Kalua Pork
Transport your taste buds to the shores of Hawaii with this irresistible Kalua Pork recipe, a beloved Hawaiian dish known for its smoky, tender goodness. Made with succulent pork shoulder rubbed in Hawaiian sea salt and infused with liquid smoke, this slow-cooked masterpiece is wrapped in banana leaves or foil to lock in moisture, creating melt-in-your-mouth perfection. With just 15 minutes of prep and the magic of slow cooking, you'll achieve authentic island flavor in every bite. Serve this juicy shredded pork with fluffy white rice and classic Hawaiian sides for a crowd-pleasing meal that celebrates tradition and simplicity. Perfect for luau-themed parties or hearty family dinners, Kalua Pork is your ticket to aloha-inspired cooking.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 5 pounds Pork shoulder (bone-in)
- 1.5 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 2 tablespoons Liquid smoke
- 2 large Banana leaves or aluminum foil
Instructions
Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Using a sharp knife, make shallow slits all over the pork shoulder to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat more effectively.
Rub the Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt, if using) all over the pork shoulder, making sure to get it into the slits you created.
Drizzle the liquid smoke evenly over the pork shoulder, rubbing it in with your hands to ensure full coverage.
Line a slow cooker or roasting pan with banana leaves or aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang to wrap around and cover the pork completely.
Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the banana leaves or foil.
Wrap the banana leaves or foil around the pork shoulder tightly. If using foil, use an extra layer to ensure a good seal to trap moisture during cooking.
If using a slow cooker, set the appliance to low heat and cook for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. If using an oven, preheat to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 6 to 8 hours.
Once cooked, carefully unwrap the pork and remove the bone. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding any excess fat.
Serve the kalua pork with rice and traditional Hawaiian sides like macaroni salad or cabbage for an authentic experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5670 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 453.6 g | 582% | |
| Saturated Fat | 158.8 g | 794% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1588 mg | 529% | |
| Sodium | 11582 mg | 504% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.0 g | ||
| Protein | 408.2 g | 816% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 227 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 27.2 mg | 151% | |
| Potassium | 6124 mg | 130% | |
*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.
