Flavorful Kalua Pig And Cabbage Recipe For A Classic Dish

Today, I’m excited to share a delicious recipe for Kalua Pork that you can make using a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven. This dish is perfect for gatherings or simply to enjoy as a comforting meal at home. Its smoky flavor and tender texture make it a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details!

Kalua Pork

This savory dish is traditionally made in a Hawaiian imu (underground oven), but with this recipe, you can achieve that rich flavor using modern cooking techniques. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a casual dinner, the ease of this recipe will make it a go-to in your kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can serve it with rice, in tacos, or alongside your favorite sides.

Ingredients

4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (or pork butt)
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 cup water

Instructions

Start by preparing the pork shoulder. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Rub the sea salt all over the pork, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This will help to season the meat thoroughly and enhance the flavors.
Next, drizzle the liquid smoke across the top and sides of the pork. If you’re using soy sauce, add that at this stage too.
Sprinkle the garlic powder over the pork, then massage the seasonings into the meat for even distribution.
Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker or Instant Pot. If using the slow cooker, add the water around the pork. For the Instant Pot, you’ll need to ensure there’s enough liquid to create steam.
Cook the pork on low for about 8 hours in the slow cooker or on the manual setting for about 60-90 minutes in the Instant Pot, depending on the size of the meat. It should be fork-tender.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the cooker and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Shred the pork with two forks, mixing in the juices for added flavor.
Serve your Kalua Pork with rice, in tacos, or alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this Hawaiian dish!

As you can see, making Kalua Pork at home is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. The result is a mouthwatering, tender meat that will impress your family and friends. Give it a try, and I have no doubt it will become a regular in your cooking rotation!