Kalua Pork Sliders
Smoky, tender, and incredibly juicy slow-cooked pork, shredded and piled high on sweet rolls with a tangy pineapple slaw. A taste of a Hawaiian luau, made easy in your own kitchen.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 480 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Pork
- b.Pat the pork butt completely dry with paper towels. If desired, trim off any excessive fat cap, leaving about 1/4-inch.
- c.Using a sharp knife, pierce the pork all over about an inch deep. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat.
- d.Rub the Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke evenly and thoroughly over the entire surface of the pork.
- e.Place the seasoned pork, fat-side up, into the basin of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Do not add any water or other liquid.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Slow Cook the Pork
- b.Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 8 to 10 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4 to 5 hours.
- c.The pork is ready when it is fork-tender and shreds effortlessly. The internal temperature should reach at least 200°F (93°C).
- 3
Step 3
- a.Make the Pineapple Slaw
- b.About an hour before the pork is done, prepare the slaw. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and drained pineapple tidbits.
- c.In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- d.Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- e.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shred and Finish the Pork
- b.Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a large bowl or cutting board. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to cool slightly.
- c.Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding the bone (if using bone-in) and any large pieces of fat.
- d.Let the juices in the slow cooker settle for a few minutes, then skim the excess fat from the surface using a spoon.
- e.Moisten the shredded pork by adding 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the reserved, defatted juices back into the meat. Toss to combine.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Split the Hawaiian sweet rolls. For best results, lightly butter the cut sides and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- c.Pile a generous amount of the warm shredded Kalua pork onto the bottom half of each roll.
- d.Top the pork with a spoonful of the chilled pineapple slaw.
- e.Place the top half of the roll on, secure with a toothpick if desired, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use coarse Hawaiian alaea salt, which has a reddish color from volcanic clay. If unavailable, regular coarse sea salt is a great substitute.
- 2Resist the urge to add liquid to the slow cooker. The pork will release a significant amount of its own flavorful juices, creating a concentrated broth.
- 3Toasting the slider buns is a crucial step. It prevents them from becoming soggy from the pork juices and slaw dressing, providing a better texture.
- 4The shredded pork freezes exceptionally well. Cool it completely, store in freezer-safe bags with a little of its juice, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- 5For a deeper flavor, sear the pork butt on all sides in a hot, oiled skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Some Heat
Finely dice one or two jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) and add them to the pineapple slaw for a spicy kick.
BBQ FusionBBQ Fusion
After shredding the pork, mix in 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce along with the pork juices for a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor profile.
Chicken VersionChicken Version
Substitute the pork with 4 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until shreddable.
Add OnionAdd Onion
Thinly slice a red onion and add it to the slaw for extra crunch and a sharp, savory flavor that complements the sweet pineapple.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Pork is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Rich in B Vitamins
Pork butt is a good source of several B vitamins, particularly thiamine (B1) and niacin (B3), which are crucial for converting food into energy and supporting nervous system health.
Digestive Support from Slaw
The cabbage in the pineapple slaw provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two Kalua Pork Sliders contains approximately 450-550 calories, depending on the fat content of the pork and the specific brand of rolls and mayonnaise used.