Smoked Tiki-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-smoked pulled pork infused with warm tiki spices, topped with a tangy pineapple slaw, served on soft slider buns. This bbq & smoked-inspired pork ready in about 380 minutes pairs pork shoulder, brown sugar, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 8, 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: 360 min Serves 8 BBQ & Smoked cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the tiki spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the spice mixture evenly over 3 lbs pork shoulder, covering all sides. Place the pork in a smoker preheated to 225°F and smoke for approximately 6 hours until internal temperature reaches 195°F and meat pulls apart easily.
  3. Step 3: While pork smokes, prepare pineapple slaw by combining 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple, 2 cups shredded green cabbage, and 1/2 cup shredded carrot in a large bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
  4. Step 4: When pork is done, remove from smoker and let rest for 15 minutes. Pull the meat apart with two forks and stir in 1/4 cup pineapple juice for added moisture.
  5. Step 5: Assemble sliders by placing a generous scoop of pulled pork on each of the 8 slider buns and topping with 2 tbsp pineapple slaw. Serve immediately for a smoky, tangy, and tropical bite.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 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-Spiced 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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Tiki-Spiced 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-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Slaw?

BBQ & Smoked 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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