kalua pork slow cooker recipe

kalua pork slow cooker recipe

The Best kalua pork slow cooker recipe

I’m so excited to share this Kalua pork slow cooker recipe with you. This dish is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine, and I’ve adapted it to be easy to make in a slow cooker.

The rich, smoky flavor of the pork is absolutely irresistible. My family and I love this recipe, and it’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick and delicious meal for the weeknights.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and the slow cooker does all the work for you. Just throw all the ingredients in, and come home to a mouthwatering, fall-apart tender pork that’s simply divine.

One of the key techniques to making this recipe is using liquid smoke, which gives the pork that authentic Hawaiian flavor. Liquid smoke is essentially a concentrated form of smoke that’s been captured and bottled.

It adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with just spices or herbs alone.

Kalua Pork Slow Cooker Recipe

Kalua Pork Slow Cooker Recipe

4.5 from 754 votes

This slow cooker kalua pork delivers tender, smoky shredded pork with minimal effort. The pork butt is seasoned with liquid smoke and sea salt, then cooked low and slow until it falls apart.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 10 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork

4-5 pounds pork butt (shoulder)
2 tablespoons liquid smoke
1 1/2 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt or coarse sea salt
1 cup water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Score the fat cap of the pork butt in a crosshatch pattern about 1/2 inch deep.
2Rub the liquid smoke and sea salt all over the pork, ensuring the salt penetrates the scored areas.
3Place the pork fat side up in the slow cooker and add 1 cup of water around the meat, not over the top.
4Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat shreds easily with a fork.
5Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes on a cutting board.
6Shred the meat using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat, then return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and toss with the cooking juices.
7Taste and adjust salt if needed, then serve immediately over steamed rice or in warm tortillas.
8The pork should be moist, smoky, and pull apart with no resistance.

🔧Equipment

6-quart slow cooker
Tongs
Two forks for shredding
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 140mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 0g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 45g

📝Notes

For a more authentic flavor, wrap the seasoned pork in banana leaves before placing it in the slow cooker. Leftover pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Kalua Pork Slow Cooker Recipe Works

This Kalua pork slow cooker recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick and delicious meal for the weeknights. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and the slow cooker does all the work for you.

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating, simply place the leftovers back in the slow cooker with some extra liquid (such as broth or pineapple juice) and cook on low for 30 minutes to an hour until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Kalua Pork Slow Cooker

Q: What is Kalua pork?

Kalua pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish where pork is slow-cooked in an underground oven called an imu.

Q: What makes this slow cooker recipe special?

This recipe uses liquid smoke to give the pork that authentic Hawaiian flavor.

Q: Can I use other types of meat instead of pork?

While you can use other types of meat, such as beef or chicken, the traditional Hawaiian method calls for pork.

Q: How long does it take to make this recipe?

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and the slow cooker does all the work for you.

Q: Can I serve this dish as part of a larger meal?

This Kalua pork slow cooker recipe makes a great centerpiece for any meal, whether you’re serving it with rice, vegetables, or as part of a Hawaiian-style luau.

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