Smoked Tiki Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender smoked pulled pork served on mini buns with a tangy pineapple slaw, blending smoky and sweet island flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 440 minutes pairs boneless pork shoulder, smoked paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 420 min Serves 12 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder in a small bowl. Rub this spice mix evenly over 3 lbs pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Prepare a smoker or grill for indirect heat at 225°F. Smoke the pork shoulder for 6-7 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat is tender enough to shred.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup pineapple juice. Bring to a simmer and reduce by half. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: Shred the smoked pork with two forks and toss with the reduced vinegar-pineapple sauce for moisture and tang.
  5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix until creamy and well combined.
  6. Step 6: Toast 12 mini slider buns lightly. Fill each bun with a generous scoop of pulled pork and top with pineapple slaw. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Tiki Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 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 Smoked Tiki Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Slaw?

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 boneless pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Tiki Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Slaw?

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 Smoked Tiki Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 Smoked Tiki Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Slaw?

American 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.

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