Imagine transporting your taste buds to the sunny shores of Hawaii with just one bite of the most tender, smoky, and incredibly delicious pulled pork you've ever experienced. Our Easy Hawaiian Kalua Pork recipe is about to revolutionize your home cooking, bringing the spirit of a traditional Hawaiian luau right to your dinner table - and the best part? You'll need less than 10 minutes of prep time and a single cooking device to create this island-inspired masterpiece!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke
- 1/2 cup water
- Black pepper to taste
- Hawaiian rolls for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 3 lbs of pork shoulder, 1 tablespoon of sea salt, 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke, 1/2 cup of water, and black pepper to taste. If you plan to serve the pork in Hawaiian rolls, have those ready as well.
- Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder to reduce greasiness. Cut the pork into large chunks (about 3-4 pieces) to ensure even cooking in the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker.
- In a large bowl, rub the sea salt and black pepper evenly over the pork chunks. Ensure that the seasoning is well-distributed on all sides of the meat.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke over the seasoned pork. This will give the pork its signature smoky flavor. Mix the pork pieces again to coat them evenly with the liquid smoke.
- For the Instant Pot, place the seasoned pork in the pot. Add 1/2 cup of water around the pork. Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- For the Slow Cooker, place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker and add 1/2 cup of water. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot or slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
- If desired, you can return the shredded pork to the cooking liquid for added moisture and flavor. Stir to combine and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Serve the kalua pork warm, either on its own or in Hawaiian rolls for a delicious sandwich. Enjoy your Easy Hawaiian Kalua Pork!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Always use pork shoulder (also called pork butt) for the most tender and flavorful result. The marbling ensures juicy meat that shreds beautifully.
- Don't Skip the Liquid Smoke: This ingredient is crucial for achieving that authentic smoky flavor traditionally created by cooking in an underground Hawaiian oven (imu).
- Salt Matters: Use sea salt for the most authentic taste. Kosher salt can work as a substitute, but avoid table salt as it's too fine and can make the dish too salty.
- Patience is Key: Whether using an Instant Pot or slow cooker, allow the meat to cook slowly and thoroughly. This ensures maximum tenderness and flavor development.
- Shredding Technique: Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the pork moist.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, try serving over rice, in Hawaiian rolls, or as a topping for nachos for a versatile meal option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 500kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 40g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
