Spiced Tiki-Style Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Salsa

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

Slow-cooked pulled pork seasoned with warm tiki spices, served on mini buns with a bright pineapple salsa for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This caribbean-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes blends pork shoulder, brown sugar, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a small bowl to create the dry rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 2 lbs pork shoulder evenly with the spice mixture. Place into a slow cooker and pour 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar over the meat.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded with forks.
  4. Step 4: While pork cooks, prepare the pineapple salsa by mixing 1 cup pineapple chunks, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 small minced jalapeño in a bowl; set aside.
  5. Step 5: When pork is done, shred it directly in the slow cooker and stir to combine with cooking juices.
  6. Step 6: Assemble sliders by placing generous portions of pulled pork onto 8 mini slider buns and topping each with a spoonful of pineapple salsa.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm with optional extra cilantro garnish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Tiki-Style Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Tiki-Style Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Tiki-Style Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Spiced Tiki-Style Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Salsa 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 Spiced Tiki-Style Pulled Pork Sliders with Pineapple Salsa?

Caribbean slow cooker 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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