Suitable Cuts of Pork

• A number of different cuts of pork are suitable for slow cooking, so choose according to the number of people you want to feed or the amount of leftovers you would like. Boneless cuts mean the pork is ready as soon as its tender enough, while bone-in cuts add the step of forking through the cooked pork to fish out the bones. For copious amounts of pulled pork, select a Boston butt or picnic shoulder. Country-style boneless ribs are a good choice for smaller portions. You can also use a tenderloin or pork chops, the thicker the better. Cook the pork whole, or reduce the total cooking time by cutting it into pieces. Trim excess fat before you start cooking.

Cooking Methods

• A slow cooker works best for fuss-free preparation of pulled pork for sliders, retaining all the juices and rendering the meat moist with no need for additional liquids. Set the cooker on high for five to six hours or low for seven to eight hours. Oven cook pork at a low temperature, with a little water or stock, covered with foil for two to three hours. A bed of sliced onions and lemons adds extra flavor and moisture. Another option is to simmer the pork in stock or water with a lid until it falls apart easily. Drain the liquid away before serving. If you have a smoker, smoke pork for about 90 minutes per pound.

Seasonings and Sauces

• Slow cooked pork is at its best when served with a homemade or store-bought sauce, such as barbecue, teriyaki or hot sauce. You can cook the pork with some simple seasonings, such as garlic, ginger, lemon and pepper, then stir it into a sauce before serving, or offer a variety of sauces to serve on top of the sliders. This is a good option when you're feeding a crowd and want to let everyone customize their sliders. For the most flavorful results, cook the pork in the sauce for the final hour or so. Sauces with a high sugar content, such as sweet barbecue sauces, are not a good choice for slow cooking, but vinegary barbecue sauces fare better. Other tasty options include soy and Worcestershire sauces. A dash of liquid smoke gives slow cooked pork a hint of barbecue flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• The essential element for serving slow cooked pork as sliders is little buns, which are readily available in white and wheat varieties. Soft Hawaiian-style buns are especially good with pork. You can also bake small dinner rolls or biscuits, or in a pinch, cut hot dog buns in half. Set out dishes of toppings, such as coleslaw, pickles, mustard, thinly sliced red onions and avocado slices. Good sides to complement sliders include potato chips, salad and sweet potato fries. If you're entertaining guests, other bite-sized appetizers to complete the meal include chicken wings, vegetables with a dip, and other fillings for sliders, such as mini hamburgers, chicken burgers and thick, angled-cut slices of Italian sausage.