Tender Slow Cooker Kalua Pork Recipe Easy Authentic Hawaiian Style
This tender slow cooker kalua pork recipe delivers authentic Hawaiian flavors with minimal prep and slow cooking for 8-10 hours, resulting in juicy, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth pork perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), bone-in or boneless
- 2 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt (Alaea salt)
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- 1/2 cup water (120 ml)
- Banana leaves or heavy-duty aluminum foil for wrapping
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Rinse the pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat if desired, leaving some fat for juiciness.
- Rub the pork generously with Hawaiian sea salt all over, including crevices. Sprinkle minced garlic evenly. Drizzle liquid smoke over the top if using.
- Soften banana leaves by heating briefly over a flame or steaming, then wrap the pork tightly. If using foil, wrap securely to seal in juices.
- Pour 1/2 cup water into the slow cooker base to create steam, then place the wrapped pork inside. Cover with the lid.
- Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours without opening the lid frequently to maintain heat and moisture.
- After cooking, carefully remove the pork and unwrap. Transfer to a cutting board and shred finely using two forks or tongs, discarding large chunks of fat.
- Serve immediately or reserve some cooking liquid to moisten the pork if dry. Pair with steamed rice and fresh salad.
Notes
If banana leaves are unavailable, heavy-duty aluminum foil works well to trap moisture. Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain heat. For extra smoky flavor, a quick broil for 3-5 minutes after shredding can crisp edges. Adding a splash more water or broth during cooking can prevent dryness. Liquid smoke is optional but recommended in small amounts to avoid overpowering the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/2 po
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 38
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