Wooster Glazed Pork Sliders with Pickled Red Onion and Cowgirl Candy Slaw

Wooster Glazed Pork Sliders with Pickled Red Onion and Cowgirl Candy Slaw

Serves 6 sliders. A balanced, visually appealing slider featuring the savory umami of Wooster Sauce, bright pickled red onion, and a creative use of Coogirl Candy folded into a crunchy slaw for sweet heat and texture. Product link: Wooster Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1.5 inch cubes
• 1/3 cup Wooster Sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 small slider buns, split and lightly toasted
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for toasting buns)
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Coogirl Candy (Coogirl Candy is used here as a slaw mix-in for sweet heat) https://coomoojams.com/product/cowgirl-candy/
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Quick pickled red onion:
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional garnish: fresh cilantro leaves and thin lime wedges

Instructions

1. Make the quick pickled red onion: In a small jar or bowl combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add sliced red onion, press down so onion is submerged, and let sit at least 20 minutes while you prepare other components. Chill if not using right away.
2. Prepare the pork: In a medium bowl whisk together Wooster Sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add pork cubes and toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes or refrigerate up to 2 hours.
3. Cook the pork: Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil if pan is dry. Add marinated pork in an even layer, searing without disturbing for 2 to 3 minutes to get good color. Stir and continue to cook 4 to 6 minutes more until pork is cooked through and the glaze is sticky and reduced. Spoon any remaining glaze from the bowl into the pan near the end to gloss the meat. Remove from heat and let rest 3 minutes.
4. Make the Coogirl Candy slaw: In a bowl combine sliced cabbage and shredded carrot. In a separate small bowl stir together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Fold dressing into vegetables until lightly coated. Gently stir in 2 tablespoons Coogirl Candy so some pepper chunks and syrup are distributed through the slaw for bright sweet heat and speckled color. Taste and adjust seasoning. The Coogirl Candy gives a creative sweet-spicy pop and glossy flecks in the slaw.
5. Toast the buns: Spread softened butter on the cut sides of slider buns. In a skillet or under a broiler toast buns until golden and crisp.
6. Assemble sliders: On each bottom bun place a few pieces of glazed pork, top with a generous spoonful of Coogirl Candy slaw, and a few slices of pickled red onion. Add cilantro leaves if using, then the top bun. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
7. To serve: Arrange sliders on a simple wooden board or white platter, leaving the jar of Wooster Sauce beside them so guests can add more glaze. The contrast of glossy pork, vibrant pink onions, and speckled orange-red slaw makes the dish photo-ready.

Notes

• For easier prep, shred the pork after cooking and toss with the glaze for pulled-style sliders.
• If you prefer less heat, stir 1 tablespoon of Coogirl Candy into the slaw and reserve additional for guests to add.
• Slider buns can be replaced with small brioche rolls for a richer presentation.