Kalua Pig Crock Pot
Transport your taste buds to the Hawaiian islands with this easy and flavorful Kalua Pig Crock Pot recipe. Perfectly seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt and infused with the smoky aroma of liquid smoke, this slow-cooked pork shoulder replicates the traditional imu (underground oven) cooking method—all from the convenience of your crock pot! With just 10 minutes of prep time and a long, low simmer of 16 hours, the pork becomes meltingly tender and irresistibly juicy. For an authentic touch, add green cabbage to the pot or serve it on the side along with steamed rice or Hawaiian mac salad. This crowd-pleaser is a must-try for fans of tropical cuisine, backyard luaus, or anyone seeking an effortless, no-fuss recipe packed with island-inspired flavor. Keywords: Kalua Pig recipe, slow cooker pulled pork, Hawaiian-style pork, crock pot recipes, easy luau food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 tablespoon Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (preferably hickory or mesquite)
- 1 head green cabbage (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Place the pork shoulder in the crock pot. If it has a thick layer of fat, you can trim some of it, but leave enough for flavor and juiciness.
Using a knife, make small slits on the surface of the pork shoulder to help the flavors penetrate.
Rub the Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt) all over the pork shoulder, ensuring even coverage.
Pour the liquid smoke over the pork. Massage it into the meat to enhance the smoky flavor.
Optionally, line the bottom of the crock pot with a layer of green cabbage leaves to mimic the traditional imu (underground oven) method. Place the pork shoulder on top.
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 16 hours, allowing the pork to become extremely tender. For faster cooking, you can set it to high heat for 8 hours, but low heat is recommended for the best results.
After the pork is done, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the crock pot. Mix the shredded meat with the juices at the bottom to keep it moist and flavorful.
If desired, slice the remaining green cabbage into thin strips and steam or sauté it as a side dish to serve with the Kalua Pig.
Serve the Kalua Pig hot, either on its own or with steamed rice, cabbage, or Hawaiian-style side dishes like macaroni salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
605 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.7 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.8 g | 79% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 204 mg | 68% | |
| Sodium | 1015 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.5 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.4 g | ||
| Protein | 42.2 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 91 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 930 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
