Kalua pig is a traditional Hawaiian dish made with slow-roasted pork, typically cooked in an underground oven called an “imu.” Here’s a recipe to make delicious Kalua pig at home using a slow cooker:Ingredients:
- 1 (4-5 pound) pork shoulder or pork butt roast
- 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt (or coarse kosher salt)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Banana leaves (optional, for wrapping)
- Steamed white rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Rinse the pork roast under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, make several deep slits all over the surface of the pork roast.
- Rub the liquid smoke all over the pork roast, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, rub the Hawaiian sea salt and minced garlic all over the roast, working it into the slits.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the sautéed onions to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned pork roast on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
- If using banana leaves, wrap the seasoned pork roast in banana leaves, tucking the edges underneath.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the pork roast on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve the delicious Kalua pig hot, with steamed white rice on the side.
- Enjoy the tender and flavorful Kalua pig as a main dish for a Hawaiian-inspired meal!
This Kalua pig recipe captures the essence of the traditional Hawaiian dish, with tender, smoky pork that’s perfect for serving with steamed rice or alongside your favorite Hawaiian side dishes.
