Kalua pig - Recipe

Here’s a simple and flavorful recipe for Kalua Pig — a traditional Hawaiian-style pulled pork that’s smoky, salty, and fall-apart tender. Traditionally cooked in an underground oven (imu), but this version can be made easily in a slow cooker, oven, or Instant Pot.

🐷 Easy Kalua Pig (Hawaiian Pulled Pork)

🧂 Ingredients:

4–6 lbs pork shoulder (aka pork butt), bone-in or boneless
1–1½ tbsp Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt)
1 tbsp liquid smoke (use hickory or mesquite — Wright’s is a good brand)
Optional: 2–3 banana leaves (for wrapping, or line the roasting pan)

🥥 Method 1: Slow Cooker (Most Popular)

1. Prepare Pork:

Pat the pork dry.
Rub all sides with sea salt.
Drizzle with liquid smoke.
(Optional) Wrap in banana leaves and place in the slow cooker.

2. Cook:

Cover and cook on LOW for 10–12 hours, or on HIGH for 6–7 hours.
The meat should shred easily with a fork.

3. Shred & Serve:

Remove pork, shred with two forks.
Mix back with some of the juices (as much or little as you like).
Serve hot.

🔥 Method 2: Oven-Baked Kalua Pig

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Place pork in a roasting pan or Dutch oven.

Rub with salt and liquid smoke.
Wrap in banana leaves or foil tightly.

3. Cover and roast for 4–5 hours, until fall-apart tender.

4. Shred and mix with juices.

⚡ Method 3: Instant Pot Kalua Pig

Cut pork into 3–4 large chunks.
Rub with salt and liquid smoke.
Add ½ cup water or broth.
Pressure cook on High for 90 minutes, natural release 20 minutes.
Shred and toss with juices.

🍚 Serving Suggestions:

Serve over steamed white rice
With Hawaiian macaroni salad
Or in Hawaiian rolls for sliders
Add some sautéed cabbage to make it traditional

🧊 Storage:

Refrigerate up to 5 days.
Freezes beautifully for up to 2–3 months.

Want to make a Kalua pork and cabbage stir-fry, or Kalua pork sliders with pineapple slaw? I can share those too!