Crock Pot Kalua Pork
User Reviews
4.8
Crock Pot Kalua Pork
Description
This recipe uses a trimmed pork shoulder blade roast that is pierced repeatedly with a knife to help seasoning penetrate and allow smoke flavor to distribute. Coarse sea salt is thoroughly rubbed over the meat's surface, and mesquite liquid smoke is drizzled on top to replicate the flavor of traditional kalua pork cooked in an underground oven. The pork is cooked in a crock pot on low heat for 12 to 16 hours, allowing the meat to become very tender.
Once done, the pork is removed from the crock pot, trimmed of any remaining fat, and shredded with forks. Some of the cooking liquid can be reserved and added back to the shredded meat to keep it moist. The smoky, tender pork is versatile for various dishes, including plate lunches or sandwiches.
This adapted recipe is based on a traditional method but uses the crock pot for convenience, providing a practical way to prepare Kalua pork without outdoor equipment.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 lb pork shoulder blade roast trimmed
- 1 tbsp mesquite smoke liquid
- sea salt any sea salt would work, coarse red Hawaiian
Instructions
- Place pork in the crock pot and stab it all over with the tip of a knife. Rub sea salt all over pork. Drizzle the liquid smoke all over and set crock pot to low; cook until the meat is tender, about 12 to 16 hours.
- Remove from crock pot and place on a large platter. Remove any fat you may have missed and shred pork with two forks. Discard liquid reserving a little as needed to keep pork moist.
Notes
- Use coarse sea salt—red Hawaiian salt can be used for authenticity but any sea salt works.
- Mesquite liquid smoke gives the pork its characteristic smoky flavor without needing an outdoor pig roast.
- Low and slow cooking for 12 to 16 hours ensures tender, shreddable meat.
- Reserve some cooking liquid to add moisture back to shredded pork before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8to 10 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 197 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 3oz | |
| Calories | 197kcal | 10% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4g | 22% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 65mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
You'll Also Love
