slow cooker kalua pork recipe

The Best slow cooker kalua pork recipe

I’ve been experimenting with various slow cooker recipes for years, and one dish that never fails to impress my family is kalua pork. This traditional Hawaiian dish has become a staple in our household, and I’m excited to share my favorite slow cooker kalua pork recipe with you. Kalua pork is a classic Hawaiian dish that originated in the islands, where it was slow-cooked in an underground oven, or imu.

The process of cooking the pork in a low-temperature environment for hours allows the meat to become tender and flavorful, with a rich, smoky taste that’s simply irresistible. I’ve adapted this recipe to use a slow cooker, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. The key to making great kalua pork is using a high-quality pork shoulder and allowing it to cook slowly over low heat.

I like to use a mixture of brown sugar, salt, and spices to give the pork its signature flavor. The slow cooker does all the work for you, so all you need to do is add the ingredients and let it cook while you attend to other things. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal supervision.

My family loves this dish because it’s always a crowd-pleaser. We serve it with steamed vegetables and rice, but feel free to get creative with your sides. I’ve also found that this recipe is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings because it’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs.

As someone who’s always looking for ways to make healthy meals more accessible, I appreciate that this recipe uses leaner cuts of meat and minimal added sugars. It’s also a great way to get your kids eating more veggies without even realizing it!

🥘Ingredients

👨‍🍳Directions

🔧Equipment

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

📝Notes

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Kalua Pork Works

This slow cooker kalua pork recipe is always a good idea for any occasion whether it is a weeknight dinner or a holiday party. It works well for family gatherings because it feeds a crowd without much effort from you.

I love that I can set it in the morning and forget about it until dinner time. For storage let the pork cool completely then put it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat place it in a skillet with a little of the reserved cooking liquid over medium heat until warmed through. You can also freeze the shredded pork in freezer bags for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serve it over rice in tacos or on slider buns with coleslaw for a quick and satisfying meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Kalua Pork

Q: What type of pork should I use for this recipe?

A: You’ll want to use a boneless pork shoulder or butt for this recipe. This cut of meat is ideal because it’s relatively inexpensive and has plenty of connective tissue that breaks down during cooking, making the meat tender and juicy.

Q: Can I make kalua pork in a regular oven?

A: While you can cook kalua pork in a regular oven, I highly recommend using a slow cooker instead. The low heat and moisture from the slow cooker help break down the connective tissue in the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful results.

Q: How long does kalua pork take to cook?

A: The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker’s temperature settings and personal preference for tenderness. In general, you can expect the pork to be ready in 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high.

Q: Can I serve kalua pork as part of a larger meal?

A: Kalua pork pairs well with steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots, as well as roasted potatoes or rice. Feel free to get creative with your sides and find your favorite combinations!

Q: Is kalua pork gluten-free?

A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you’re using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.