Disclosure: This blog post was sponsored by KING’S HAWAIIAN® but the opinions are all my own.
Kalua Pork Barbecue Burgers with Pineapple Coleslaw
I spent my first two years of college at BYU-Hawaii. It was amazing! While I didn’t get to watch much college football while I was there, I did get to eat a LOT of great Kalua pork! Kalua pork is Hawaii’s food of choice when it comes to important events.
Since my family has moved back to Provo, Utah, we’ve gotten back into the college football spirit. You really can’t avoid it when you live just a mile away from the football stadium. While we we’ve had our losses, we’ve also had some thrilling football victories.
A little bit ago we invited my sister and her husband and my brother and his wife (gosh, it is so great to live near our families again!) over to watch the BYU game. We were set to help my sister and her husband move into their new house earlier that day so I decided to make a really filling dinner to eat just before we watched the game.
Taking a little ice pop break after carrying lots of boxes.
I’m a big fan of trying new recipes when company comes over–I know, I know, not always the best approach when company is coming over. Southern barbecue is just about as amazing Hawaiian barbecue so I thought it would be so fun to do a Hawaii meets the American South fusion for dinner.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of eating true southern barbecue southern style–I’m talking about with the slaw (coleslaw) on top of the meat, tucked into the burger–you’re missing out. Mmm…my mouth is watering.
So, how about the best of both worlds?
Several weeks ago I took you with me on my visit to pick up the ingredients at Walmart. The King’s Hawaiian Buns put the crowning touch on this recipe. Their subtle sweetness emphasizes the savory of the kalua pork and the tang of the pineapple coleslaw.
Meet the Kalua Pork Barbecue Burgers with Pineapple Coleslaw
(AKA: The Aloha Barbecue Burger)
Oh So Savvy Mom
Yields 6-8
Kalua Pork Barbecue Burgers with Pineapple Coleslaw are a Hawaiian Southern fusion. The sweet pineapple coleslaw is the perfect pair for the salty kalua pork burger.
30 minPrep Time
8 hrCook Time
8 hr, 30 Total Time
Ingredients
- 1 6 lb. pork shoulder roast
- 1 Tbsp Hickory liquid smoke
- 2 Tbsp coarse ground sea salt (Hawaiian sea salt is awesome if you can get some)
- Pack of King's Hawaiian Burger Buns
- 1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt
- 2 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 Cup Pineapple juice
- 2 Tbsp Brown sugar
- 6 Cups Shredded cabbage
- 2/3 Cup chopped Green onions (do not substitute with other kinds of onion)
- 1/3 Cup freshly chopped Cilantro
- 3 Cups Pineapple diced (I used fresh pineapple)
Instructions
- Rinse the roast and pat dry with paper towels.
- Pierce all over with a fork--this will help the flavor seep in.
- Pour the liquid smoke over the roast. Sprinkle the sea salt liberally over one side of the roast, flip the roast and then do the same for the other side.
- Cook in a crock pot on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- When the roast is finished cooking, removed from the pot, shred the meat and then return to the crock pot until you're ready to eat.
- When you can't stand the wait any longer, top your King's Hawaiian Hamburger Buns with the kalua pork and pineapple coleslaw.
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, vinegar, and brown sugar.
- If you are using canned pineapple, measure out 1/3 cup juice from the can and add it to the bowl. If you are using fresh pineapple set aside 3 cups of diced pineapple. Juice some of the leftover pineapple (hopefully, you can get about 1/3 cup) and add the fresh pineapple juice to the bowl.
- Stir ingredients until thoroughly coated.
- Serve when you're ready to eat. Refrigerate until you're ready to eat.
Notes
I highly recommend not substituting the King's Hawaiian Burger Buns for other burger buns. The subtle sweetness of the King's Hawaiian buns is an essential component of this recipe...it just wouldn't taste the same without them.

After enjoying our Kalua Pork Barbecue Burgers with Pineapple Coleslaw we headed down to the basement to watch the game. Football games are always better with friends and family.
Don’t forget to stop by Walmart.com to check out more great game time recipes.
You can find King’s Hawaiian Hamburger Buns and other delicious King’s Hawaiian products at Walmart.

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