Paleo Kalua Pork
Bring the flavors of Hawaii to your kitchen with this Paleo Kalua Pork recipe—a wholesome, slow-cooked dish that’s as simple as it is savory. Made with just a handful of ingredients, including tender pork shoulder, smoky liquid smoke, and Hawaiian sea salt, this recipe delivers bold, authentic flavor with minimal effort. Optional banana leaves elevate the experience, imparting a subtle earthiness and wrapping the pork in a touch of island tradition. With a long, slow cooking time that ensures melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, this dish is perfect for hands-off meal prep or feeding a crowd. Serve it alongside Paleo-friendly sides like roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice for a nourishing, gluten-free, and dairy-free feast that embodies effortless comfort. Perfect for slow cooker enthusiasts and Paleo diets alike, this Kalua Pork is your new go-to recipe for tender, smoky perfection.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pounds Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1.5 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt (or coarse sea salt)
- 1 tablespoon Liquid smoke
- 2 sheets Banana leaves (optional, for wrapping)
Instructions
Start by rinsing and patting dry the pork shoulder with paper towels.
Using a small sharp knife, make a series of deep cuts into the pork shoulder. This allows the salt and liquid smoke to penetrate the meat.
Rub the Hawaiian sea salt evenly over the entire surface of the pork, ensuring all sides are covered.
Pour the liquid smoke over the pork, rubbing it in thoroughly to combine with the salt for enhanced flavor.
If using banana leaves, lay them out flat on a clean surface and wrap the pork shoulder securely inside. If not using banana leaves, you can place the pork directly into a slow cooker or an oven-safe dish.
Place the wrapped pork into your slow cooker, if wrapped, or directly in if not, and secure the lid. If using an oven, preheat to 275°F (135°C) and cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Cook on low heat in the slow cooker for about 12 hours, or in the oven for the same duration. The long cooking time will ensure the pork is incredibly tender.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker or oven and allow it to rest for about 20 minutes.
Unwrap from the banana leaves if used and transfer to a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the pork finely.
Serve the Kalua Pork hot, with your choice of Paleo-friendly sides like cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4538 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 363.0 g | 465% | |
| Saturated Fat | 127.0 g | 635% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1452 mg | 484% | |
| Sodium | 10031 mg | 436% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0.5 g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.1 g | ||
| Protein | 326.9 g | 654% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 186 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 22.3 mg | 124% | |
| Potassium | 5091 mg | 108% | |
*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.
