Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a Hawaiian delight that’s perfect for any gathering! Kalua Pork Sliders with Pineapple Mango Slaw bring the essence of the islands right to your kitchen, combining tender, smoky pulled pork with a refreshing tropical slaw that will leave your guests craving more. This mouthwatering recipe not only offers a burst of flavor but also a feast for the eyes, making it a showstopper at your next barbecue or family dinner. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover how to create these irresistible sliders that will transport you straight to a Hawaiian luau!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke
- 12 slider buns
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 mango, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Start by preparing the pork shoulder. Rinse the pork under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture.
- Rub the sea salt evenly over the entire surface of the pork shoulder. Make sure to cover all sides for maximum flavor.
- Using a sharp knife, make small slits in the pork to allow the flavors to penetrate better. This is especially important for larger cuts of meat.
- Drizzle the liquid smoke over the pork, ensuring it is well coated. This will give the pork a distinct smoky flavor that is characteristic of Kalua pork.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder into a slow cooker. Cover it with the lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. The slow cooking process will make the pork tender and flavorful.
- While the pork is cooking, prepare the pineapple mango slaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, diced mango, and shredded carrots. Toss them together gently to mix.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lime juice until smooth. This will be the dressing for your slaw.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss everything together until the slaw is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Once the pork is done cooking, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. It should pull apart easily if cooked properly.
- To assemble the sliders, take a slider bun and place a generous amount of shredded Kalua pork on the bottom half. Top with a spoonful of the pineapple mango slaw.
- Place the top half of the slider bun on top and press down gently to hold everything together. Repeat this process for the remaining buns.
- Serve the Kalua pork sliders warm, garnished with extra slaw on the side if desired. Enjoy the delicious Hawaiian flavors!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a well-marbled pork shoulder for the best flavor and tenderness. The fat will render during cooking, keeping the meat moist.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the sea salt! A thorough rub ensures that the pork is well-seasoned throughout, enhancing the overall taste.
- Let it Smoke: If you have the option, consider using a smoker instead of a slow cooker for an even deeper smoky flavor. Just be sure to monitor the temperature closely.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the slaw a few hours in advance or even the day before. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier.
- Shred with Care: When shredding the pork, use two forks and pull apart gently to maintain the texture. This will help the meat soak up any additional juices or sauces you may want to add.
- Bun Selection: Choose slider buns that are sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart. Brioche or Hawaiian rolls work wonderfully for this recipe.
- Garnish for Flair: Consider adding fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños to the sliders for an extra pop of flavor and color!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
