Caribbean-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders
Tender slow-cooked pulled pork infused with Caribbean spices and served in mini buns with tangy slaw for flavorful handheld bites. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs olive oil, brown sugar, ground allspice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs, trimmed and cut into chunks pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 12 mini slider buns
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 medium, shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the spice rub.
- Step 2: Rub the 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the spice mix.
- Step 3: Place the pork in a slow cooker and pour 1/2 cup orange juice and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar over it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until tender and shreddable.
- Step 4: While pork cooks, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 shredded medium carrot, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl to make the tangy slaw. Refrigerate until serving.
- Step 5: Once pork is done, shred with two forks and stir to combine with cooking juices.
- Step 6: Assemble sliders by placing a generous scoop of pulled pork on each of 12 mini slider buns and topping with a spoonful of slaw before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders take to make?
Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caribbean-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caribbean-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caribbean-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders?
Caribbean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.