Kalua Pork

Transport your taste buds straight to the islands with this mouthwatering Kalua Pork recipe, a Hawaiian classic that’s as simple as it is flavorful. Using just three main ingredients—succulent pork shoulder, Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt), and smoky liquid smoke—this recipe captures the essence of a traditional imu (underground oven) cooking method, but made easily at home. Wrapped in banana leaves for added authenticity, the pork is slow-cooked to tender perfection over 8 to 10 hours, filling your kitchen with its irresistible aroma. The result? Juicy, smoky, shredded pork that pairs perfectly with rice, creamy macaroni salad, or sautéed cabbage for an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch experience. Whether you're hosting a luau or meal prepping for the week, this versatile dish will bring aloha to your table with every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:600 mins

Total Time:615 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 5 pounds Pork shoulder (bone-in)
• 1.5 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt)
• 2 tablespoons Liquid smoke
• 2 large Banana leaves or aluminum foil

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2

Using a sharp knife, make shallow slits all over the pork shoulder to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat more effectively.

Step 3

Rub the Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt, if using) all over the pork shoulder, making sure to get it into the slits you created.

Step 4

Drizzle the liquid smoke evenly over the pork shoulder, rubbing it in with your hands to ensure full coverage.

Step 5

Line a slow cooker or roasting pan with banana leaves or aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang to wrap around and cover the pork completely.

Step 6

Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the banana leaves or foil.

Step 7

Wrap the banana leaves or foil around the pork shoulder tightly. If using foil, use an extra layer to ensure a good seal to trap moisture during cooking.

Step 8

If using a slow cooker, set the appliance to low heat and cook for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds. If using an oven, preheat to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 6 to 8 hours.

Step 9

Once cooked, carefully unwrap the pork and remove the bone. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding any excess fat.

Step 10

Serve the kalua pork with rice and traditional Hawaiian sides like macaroni salad or cabbage for an authentic experience.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2799.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5669.9

Total Fat 453.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 158.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 1587.6mg	0%
Sodium 11581.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 408.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 226.8mg	0%
Iron 27.2mg	0%
Potassium 6123.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 71.4%

Protein: 28.6%

Carbs: 0.0%