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for about 6 hours. The pork is ready when it can be easily pulled apart.
Use a couple forks to shred the meat, and remove any large pieces of fat. Give everything in the slow cooker a good stir so the spices, juices, and meat are thoroughly mixed together.
Serve the pork on the slider buns and top with the red cabbage slaw and a few chopped green onions. Serve and enjoy!
Continue below for the red cabbage slaw recipe.
Red Cabbage Slaw
Yields about 10-12 servings
- 1 medium-sized cabbage, shredded (about 8 cups)
- 2 large carrots, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 2 limes, juiced (about ¼ cup of juice)
- ¾ cups mayonnaise
- 3 Tablespoons honey (plus more to taste)
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
In a large bowl, mix together the cabbage, carrots, and most of the green onions (reserving a few for garnish when serving).
In a separate bowl, make the dressing by whisking together the lime juice, mayonnaise, 3 Tablespoons of the honey, vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture, and stir until everything is fully incorporated. Season with additional honey, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. When you’re ready to serve, give the slaw another good stir to redistribute the dressing. Serve on top of the coffee rubbed pulled pork sliders and garnish with the reserved green onions. Enjoy!
