Instant Pot Kalua Pork
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
373 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Instant Pot Kalua Pork
Description
Instant Pot Kalua Pork uses a 6-pound pork shoulder cut into pieces and cooked under high pressure with pineapple juice, liquid smoke, and pink Himalayan salt. The method breaks down the connective tissues, shredding easily to a moist, tender texture. Adding pineapple juice and liquid smoke simulates the flavor of traditional Kalua pork cooked in an underground oven, while pineapple chunks provide a hint of sweetness and acidity.
After cooking and natural pressure release, the pork is shredded and combined with some cooking liquid for moisture. Mixing in pineapple chunks is optional, offering a fresh contrast to the smoky, salted pork. This dish is commonly served piled on buns, complemented by coleslaw, turning it into a satisfying sandwich with a balance of savory, smoky, and sweet notes.
The recipe's practical use of the Instant Pot reduces the preparation and cooking time compared to traditional methods while maintaining the dish's characteristic softness and flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 6 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 1/2 cups pineapple juice or water
- 1 tablespoon pink Himalayan salt
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke of
- 1 cup pineapple chunks drained and chopped - optional
Instructions
- Add pineapple juice or water and liquid smoke to the Instant Pot.
- Cut the pork shoulder into smaller pieces (about 6) and add 3 of them to the pressure cooker. Sprinkle half of the pink Himalayan salt on top. Add the rest of the pieces and sprinkle the remaining salt.
- Close and lock the lid and cook on High Pressure for 70 minutes, followed by Natural Pressure Release.
- Open once the cooking is done, transfer pork to a large bowl, shred with two forks and add some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.
- If desired, mix in some chopped pineapple chunks.
- Arrange on buns and serve with coleslaw.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 373 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 373kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 41g | 82% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 139mg | 46% |
| Sodium | 1031mg | 43% |
| Potassium | 852mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 50IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 12.7mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 46mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2.9mg | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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