Barbecued Pork Tenderloin Sliders

I have a confession to make. I don't like making dinner at dinner time. I want my dinner waiting for me instead of rushing around the kitchen to get supper on the table during the generally hectic 5 - 7 pm time slot each weekday. My Oldest is always starving when she comes home from a field hockey game. My Middle One usually asks what's for dinner even before she has had breakfast. And No Thank You Boy is looking for dinner as soon as he walks in the door from football practice.

My kind of dinners are the ones that are waiting for my family in the refrigerator and taste like they were just made. With a quick reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, dinner can be ready in no time. Barbecued Pork Tenderloin Sliders is one such meal.

My crock pot usually helps me make Pulled Pork Sandwiches and they are a crowd pleaser any time of the year. With sliders still a hot trend in the world of food, I updated my pulled pork recipe with a quick and just as tasty version. After a rub and a roast, pork tenderloins are sliced thin and slathered with barbecue sauce. Served on slider rolls (many bread companies are now making these mini rolls or pick some up at your local bakery) along with tangy cole slaw, these 3-bite sandwiches are great for tailgates, parties, or dinner.

Make a batch today. Dinner will be a no-brainer.

Barbecued Pork Tenderloin Sliders
Print recipe

makes about 16 sliders

for the sliders --
3 to 3 1/2 pounds of pork tenderloin
olive oil
Penzey's Galena Street Spice Rub or your favorite spicy grill seasoning
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce. I use Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce

for the cole slaw --
1/4 cup canola oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
a few shakes of hot sauce
8 cups of thinly shredded green cabbage

16 slider rolls

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Rub the tenderloins with olive oil and generously sprinkle with the spice rub. Place the tenderloin on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 20 - 25 minutes or until the internal temperature is about 140 degrees. Remove from oven and let cool.

With a sharp knife, thinly slice the tenderloin and place in a pot over medium heat. Add the barbecue sauce and about 1/3 cup water and gently stir to combine. Heat the pork and barbecue sauce for about 15 minutes until it is hot and bubbly.

Meanwhile, make the cole slaw. In a large bowl, whisk the canola oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Add the cabbage and toss to coat. Set aside.

To serve, open a roll and top with the cole slaw and the barbecued pork tenderloin. Place the top of the roll on the pork and serve.