Savor the Islands: Irresistible Hawaiian Sliders with Tropical Slaw (Two Ways!)

Transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Hawaii with these phenomenal Hawaiian Sliders! Whether you’re celebrating Hawaiian Foods Week (typically June 12-18) or simply craving a taste of the islands, these sliders are a culinary delight. We’re doubling the deliciousness by offering two distinct, yet equally enticing, fillings: tender, slow-cooked Hawaiian-flavored pulled pork and perfectly seared slices of classic SPAM®. Each slider is then generously topped with a refreshing, easy-to-make Tropical Slaw, bursting with the sweet and nutty flavors of pineapple and macadamia nuts.

Bringing the Aloha Spirit to Your Kitchen

While a trip to Hawaii remains a top contender on my personal bucket list, I firmly believe that you don’t need to physically be on the islands to experience their incredible culinary magic. Until that dream vacation becomes a reality, I find immense joy in recreating and savoring the vibrant, unique flavors of Hawaiian cuisine right in my own kitchen. These sliders are a perfect example, offering an authentic taste of Aloha that’s easy enough for any home cook.

The foundation of any great slider is, of course, the roll. For these Hawaiian Sliders, I exclusively turn to King’s Hawaiian Rolls. These iconic rolls have been a cherished favorite of mine for years, and for good reason. Their signature sweet, soft, and fluffy texture provides the perfect counterpoint to savory fillings. I was particularly thrilled to recently discover their new jalapeno-flavored rolls. The subtle kick of heat perfectly balances the inherent sweetness, creating an irresistible sweet and spicy combination that elevates these sliders to another level. Using either the original sweet rolls or the jalapeno variety will yield exceptional results, catering to different flavor preferences.

The Star Fillings: Pulled Pork & SPAM®

Effortless Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork

One of the fillings for our Hawaiian Sliders is a succulent pulled pork, imbued with delicious Hawaiian-inspired flavors. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. For this dish, I opted for lean pork tenderloins. Their inherent tenderness and lower fat content make them ideal for slow cooking, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth pork that’s both flavorful and wholesome. The key to its irresistible taste is King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Pineapple BBQ Sauce. This exceptional sauce provides a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a hint of tropical pineapple that complements the pork beautifully. To further enhance the flavor profile, I added a touch of soy sauce for umami, brown sugar for extra caramelization, and a dash of red pepper flakes to introduce a gentle warmth. Simply combine these ingredients with the pork tenderloins in your slow cooker, let it simmer low and slow for several hours, and you’ll be rewarded with tender, shreddable pork that’s bursting with island-inspired goodness. It’s truly a “set it and forget it” recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Celebrating a Hawaiian Staple: Seared SPAM® Sliders

Beyond the savory pulled pork, we’re embracing another iconic Hawaiian food item: SPAM® Classic. SPAM® products hold a uniquely revered place in Hawaiian cuisine and culture. It’s so deeply integrated that even global fast-food chains like McDonald’s feature SPAM® Brand items on their breakfast menus across the islands. For these sliders, slices of SPAM® Classic are quickly seared in a pan until golden brown and slightly crispy on each side. This searing process develops a wonderful depth of flavor and texture, transforming the humble canned meat into a savory delight. Drizzled with a little extra BBQ sauce, these SPAM® sliders offer a distinct and equally delicious alternative to the pulled pork. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, don’t hesitate to try SPAM® Hot & Spicy, which is infused with TABASCO® sauce for an extra kick! It’s a bold choice that truly captures the adventurous spirit of island flavors.

The Perfect Topping: Zesty Tropical Slaw

No Hawaiian slider would be complete without a vibrant and refreshing slaw to cut through the richness of the fillings. Our Tropical Slaw is incredibly easy to assemble and bursting with bright, complementary flavors. The simple dressing combines creamy mayonnaise with the tang of cider vinegar, a hint of umami from soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from sugar. This creates a beautifully balanced base for our fresh ingredients. Into this dressing, we fold shredded carrots for crunch and color, thinly sliced green onions for a mild oniony bite, and the star tropical ingredients: finely chopped DOLE Pineapple and crunchy roasted Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts. The interplay of sweet pineapple and the buttery richness of macadamia nuts against the crisp vegetables and tangy dressing makes this slaw truly special. It’s a crucial element that ties all the flavors of these Hawaiian Sliders together, adding freshness and an authentic island feel.

