Kalua Pork Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
8 hrs
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Total Time
8 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
16
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Calories
173 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Hawaiian
Kalua Pork Recipe
Description
The Kalua Pork Recipe centers on a pork roast generously rubbed with kosher salt, then slow-cooked with water and liquid smoke to infuse it with smoky richness over 8 to 10 hours. An optional step adds coarsely chopped cabbage atop which the pork is placed during the final hour, allowing the cabbage to absorb savory juices and soften. The result is shreddable pork with a moist texture and a smoky profile reminiscent of traditional Hawaiian preparations.
The pork can be shredded and served as a main dish, used in sandwiches, tacos, or paired with rice and vegetables. The cabbage serves as a complementary side, adding mild sweetness and texture contrast.
This recipe can also be adapted to an Instant Pot, cooking pork and cabbage simultaneously on high pressure for one hour followed by natural release, providing a quicker alternative still yielding tender results. The liquid smoke substitutes for smoky flavor usually achieved by underground roasting.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 pound) pork roast
- 1-2 tablespoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup liquid smoke
- 1 cup water
- ½ head cabbage coarsely chopped (optional
Instructions
- Rub pork generously with salt.
- Place the pork in a slow cooker. Pour on liquid smoke. Add water. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- An hour before serving, carefully lift the pork out of the slow cooker. Do not drain out juices. Place cabbage in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place pork on top of the cabbage, place the lid back on and cook for another hour. Shred pork and serve.
Notes
- For faster cooking, use an Instant Pot with pork and cabbage cooked together on high pressure for 1 hour, then natural release for 30 minutes before shredding.
- Do not drain the cooking juices before adding cabbage to retain moisture and flavor during the last cooking stage.
- Adjust salt amount to taste, as the salty brining influences the final savory flavor.
- The smoked flavor comes from liquid smoke, which mimics traditional imu roasting.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 173 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 173kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 54mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 494mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 382mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 30IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 10.4mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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