Grilled Kalua Pork Sliders – Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork

Introduction

Experience incredible Hawaiian flavor with these Grilled Kalua Pork Sliders, cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill. The combination of tender, smoky pulled pork, seared for a perfect crust, and buttery Hawaiian rolls makes for the ultimate BBQ sandwich. With the Arteflame's high-heat center grill grate and evenly heated flat cooktop, these sliders come out juicy and full of flavor. Get ready to bring a taste of Hawaii to your backyard grilling session!

Ingredients

• 3 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp liquid smoke
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 1 cup coleslaw (optional, for topping)
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood on top of the soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper napkins and let the fire build for about 20 minutes until the grill is fully heated.

Step 2: Season the Pork Shoulder

1. Rub the pork shoulder with sea salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Coat the pork with liquid smoke for an extra smoky depth of flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Pork

1. Place the pork shoulder on the center grill grate of the Arteflame for an incredible 1,000°F sear.
2. Sear on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side to lock in the juices.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Pork

1. Move the seared pork to the cooler outer edge of the flat cooktop griddle.
2. Add pineapple juice and butter to the meat, letting it slowly cook for 2-3 hours, turning occasionally.

Step 5: Shred the Pork

1. Once the meat reaches an internal temperature of 195°F, remove it from the grill.
2. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before shredding.
3. Shred the pork using two forks, mixing it with its own juices.

Step 6: Assemble the Sliders

1. Slice Hawaiian sweet rolls in half.
2. Butter the cut sides of the rolls and lightly toast them on the flat cooktop.
3. Place a generous amount of pulled pork on each bottom bun.
4. Add a scoop of coleslaw and a drizzle of BBQ sauce (if desired).
5. Place the top bun over the pork and serve immediately.

Tips

• Remove the meat from the grill when it reaches 180°F as residual heat will bring it up to the perfect 195°F.
• Always let the pork rest before shredding to keep it juicy.
• Use a mix of fruitwood and hardwood for a complex smoky flavor.

Variations

1. Spicy Kalua Pork Sliders: Add cayenne pepper and a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
2. Pineapple Teriyaki Sliders: Glaze the pork with a teriyaki sauce and top with grilled pineapple slices.
3. Korean BBQ Sliders: Marinate the pork in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian twist.
4. Sweet & Smoky Sliders: Mix brown sugar into the spice rub and add extra liquid smoke for deeper flavor.
5. Hawaiian Style Luau Sliders: Serve with grilled spam slices and a drizzle of honey mustard sauce.

Best pairings

• Grilled pineapple spears
• Hawaiian macaroni salad
• Sweet potato fries
• Coconut coleslaw
• Mai Tai cocktail

Conclusion

These Grilled Kalua Pork Sliders are a backyard BBQ favorite, offering the perfect balance of smoky, tender pork and sweet Hawaiian rolls. Grilling on the Arteflame ensures incredible quality and keeps cleanup easy. Try out the variations and make this dish uniquely yours!