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Ingredients
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Kalua Pig (miniature portion)
Spicy Cabbage Slaw
Sliders & Garnish
Method
Kalua Pig (miniature portion)
- 1
- 2
Braise with smoke
Transfer seared pork to a small Dutch oven or ovenproof pot. Add 1 cup chicken or pork broth and 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, pouring around the meat. Cover tightly with a lid (or foil then lid) and place in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C). Braise until the pork is very tender and shreds easily, 2 to 2½ hours.
- 3
Shred and finish
Remove the pork to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat finely, discarding any large pieces of fat if desired. Return shredded pork to the pot with any braising juices; if it seems dry, add up to 2–3 tablespoons additional broth. Taste and adjust salt or liquid smoke in small increments until smoky-salty and balanced. Keep warm while preparing slaw and buns.
Spicy Cabbage Slaw
- 4
Make the dressing
In a medium bowl whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon Sriracha, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust heat or acidity as desired.
- 5
Toss the slaw
Combine 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, ½ cup grated carrot, 3 tablespoons sliced scallions, and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to coat. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir again before serving; drain any excess liquid if it accumulates.
Sliders & Assembly
- 6
Toast the buns
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if not already warm from braising. Arrange split slider buns cut-side up on a baking sheet. Brush each cut side lightly with melted butter. Toast in the oven 4–6 minutes until edges are golden and buttered. Remove and keep warm.
- 7
Assemble sliders
Place about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of shredded Kalua pig on the bottom half of each bun (you should have enough for 12 small sliders). Top the pork with about 1 heaping tablespoon of spicy cabbage slaw. Add a few pickled jalapeño slices (or fresh jalapeño) to each for extra heat and an optional cilantro leaf. Cap with the top bun.
- 8
Serve
Arrange sliders on a platter and serve immediately while warm. Offer extra Sriracha, lime wedges, or pickles on the side. Leftover pork can be refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.
