Tiffany Haney
Kalua pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is typically cooked underground in a pit called an 'imu'. However, not everyone has the time or space to cook a whole pig in this way, so alternative cooking methods such as using a crock pot, instant pot, or oven are often used. Kalua pork is known for its smoky, salty flavor and tender texture, which can be achieved through various recipes and cooking methods. The cooking time and specific steps may vary depending on the chosen approach, but the end result is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in many ways.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking methods | Slow cooker, oven, instant pot, pressure cooker, crock pot |
| Ingredients | Pork, Hawaiian sea salt, regular sea salt, water, liquid smoke, cabbage, rice, macaroni salad, yeast rolls, pink Himalayan salt, bacon, coconut rice, pina colada fruit salad, chicken stock, banana leaves, vegetable oil, ginger, garlic powder, pepper, soy sauce, ti leaves, foil, salmon, poi, chicken long rice, squid luau |
| Time taken | 2-3 hours, 14-20 hours, 35 minutes |
| Leftovers | Can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days or frozen for several months |
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What You'll Learn
Kalua pork in a slow cooker
Kalua pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is usually cooked in an in-ground oven called an imu. However, you can easily make this delicious dish in a slow cooker at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to making mouth-watering Kalua pork in a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- Pork shoulder roast (boneless)
- Salt (preferably Hawaiian sea salt or Himalayan pink salt)
- Liquid smoke
Optional Ingredients:
- Banana leaves
- Water or chicken stock
Instructions:
- Lightly grease your slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Pierce the pork roast all over with a fork and place it in the slow cooker.
- For a 3-pound roast, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke over the meat, trying to cover all sides. You can adjust the amount of salt and liquid smoke based on the size of your roast.
- Do not add any water or other liquids to the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for approximately 8 to 12 hours, depending on the size of your roast. A 3-pound roast should cook for about 8 hours, a 4-6 pound roast for 8-10 hours, and a larger roast (7 pounds or more) for about 12 hours.
- The pork is ready when it easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. You can add some of the drippings or juices from the slow cooker to moisten the shredded pork.
- If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for several months.
Serving Suggestions:
Kalua pork is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:
- Traditional Hawaiian style: Serve the shredded pork with cabbage, white rice, and macaroni salad.
- Tacos, nachos, burritos, or burrito bowls
- Salads, sandwiches, wraps, or quesadillas
- Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Pizzas
- Sliders or pulled pork sandwiches
Grilled or baked with a fried egg on a Hawaiian breakfast plate
Enjoy your homemade Kalua pork!
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Kalua pork in an instant pot
Kalua pork is a Hawaiian dish that is traditionally cooked in a hole dug in the ground, surrounded by tropical leaves. However, this method is not practical for most people, so an Instant Pot is a great alternative to achieve tender pork in a fraction of the time.
To make Kalua pork in an Instant Pot, you will need a few simple ingredients: pork, salt, liquid smoke, and cabbage. You can also add garlic and bacon slices for extra flavour. The pork shoulder is a great cut of meat to use as it is inexpensive and becomes fork-tender with the right cooking time.
- Cut the pork shoulder into 1.5-inch cubes.
- Season the pork with salt and liquid smoke. You can also add garlic cloves by making small slits in the pork and inserting them.
- Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" and add bacon slices to the bottom, letting them sizzle.
- Place the seasoned pork in the Instant Pot and add broth or water.
- Cover the pot and cook under high pressure. The cooking time will depend on the size of your pork cubes, but it typically ranges from 20 to 35 minutes for fork-tender meat.
- Once the pork is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and taste the remaining cooking liquid, adjusting the seasoning if needed.
- Cut a head of cabbage into wedges and add them to the cooking liquid. Cook under high pressure for 1 to 5 minutes, depending on your desired level of softness.
- Release the pressure and shred the pork while the cabbage cooks.
- Serve the shredded pork with the cooked cabbage.
You can also serve Kalua pork with traditional sides like rice, macaroni salad, and steamed vegetables. The leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for several months.
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Kalua pork in the oven
Kalua pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is usually prepared in an underground oven called an "imu". However, it can also be cooked in a crock pot, instant pot, or oven. Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious Kalua pork in the oven:
Ingredients
- Pork shoulder or pork butt
- Hawaiian sea salt or kosher salt
- Liquid smoke
- Banana leaves or ti leaves
- Water or chicken stock
- Optional: vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, onion, soy sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Start by cutting your chosen cut of pork into 1.5-inch cubes. This will help reduce the cooking time. If you have time, you can also sear the pork in a pan with some vegetable oil to add extra flavour.
Step 2: Season the Pork
Rub the pork all over with salt. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, ginger, and pepper for extra flavour. Then, drizzle liquid smoke over the pork, making sure to coat both sides.
