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    Home » Main Dishes

    3 Ingredient Smoked Kalua Pork Recipe

    Published: May 9, 2021 · Modified: Jun 10, 2024 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Enjoy a taste of Hawaii in every bite of this smoked Kalua pork recipe. Enjoy tender, flavorful meat with a gentle smoky taste made in your slow cooker. And you only need 3 ingredients!

    A close-up of a wooden table with a bowl of shredded brown pulled smoked kalua pork on top of white rice.

    What is in your Smoked Kalua Pork Recipe?

    Traditional kalua pork is often cooked underground for many hours with a pit style cooking method using lava rocks, banana and ti leaves. It's a time consuming and difficult process but worth it if you are able to get your hands on traditional fresh pit cooked Hawaiian Kalua pork. You can get a similar taste and texture by making your pork in the slow cooker.

    Jump to:
    • What is in your Smoked Kalua Pork Recipe?
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Serving
    • Storing
    • FAQ
    • 3 Ingredient Smoked Kalua Pork Recipe

    Ingredients

    You need just a few simple ingredients to start making your pork:

    • Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
    • Hawaiian sea salt
    • Liquid smoke
    • Bacon (optional)

    Instructions

    • Rub the pork in salt and liquid smoke.
    • Arrange the bacon strips in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single line. Add the pork on top.
    • Close the slow cooker and cook on low for 16-20 hours. Shred and serve with cooked cabbage, rice or pineapple.

    Serving

    Serve Kahlua pork with:

    • Cooked cabbage
    • Rice
    • Grilled pineapple
    • Hawaiian macaroni salad
    • Tacos or sliders
    • Pulled pork mac and cheese

    This pork recipe is so versatile. For a different pork roast taste you can try our Puerto Rican pot roast or a delicious Mississippi pot roast!

    Storing

    To store place the pork in a container and refrigerate for up to four days or place in an airtight freezer container for up to three months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. 

    FAQ

    Here are some questions you might have about making this smoked kalua pork recipe:

    Can you use other types of meat?

    The best cut for kalua pork is the pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt. It has the right amount of fat and marbling, making it ideal for slow cooking and smoking.

    Is the pork recipe gluten free?

    Yes, this recipe is considered gluten free. Check to make sure the liquid smoke you use is gluten free. The good news is this recipe is also dairy free too!

    A close-up of a wooden table with a bowl of shredded brown pulled smoked kalua pork on top of white rice.

    3 Ingredient Smoked Kalua Pork Recipe

    Traci Wennerholm
    Get a taste of Hawaii with our smoked Kalua pork recipe. Enjoy tender, flavorful meat with a gentle smoky taste made in your slow cooker.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 16 hours hrs
    0 minutes mins
    Total Time 16 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine polynesian
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 28 kcal

    Equipment

    • slow cooker

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 5-6 pound pork butt roast
    • 3 slices bacon (optional)
    • ½-1 tablespoon sea salt hawaiian or coarse salt recommended
    • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke

    Instructions
     

    • Season the Pork: Rub the pork shoulder thoroughly with the Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
    • Arrange the Bacon: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
    • Add the Pork: Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the bacon strips.
    • Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 16-20 hours.
    • Shred and Serve: Once done, shred the pork using two forks and serve with cooked cabbage, rice, or pineapple.

    Notes

    See notes for storing and serving suggestions
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 28kcalCarbohydrates: 0.1gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 396mgPotassium: 14mgVitamin A: 2IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.03mg
    Keyword kalua pork, kalua pork recipe, smoked kalua pork, smoked kalua pork recipe, what to serve with kalua pork
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    Hi, I'm Traci! Cooking hasn't always come easy. I'm the burnt pancake on one side and perfect on the other pancake person that serves it to you with the pretty side up. I've learned to cook and make it look easy to my family and others. I'm now helping you save time & money with easy simple recipes with five ingredients or less!

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