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Discover how to make tender, smoky Kalua Pork at home with easy slow cooker and Instant Pot methods. Perfect for Hawaiian plate lunches, tacos, and more!
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I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite dishes with you – Kalua Pork! If you’ve ever been to Hawaii or a luau, you know how special this tender, smoky pork is. But guess what? You don’t need an underground oven (or imu) to enjoy that authentic taste at home. I’ve got two easy methods – slow cooker and Instant Pot – that deliver all the flavor with none of the fuss.
Why I Love Kalua Pork
Honestly, I could eat this every day. It’s juicy, flavorful, and so versatile! I love it with traditional Hawaiian sides like rice and macaroni salad, but it’s also amazing in tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, or even on its own. Nothing beats a Hawaiian plate lunch, though – it’s a must-try combo of Kalua Pork, rice, and mac salad. Yum!
What is Kalua Pork?
Kalua Pork is a classic Hawaiian dish traditionally cooked in an underground oven. In Hawaiian, the word “kalua” means “to cook in an underground oven (or imu).” The meat is seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt and wrapped in ti leaves, banana leaves or coconut palm fronds. It is then buried underground to cook with a special kindling that gives the meat a smoky flavor, and is sometimes cooked with hot lava rocks. While that method is amazing, it’s not exactly convenient for most of us. So, let’s dive into two simpler, equally delicious ways to make Kalua Pork at home.
Kalua Pork Ingredients
- Pork roast (or shoulder/butt roast, fat removed before serving)
- Kosher or Hawaiian Salt
- Liquid smoke (mesquite or hickory)
- Water
- Cabbage (optional, but highly recommended!)
Methods for Cooking Kalua Pork
Instant Pot Method
Pressed for time? No worries! Throw everything in the Instant Pot, set it to high pressure for an hour, and let it naturally release for about 30 minutes. Shred it up and you’re ready to feast! SUPER easy.
Slow Cooker Method
Got more time? This is my go-to. The slow cooker lets the pork soak up all those amazing flavors, making it incredibly tender and juicy. Just set it and forget it – by dinner time, you’ll have a taste of Hawaii right in your kitchen.
How to Serve Kalua Pork
My favorite way of serving this Kalua Pork is with a “plate lunch”. A plate lunch usually consists of a protein or two (such as Kalua pork, teriyaki chicken, teriyaki beef, or even spam), rice, Hawaiian Mac Salad and a side of fresh pineapple. Getting a bite with each of these things all at one time is seriously roll-your-eyes-back delicious. Savor each bite and eat it slowly. People often ask me what my very favorite food is, and obviously it is the Hawaiian plate lunch. It is THAT good.
Of course you can serve this all on its own or you can add BBQ sauce and make Kalua Pork Sandwiches, sliders, Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa, burritos, or even a burrito bowl with pineapple salsa. We also love just making simple shredded pork quesadillas or nachos loaded with lots of pork and cheese. Unquestionably, you will love any way you decide to serve this pork!
Questions About Kalua Pork
Kalua Pork is tender and juicy with a salty, smoky flavor.
Kalua means “cooked in an underground oven.” Another name for underground oven is “imu.”
Classic sides include rice and mac salad, but veggies like carrots, asparagus, or broccoli are great too!
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave, stovetop, or oven.
More Hawaiian Recipes You’ll Love
Bring the flavors of Hawaii to your kitchen with these delicious recipes:
I hope you love this Kalua Pork as much as my family and I do. It’s a little taste of paradise, right from your kitchen. Enjoy!
How to Make Kalua Pork
Kalua Pork Recipe
Video
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 pound) pork roast
- 1-2 tablespoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup liquid smoke
- 1 cup water
- ½ head cabbage, coarsely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Rub pork generously with salt.
- Place the pork in a slow cooker. Pour on liquid smoke. Add water. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- An hour before serving, carefully lift the pork out of the slow cooker. Do not drain out juices. Place cabbage in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place pork on top of the cabbage, place the lid back on and cook for another hour. Shred pork and serve.
Notes
To prepare in an Instant Pot:
- Follow the directions above, but place pork and cabbage in the Instant Pot at the same time.
- Set at high pressure for one hour.
- Allow to slow-release pressure on its own for 30 minutes.
- Shred and serve.
Thank you for sharing your easy to cook Kalua Pig recipe. Will certainly surprise my family with it.
let us know how it turns out!
I used the mesquite liquid smoke and it was wowy delicious! Thanks so much for the recipe!
Wow ! My favorite plate lunch from L&L! Kalua pork and cabbage!!
I can make this too with your Mac salad!
Mahalo Nui loa
I am finally making a comment after making this at least a dozen times! This has been a family favorite for a few years now! This recipe is simple and absolutely amazing! Best Kalua pork ever. Thank you so much for this recipe!