Name: Easy Kalua Pork
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 960 min
Ingredients: 1 5-6 pound pork butt roast; 3 slices bacon ((optional)); 1/2 tbsp sea salt (hawaiian or coarse salt recommended); 1 tbsp liquid smoke

It doesn't get ANY easier than making Kalua pork! Simply put some ingredients in a slow cooker, set and forget! This amazingly tender, melt in your mouth meat has a gentle smoky flavor.

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Why Is Kalua Pork so Popular?

The traditional recipe is made from pig, and often is cooked underground for many hours in pit style cooking 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. The results yield an amazingly tender, melt in your mouth meat with a gentle smoke flavor.

Other Ways to Prepare Kalua Pork

This recipe can also be prepared in a slow cooker or smoker. For ease we are making it in the slow cooker.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kahlua pork with:

Cooked cabbage
Rice
Grilled pineapple

Other Pork Recipes:

Two Ingredient Boneless BBQ Pork Recipes

Slow Cooker Puerto Rican Pot Roast

How to Travel To Hawaii as a Single Parent Family

14 Ways to Use Leftover Pulled Pork

History

What are the origins of Kalua Pork?

The Hawaiian islands didn't hold much food or plants when settlers first arrived. Settlers had been wise and brought plants and animals with them to domesticate. Pigs at first were considered a delicacy on the islands.

Is it True Woman Could Not Eat Pork In Hawaii?

Yes! Until 1819, woman were not allowed to eat pork, bananas, coconut or certain types of fish. In 1819, the king at the time reversed that order by sitting and eating the once forbidden foods with the women.

Why Does Kalua Pork Get Served with Cabbage?

The pork and cabbage have a great flavor combination and pair well together.

Easy Kalua Pork

It doesn't get ANY easier than making Kalua pork! Simply put some ingredients in a slow cooker, set and forget! This amazingly tender, melt in your mouth meat has a gentle smoky flavor.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 16 hrs

Course Main Course

Servings 10 servings

Ingredients

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

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.

Notes

Other Methods of Cooking:

Kalua pork can be cooked in a pit or smoker.

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.

Keyword crockpot, slow cooker