Ingredient Spotlight: DOLE Pineapple & Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts

When it comes to crafting a truly authentic Tropical Slaw, the quality of your ingredients makes all the difference. That’s why I always recommend DOLE Pineapple Slices. Dole is synonymous with consistent freshness and ripeness, ensuring that your slaw gets that genuine, juicy tropical sweetness year-round. Whether you use fresh or canned (making sure to drain it well), Dole pineapple delivers a bright, invigorating flavor that perfectly complements the savory meats.

Equally important are the macadamia nuts, and for these, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts are my top choice. Their superior taste and unparalleled quality are evident in every bite. Mauna Loa has deep roots in Hawaii, with their first plantation established way back in 1946, and their inaugural commercial crop harvested in 1956. This rich history highlights their dedication to cultivating the finest macadamia nuts. It’s a testament to patience and nature’s bounty, considering that an average macadamia nut tree takes approximately seven years to begin producing and a full ten years to reach its peak production levels! The rich, buttery crunch of Mauna Loa macadamia nuts adds an exquisite texture and depth of flavor to the slaw. They also offer a delightful array of flavored macadamia nuts, including Dry Roasted, Maui Onion Garlic, and Honey Roasted, each providing a unique twist for snacking or culinary adventures.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Hawaiian Sliders are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for a wide range of occasions. They are perfect for summer entertaining, adding a festive and exotic touch to backyard BBQs, pool parties, or picnics. Their individual portion size also makes them excellent for potlucks, game day gatherings, or simply a fun, island-themed weeknight meal. For the ultimate Hawaiian experience, pair these sliders with a cold Kona Longboard Island Lager. Brewed in Hawaii, this “Liquid Aloha” provides a crisp, refreshing complement to the rich, savory, and sweet flavors of the sliders. The malty sweetness and subtle hop bitterness of the lager enhance the entire meal, making it an unforgettable culinary journey to the tropics. Consider serving them with other Hawaiian-inspired sides like poi (if you’re adventurous!), fresh fruit platters, or even a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to complete your island feast.

Hawaiian Sliders with Tropical Slaw

By Christin Mahrlig

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Two types of Hawaiian Sliders, both topped with a tropical slaw flavored with pineapple and macadamia nuts.

Ingredients

Pork Sliders

2 pork tenderloins
1/2 cup King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Pineapple BBQ Sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

SPAM® Sliders

1 container SPAM® Classic

Remaining Ingredients

1 package King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
BBQ Sauce (for drizzling)

Tropical Slaw

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 (10-ounce) package coleslaw mix
1 carrot,, shredded
4 Slices DOLE Pineapple,, finely chopped
3 green onions,, sliced
1/4 cup chopped Mauna Loa Dry Roasted Macadamia Nuts

Instructions

For the Pulled Pork: Lightly grease a crock pot insert and place pork tenderloins inside. In a bowl, mix together the King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Pineapple BBQ Sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture over the pork in the crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours, or until pork is very tender. Shred the pork with two forks and continue to cook for another 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to fully meld.
For the SPAM®: Slice the SPAM® Classic into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Heat a nonstick pan coated with vegetable oil over medium heat. Cook the SPAM® slices until beautifully browned and slightly crispy on both sides. Cut each seared piece in half to ensure it fits perfectly on the slider rolls.
For the Tropical Slaw: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar to create the dressing.
Add the coleslaw mix, shredded carrot, finely chopped DOLE Pineapple, and sliced green onions to the dressing. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Sprinkle the chopped Mauna Loa Dry Roasted Macadamia Nuts over the top and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Assemble the Sliders: Carefully cut the King’s Hawaiian Rolls open (you can leave them attached at the base for easy serving). Fill half of the rolls with the delicious pulled pork and the other half with the seared SPAM® slices. Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over the SPAM® sliders, if desired. Top both types of sliders generously with the chilled Tropical Slaw before serving.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of King’s Hawaiian. The opinions and text are all mine.