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Immerse yourself in island vibes with every tender, juicy bite of this Hawaiian Kalua Pork recipe.
A Classic Hawaiian Delicacy
In Hawaii, a popular main dish at luaus and family gatherings is to roast a whole pig in a pit in the ground, or Imu.
The pig is rubbed with Hawaiian sea salt and placed in a hole. Kindling is added and lit on fire then insulated with leaves or branches, like banana leaves, ti leaves, and coconut palm fronds, and covered with dirt.
Of course, you probably aren’t going to dig an underground oven in your backyard to roast a Kalua pig. Our slow cooker version (that we got from a family friend from Hawaii) is much easier, but packs in the tropical flavor for tastes of Hawaii right at home!
We love it because:
- Aloha from your kitchen. Create your own “two scoop lunch plate” with side dishes of Crock Pot White Rice, Macaroni Salad, and of course pineapple!
- Ideal for gatherings. From a family dinner to a backyard BBQ, this easy dinner idea is a crowd-pleaser and can be easily scaled up to feed a larger group.
- So easy! Create a mouthwatering easy slow cooker recipe with just a few simple ingredients.
- Freezer-friendly. Easily make this ahead of time or freeze the leftovers to be used in other recipes and for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 9 hours
- 7 pound bone-in pork butt – Choose a pork butt roast with lots of marbling such as pork shoulder aka Boston butt or pork butt. I used bone-in, but boneless will work too.
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke – for flavor variations use hickory or mesquite liquid smoke.
- 1 tablespoon sea salt – or kosher salt
How to make Kalua Pork Recipe
- SEASON. Place the 7 pound pork roast fat side up in your slow cooker. Rub all over with 1 tablespoon liquid smoke and 1 tablespoon salt.
- COOK. Cook on low for 9-10 hours (I like to let mine cook overnight). Use a meat shredder to shred the meat in the slow cooker and serve hot with a side of rice and Hawaiian mac salad!
Instant Pot Kalua Pork
- Select sauté on the instant pot. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear all sides of the pork roast.
- Turn the pressure cooker off. Remove the pork roast and pour in ½ cup of water and liquid smoke.
- Return the roast to the pot and add salt.
- Cover with the lid and select “manual”. Set the timer for 90 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to naturally release before removing the lid. This will take about 20 minutes.
Complete the Meal
- Side dishes: Macaroni Salad, Crock Pot White Rice, Easy Coleslaw
- Desserts: Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Panna Cotta, Coconut Cream Pie
- More like this: Sweet Pork Barbacoa, Pulled Pork Recipe, Carnitas Recipe
More collections: Crockpot Dinner Ideas, Easy Slow Cooker Recipes, Family Dinner Ideas
Kalua Pork Recipe
Ingredients
- 7 pound bone in pork butt, or shoulder
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon sea salt, or kosher salt
Instructions
- Place pork roast fat side up in your slow cooker. Rub all over with Liquid Smoke and salt.
- Cook on low for 9-10 hours (I like to let mine cook overnight or start it early in the morning).
- Shred meat in the slow cooker and serve hot.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
How to Make a Traditional Cabbage Side?
- Cut the cabbage into large chunks and add it to a saucepan.
- Pour 1-2 cups of the crock pot drippings into the pan.
- Add a lid and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the cabbage until it is soft.
Kalua pork vs shredded pork?
- These two dishes are both slow-cooked until the meat becomes tender enough to shred pork with a fork. Pulled pork is classically mixed with BBQ Sauce while kalua pork is served without sauce.
What can I do with leftover kalua pork?
- Enjoy slow cooker kalua pork recipe on its own, or put it inside Yeast Dinner Rolls to make pork sandwiches. You could also use it in Chicken Tacos, Loaded Nachos, Cheese Quesadillas, or put it on top of a salad.
How to store kalua pork Recipe?
- Place pork and some juice from the crock pot in an airtight container or if applicable, a freezer-safe container. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge before heating up.
I’m wondering why they call it Kahlua pork, when Kahlua is not a part of the ingredients??
Kalua is an entire pig cooked in the ground. A hole is dug and the pig is rubbed all over with Hawaiian Sea Salt, placed in the hole and covered with leaves or branches, like banana leaves, that are lit on fire and then covered with dirt. The pig cooks in the ground for most of the day – at least 8 hours. So this recipe’s cooking method isn’t digging a hole in the ground 😉 but it results in a similar taste as that pork served at luaus.
This is the easiest thing ever! We serve it with coleslaw on sliders! So yummy.
I love simple and easy recipes! With 5 very active and busy kids-and a hubby with long work hours. Quick crockpot meals are the best! When they taste good, it’s even better.
Super easy and so yummy!
Our favorite recipe to bring us back to our favorite vacation spot! Make this almost weekly! Love a good crockpot recipe and this one doesn’t disappoint!
Delish!
Definitely going to have to give this one a try
This is the easiest recipe and tastes amazing! My family is always so happy when I make it!
such an amazing recipe! Every time I make my boyfriend he asks for this recipe. THANKS A LOT
You are so welcome! I am glad he likes it! Thank you for letting me know!
Hello, do I need to add any liquid besides the liquid smoke? Thank you
Nope 🙂 It creates juices. Enjoy!!