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Tender Slow Cooker Kalua Pork Recipe with Easy Fresh Cabbage Slaw

slow cooker kalua pork - featured image
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A tender, smoky Hawaiian-inspired slow cooker kalua pork paired with a crisp, tangy fresh cabbage slaw. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (pork butt)
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1 small head green cabbage (about 4 cups shredded)
  • 2 medium carrots, julienned or shredded
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (dairy-free if preferred)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: green onions or fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub all over with sea salt, garlic powder, and onion powder if using. Pour liquid smoke evenly over the pork and rub gently.
  2. Place the seasoned pork shoulder fatty side up in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
  3. After about 6 hours, test the pork with forks. If it pulls apart easily, it’s done; if not, cook for another hour.
  4. While the pork cooks, shred the cabbage finely and julienne or shred the carrots. In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, honey, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Toss the cabbage and carrots with the dressing. Add green onions or cilantro if desired. Chill until ready to serve.
  5. Transfer the cooked pork to a large bowl or plate. Shred the meat with two forks. Pour some cooking juices over the shredded pork to keep it moist.
  6. Serve the shredded kalua pork with a generous helping of fresh cabbage slaw on the side.

Notes

Do not skip the liquid smoke for authentic flavor. Slow cook low and slow for tender pork. Prep slaw ahead for best flavor. Can be adapted for oven braise or Instant Pot. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: kalua pork, slow cooker pork, Hawaiian pulled pork, cabbage slaw, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, liquid smoke

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/tender-slow-cooker-kalua-pork-recipe-with-easy-fresh-cabbage-slaw/