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Hawaiian Pork Sliders

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These Hawaiian Pork Sliders are a delicious twist on classic mini burgers, blending juicy ground pork with scallions, ginger, and barbecue sauce. Each patty is grilled to perfection and topped with caramelized pineapple for a sweet and savory finish. Served on soft King's Hawaiian rolls with a touch of mayo and more sauce, they make a standout backyard meal. Quick to prepare and full of bold flavors, these sliders are ideal for summer grilling or casual entertaining. Don't forget to pair them with fresh sides and chilled drinks!

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Published By Dina
Updated on Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:52:52 GMT
A plate of Hawaiian pork sliders. Bookmark
A plate of Hawaiian pork sliders. | ioanacooks.com

This Hawaiian pork sliders recipe is my go to when the grill comes out. Juicy pork patties glazed with barbecue sauce and topped with warm caramelized pineapple create the perfect bite. Add a buttery toasted roll and it is everything you want in a summer backyard meal.

I first made these on a whim for a family picnic and they disappeared faster than I could set down the plate. Now it is a standing request every cookout.

Ingredients

  • Ground pork: adds moisture and flavor when grilled
  • Minced scallions: provide a fresh mild onion base
  • Ground ginger: gives a subtle sweet spice note
  • Salt and pepper: are essential for seasoning the meat
  • Pineapple rings: bring sweet acidity and caramelize beautifully on the grill
  • Barbecue sauce: delivers smoky tangy flavor with each basting
  • Mayonnaise: creates a creamy contrast when serving
  • King's Hawaiian rolls: offer a soft slightly sweet base that holds everything together

Choose ripe fresh pineapple or canned in juice not syrup for best results. Opt for good quality barbecue sauce without too much added sugar.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Pork Mixture:
In a large bowl gently mix ground pork scallions ginger salt and pepper using your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
Form the Patties:
Shape the mixture into 8 even patties making a slight indentation in the center of each. This prevents them from puffing up while cooking.
Prepare the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium high. Oil the grates lightly using a brush or spray to prevent sticking.
Grill the Patties First Side:
Place patties on the hot grill and brush the top of each with barbecue sauce. Cover the grill and cook for 5 minutes.
Flip and Baste Again:
Turn the patties over and brush with more barbecue sauce. Continue cooking 4 to 5 more minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
Grill the Pineapple:
While burgers finish place pineapple rings on the grill. Cook for about 3 minutes until grill marks appear then flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes more.
Rest the Meat and Pineapple:
Remove both from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to settle.
Toast the Rolls:
Place rolls cut side down on the hot grill and toast for 1 to 2 minutes until golden at the edges.
Assemble the Sliders:
Spread barbecue sauce and optional mayonnaise on the toasted rolls. Place a pork patty and a pineapple ring inside each and top with the other half of the roll. Serve warm.
A plate of Hawaiian pork sliders. Bookmark
A plate of Hawaiian pork sliders. | ioanacooks.com

Storage Tips

Store any cooked patties and pineapple separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave and assemble fresh before serving. Toast buns only when ready to eat.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground chicken or turkey instead of pork but add a bit of oil to keep it moist. Canned pineapple works well if fresh is unavailable. For a tangier taste try mustard instead of mayonnaise.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders pair perfectly with coleslaw macaroni salad or grilled corn. For drinks serve with sweet tea lemonade or a tropical fruit spritzer.

A plate of Hawaiian pork sliders. Bookmark
A plate of Hawaiian pork sliders. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural Context

Sliders originated as small easy to eat burgers often served in diners. This Hawaiian twist combines American grilling with tropical island ingredients for a fusion flavor that is beloved across summer menus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple rings work well, especially when fresh is not in season. Just pat them dry before grilling.

→ What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?

Use your favorite variety—smoky, sweet, or spicy. A thick sauce will cling better to the patties.

→ How do I keep the patties from bulging while cooking?

Form a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help maintain a flat shape during grilling.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. You can form the patties and refrigerate them a day in advance. Grill just before serving for best results.

→ Are there alternatives to grilling?

If grilling isn’t an option, cook the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat and use a grill pan for the pineapple.

→ What sides pair well with pork sliders?

Coleslaw, macaroni salad, fruit salad, or creamy cucumber salad all pair wonderfully with these sliders.

Hawaiian Pork Sliders

Juicy pork sliders with pineapple and barbecue sauce, perfect for easy grilling and summer meals.

Time Needed to Prep
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Published By: Dina

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 8 How Many It Serves (8 sliders)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free Suitable

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Slider Patties

Ingredient 01 1 1/2 pounds ground pork
Ingredient 02 1/2 cup minced scallions
Ingredient 03 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Ingredient 04 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 05 Black pepper, to taste

→ Toppings and Basting

Ingredient 06 8 pineapple rings
Ingredient 07 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

→ To Serve

Ingredient 08 Mayonnaise, as desired
Ingredient 09 8 King's Hawaiian rolls

Steps to Follow

Step 01

In a large bowl, mix ground pork, scallions, ginger, salt, and pepper with your hands until just combined. Gently shape into 8 equal patties with a slight indentation in the center.

Step 02

Preheat grill to medium-high and coat grates with oil or nonstick spray.

Step 03

Place patties on hot grill and brush tops with barbecue sauce. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Flip patties and brush again with barbecue sauce. Grill for another 4–5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 05

Place pineapple rings on the grill. Cook for 3 minutes to char one side, then flip and grill for an additional 1–2 minutes.

Step 06

Remove patties and pineapple from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 07

Place rolls cut-side down on grill and toast until edges are browned, about 1–2 minutes.

Step 08

Spread barbecue sauce and mayonnaise on rolls. Layer with a pork patty and grilled pineapple ring. Close with top roll and serve.

Extra Tips

  1. Avoid over-mixing the pork mixture to keep patties tender.
  2. Make a slight indentation in each patty to prevent bulging during grilling.
  3. Use a meat thermometer to ensure patties reach 160°F for food safety.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains eggs (from mayonnaise)
  • Contains gluten (from King's Hawaiian rolls)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 346
  • Total Fat: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 22 grams
  • Protein Amount: 17 grams