Tiki-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Pineapple Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked pulled pork infused with warm tiki spices, served on mini buns topped with a refreshing pineapple and cabbage slaw. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs boneless 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 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: 480 min Serves 12 Caribbean cuisine 320 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 allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder evenly with the spice mixture, covering all sides.
  3. Step 3: Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup pineapple juice around it.
  4. Step 4: Cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender enough to shred easily with two forks.
  5. Step 5: While the pork cooks, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Mix well to make the pineapple slaw and refrigerate.
  6. Step 6: Once the pork is done, shred it in the slow cooker and mix with the cooking juices.
  7. Step 7: To assemble, split 12 mini slider buns and pile each with a generous scoop of pulled pork and a spoonful of pineapple slaw. Serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tiki-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Pineapple Slaw 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 Tiki-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy 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 Tiki-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy 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 Tiki-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy 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 Tiki-Spiced Pulled Pork Sliders with Tangy Pineapple Slaw?

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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