If you’re craving a taste of Hawaiian flavors right in the comfort of your own home, look no further than this delicious recipe featuring the star ingredient: Kalua pork. Known for its tender, smoky, and deeply flavorful profile, Kalua pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish typically cooked in an underground pit called an imu. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to recreate the magic of Kalua pork using just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the shores of Hawaii with every bite of this aromatic and succulent dish.
Recipes With Kalua Pork
Ingredients:
– 3-4 pounds pork shoulder, boneless
– 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
– 1 tablespoon Hawaiian sea salt or coarse salt
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2-3 banana leaves (optional, for wrapping the pork)
– Steamed white rice, for serving
– Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Start by preparing the pork shoulder. Trim excess fat from the meat, leaving a thin layer to help keep it moist during the cooking process. Use a sharp knife to make a few deep incisions into the pork to allow the flavors to penetrate.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the liquid smoke, Hawaiian sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create a flavorful rub.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. For a more intense flavor, you can let the seasoned pork marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
4. If you have banana leaves available, place them in the slow cooker as a lining to add an extra layer of flavor to the pork. If not, you can still proceed without them.
5. Carefully transfer the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the meat is tender and easily shreddable.
6. Once the pork is cooked through, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to soak up all the juices and flavors.
7. Serve the Kalua pork hot over a bed of steamed white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of freshness and color.
8. Enjoy the irresistible aroma and taste of this homemade Kalua pork that will transport you to the tropical paradise of Hawaii with each mouthful.
Whether you’re hosting a luau-inspired gathering or simply craving a taste of the islands, this Kalua pork recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its authentic flavors and tender texture. Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite sides and accompaniments to make it your own. Want to make it spicy? Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the seasoning mix. The versatility of Kalua pork makes it a standout dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Get ready to savor the taste of Hawaii right at your dining table – aloha and enjoy!