Step 3: Wrap the Pork
Place the seasoned pork in the centre of a banana leaf or ti leaf. Wrap the leaf around the pork, encasing it completely. If using banana leaves, you may need multiple leaves, as they can split during the wrapping process.
Step 4: Braise the Pork
Place the wrapped pork in a pot or oven-safe dish. Pour water or chicken stock around the sides of the wrapped pork. Cover the pot or dish with a lid or foil and transfer to the oven.
Step 5: Cook the Pork
Cook the pork in the oven at a low temperature of around 250-300 degrees Fahrenheit for 2.5-3 hours, or until the pork is fall-apart tender. The low temperature and long cooking time will ensure that the pork is tender and juicy.
Step 6: Shred the Pork
Once the pork is cooked, carefully transfer it to a plate or cutting board. Use tongs or forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. You can also remove any bones and excess fat at this stage.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Season the shredded pork with additional liquid smoke and a few spoonfuls of the cooking liquid. You can also add some of the braising liquid over the top and re-season with liquid smoke as you shred to keep the pork nice and juicy. Serve the Kalua pork with traditional sides like rice and cabbage, or get creative and use it in pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, or nachos. Enjoy!
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Kalua pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It can also be frozen for several months. To reheat, simply warm the pork in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
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Storing and reheating Kalua pork
Kalua pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. It is recommended to store it with any leftover juices to retain moisture. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 to 4 months. To freeze, let the pork cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It is also suggested to divide it into multiple containers for smaller portions.
When reheating, it is important not to overheat the meat and to add a bit of liquid to keep the pork moist. Kalua pork can be reheated in various ways, including the stovetop, microwave, oven, or slow cooker.
Stovetop
To reheat Kalua pork on the stovetop, add a drizzle of oil to a large pot and gently rewarm the pork over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the pork seems dry.
Microwave
For microwave reheating, cover the pork and warm it for 1 minute, then at 20-second intervals until warmed through.
Oven
Reheat Kalua pork in a low oven, covered with foil and a bit of liquid.
Slow Cooker
Reheat the pork in a slow cooker for 1-2 hours on low heat.
Other Uses
Kalua pork is incredibly versatile and can be added to soups, tacos, omelettes, or even pizza. It can also be crisped up in a nonstick pan and enjoyed as is or used in a variety of dishes.
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Serving suggestions for Kalua pork
Kalua pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is often served with rice and cabbage. The pork is typically slow-cooked until tender and then shredded, infusing it with a rich, earthy, and smoky flavour. Here are some serving suggestions for this delicious and versatile dish:
Traditional Hawaiian Style
The classic way to serve Kalua pork is with rice and cabbage. You can simply heat some shredded Kalua pork with finely shredded cabbage and add a splash of shoyu (soy sauce). Serve this over a bed of rice for a hearty and comforting Hawaiian meal. For an extra kick, drizzle some spicy mayo on top.
Sandwiches, Sliders, and Burritos
The shredded texture of Kalua pork makes it perfect for stuffing into sandwiches, sliders, or burritos. Load up a buttery Hawaiian roll with zippy slaw and Kalua pork, or wrap it in a tortilla for a tasty taco. You can also add Hawaiian Bar-B-Que sauce for an extra burst of flavour.
Nachos and Burrito Bowls
Kalua pork is a versatile ingredient that can be used in nachos or burrito bowls. Sprinkle it over tortilla chips for nachos, or layer it with rice, beans, and other toppings in a bowl. Add some spicy mayo or your favourite salsa for a flavourful kick.
Baked Sweet Potato
For a comforting and satisfying dish, stuff a baked sweet potato with Kalua pork and top it with spicy mayo. This combination of sweet and savoury flavours will tantalise your taste buds.
Hawaiian Breakfast Plate
Start your day like a true Hawaiian with a breakfast plate featuring Kalua pork, rice, and a fried egg. Don't forget to drizzle some of that delicious braising liquid over the pork to keep it nice and juicy.
Sides and Accompaniments
Kalua pork pairs well with a variety of sides, including grilled pineapple, macaroni salad, and broccoli cheese soup. For a healthier option, try a lentil salad with cucumbers, dates, and other refreshing ingredients. If you're a bread lover, homemade honey garlic bread is a perfect crunchy accompaniment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kalua pork can be cooked in a pot. It can be cooked in a slow cooker, crock pot, instant pot, or oven.
It takes about two hours to cook Kalua pork in an instant pot. However, the cooking time can be reduced to 35 minutes if the pork shoulder roast is cut into 1½-inch cubes.
To cook Kalua pork in an oven, first, sear the pork in a pot on medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side. Then, wrap the pork in banana leaves and season with Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke. Finally, braise the pork in the oven for 2 ½ - 3 hours until it is fall-apart tender.
Kalua pork is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Some popular options include serving it with rice and cabbage, in pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, burritos, salads, nachos, or sliders.
Leftover Kalua pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or frozen for several months. To reheat, cook in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through.
