Smoky Tiki Beach BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

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

Slow-cooked pulled pork infused with smoky tiki spices, served on soft slider buns with a tangy pineapple slaw for a beach party vibe. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 480 min Serves 8 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 lb pork shoulder evenly with the spice mix. Place the pork in a slow cooker and pour 1 cup pineapple juice and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar around it.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 8 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, in a medium bowl combine 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1/2 cup grated carrot, 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, and 2 tbsp lime juice to make a tangy slaw. Refrigerate until serving.
  5. Step 5: Once pork is done, shred it with two forks and mix with the cooking juices.
  6. Step 6: To assemble, pile the pulled pork onto 8 slider buns and top with pineapple slaw. Serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Tiki Beach BBQ 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 Smoky Tiki Beach BBQ 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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Tiki Beach BBQ 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 Smoky Tiki Beach BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders 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 Smoky Tiki Beach BBQ 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.

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