Slow Cooker Kalua Pig!!!




Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Tender & Juicy : The slow cooker ensures the pork becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
  2. Easy Prep : Minimal hands-on time—just season, set, and forget.
  3. Authentic Flavor : Liquid smoke mimics the traditional pit-smoked taste.
  4. Versatile : Serve as sliders, tacos, over rice, or with Hawaiian sides like mac salad and poi.
  5. Crowd-Pleasing : Perfect for feeding a crowd at parties, potlucks, or family dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Serves 8–10

  • 4–5 lbs pork shoulder (or butt) , bone-in or boneless
  • 1–2 tbsp Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt, if unavailable)
  • 1–2 tbsp liquid smoke (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup water (optional, to prevent sticking)

Optional Add-Ons:

  • Cabbage leaves : Line the slow cooker for extra flavor and authenticity.
  • Garlic powder or fresh garlic for added depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pork

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub it generously with Hawaiian sea salt, ensuring all sides are coated.
  2. If desired, sprinkle liquid smoke over the pork or inject it into the meat for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker

  1. Optional: Line the bottom of the slow cooker with cabbage leaves for a traditional touch.
  2. Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Add 1/4 cup water if using (this prevents sticking but isn’t always necessary).

Step 3: Cook Low & Slow

  1. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 6–7 hours , until the pork is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.

Step 4: Shred the Pork

  1. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat or bone.
  3. For extra flavor, mix some of the cooking juices back into the shredded pork (optional).

Why This Recipe Works

  • Low & Slow Magic : The slow cooker breaks down tough fibers in the pork, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
  • Liquid Smoke Shortcut : Mimics the smoky flavor of traditional Kalua pig without needing an imu.
  • Simple Ingredients : Just a few key ingredients create bold, authentic Hawaiian flavors.


 

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