Kalua Pork Slow Cooked will be one of the simplest recipes you’ll make, and most requested recipes when I make this dish for a crowd!
Kalua Pork
Today I’m reposting a recipe I made in 2012. I’ve updated the photos.
Hawaii is a special place for my family.
Alan and I fell in love during a senior graduation trip to Waikiki.
Our first child was born at the pink hospital (Tripler Army Medical Center), and we had two military tours on Oahu giving us eight years of kamaʻaina (local) status.
When our Silver Anniversary neared we were naturally inclined to visit paradise again, but decided to tour one the islands we never visited, Lanai!
Kalua Pork Slow Cooker method replicates the traditional Hawaiian-style!
Although I felt a little guilty that we left our son behind (and daughter, but she’s in college and doesn’t live with us full-time), it quickly dissipated – lol
The reason I didn’t feel so guilty? I loaded up our son with a staple in the Hawaiian diet, Kalua pig.
The traditional way to cook kalua pork is to dig a hole in the ground, line it with rocks and add fire forming an oven.
Then you would add the meat and cook it ALL DAY LONG.
Making this kalua pork made in a crock pot is MUCH simpler than the fire-pit underground oven!
Sam would have survived just fine with his bagel, cream cheese, flaming’ hot Cheetos sandwiches, I’m certain.
Ingredients For Kalua Pork Slow Cooker Method
Three simple ingredients is all you need;
- Pork butt or shoulder
- Sea salt
- Liquid smoke
That’s it!!
What’s The Difference Between Pork Shoulder and Pork Butt?
Both cuts of meat come from the shoulder portion of the pig. The only difference is the section of the meat is from. Cook’s Illustrated displays a photo perfectly!
Photo source: Cook’s Illustrated
What to Serve with Kalua Pork
This is a great dish for a crowd. I like to serve it with Hawaiian sweet bread rolls like a sandwich.
Some of my other favorite side dishes are Hawaiian style macaroni lightened up, sticky rice or shrimp and pineapple fried rice.
We spent a relaxing week lounging on the beach, hiking, exploring, eating local foods, and drinking a few mai tai cocktails.
Somehow they tasted so much better with a beautiful sunset in our view!
Looking for more slow cooker recipes?
Be sure to check out these delicious recipes:
Kalua Pork Slow Cooker Method
Tender kalua pork made with three ingredients. Serve on sandwich rolls or top on rice. This slow cooker method replicates the traditional Hawaiian underground cooking style.
Ingredients
- 4-6 pound pork butt roast (also called pork shoulder)
- 2 teaspoons Hawaiian salt (or sea salt)
- 1 tablespoon Liquid smoke
Instructions
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 732Total Fat: 51gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 27gCholesterol: 234mgSodium: 608mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 63g
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
PIN TO YOUR PORK, SLOW COOKER AND PARTY FOOD BOARDS
michele
My niece (who is just a year younger than I am and like my sister) has an obsession with kalua pork from a place in Hawaii…. I made this special for her and her husband for a celebration last week and it made her so happy….. She said it was even better than what she had over there… Id say thats a winning review!
Sandra Shaffer
Yes! Super easy and it’s authentic tasting!
Madi
Slow cooker meals are the best! I need to try making this for dinner soon!
Michaela Kenkel
This was AMAZING!! Thank you so much for this new family favorite recipe!!
Kathy
I love kaula pork! It’s always so tasty and crowd pleasing. Love that you made it in the slow cooker. I can just let the crock pot do all the work! Yes!!!
Dan from Platter Talk
I’ve never tried Kalua Pork but it sure sounds like a great combination of flavors! Looking forward to trying this taste of island paradise!
debi at Life Currents
My husband has been experimenting with pork in the slow cooker, and he will love seeing this recipe. Sounds like something he will totally go for!
Joanne/Winelady Cooks
What a lovely anniversary. The pork sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday.
Sandra
Hi Joanne! Lots of great recipes on FFF. I’m still checking it all out!
Marlene @Nosh My Way
You know, I have never tried making Kahlua pork before. Yours looks so good. I am going to book mark this for a future dish to make. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday.
Your co host from Nosh My Way.
Sandra
Hi Marlene! It’s such an easy dish and it’s so tasty!
Heather @ SugarDish(Me)
Mmmmm pork in the crock pot.
https://sugardishme.com/2012/01/24/cuban-pork-sandwiches/
Liquid smoke is a staple around here, but it usually disappears when my sweetie makes jerky!
Hubby
Oh such wonderful memories! The kalua pork will just have to be a substitute (a delicious one!) for those beautiful sunsets…
Kim
Yum, I will have to try it!!!! Congrats to Sam, Trent will be jealous 🙂
The Foodie Affair
He can brave the trail for Trent:)
Ang
Little Kalua pork sliders! I love it!