Authentic Hawaiian Kalua Pig
Experience the rich flavors of Hawaii with this Authentic Hawaiian Kalua Pig recipe. This traditional dish, inspired by the recipe book 'Kona on My Plate,' is characterized by its tender and smoky pork, which is slow-cooked to perfection. The unique combination of garlic, ginger, and liquid smoke creates a mouthwatering marinade that penetrates the meat, while the ti leaves add a distinct flavor and aroma. Perfectly served with the complementary DaKine Macaroni Salad, this dish is ideal for gatherings and will transport you straight to the islands with each bite. Whether you’re hosting a luau or enjoying a family dinner, this recipe promises to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Loin Roast
4-5 lbs (none)
Hawaiian Sea Salt or Salt
1 tablespoon (none)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
Shoyu or Soy Sauce
1/4 cup (none)
Powdered Ginger
2 teaspoons (none)
Garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons (crushed)
Liquid Smoke
1 tablespoon (none)
Ti Leaves
3 (washed and trimmed)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the Hawaiian sea salt, Worcestershire sauce, shoyu (soy sauce), powdered ginger, crushed garlic, and liquid smoke to create a marinade.
2
Place the pork loin roast on a clean surface and pour the marinade over it, ensuring to coat all sides evenly.
3
Wrap the pork with plastic wrap and allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
4
After marinating, place the pork on a bed of washed and trimmed ti leaves on a large sheet of aluminum foil.
5
Fold the ti leaves over the pork to enclose it completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil to seal in moisture.
6
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
7
Place the wrapped pork in a roasting pan and bake in the preheated oven for 4 to 5 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
8
Once cooked, carefully unwrap the foil and let the pork rest for a few minutes.
9
Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large chunks of fat.
10
Serve hot, paired with DaKine Macaroni Salad and enjoy your delicious Hawaiian feast!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Hawaiian Kalua Pig?
Authentic Hawaiian Kalua Pig is a traditional dish characterized by tender, smoky pork that is slow-cooked to perfection, often inspired by traditional recipes like those found in Kona on My Plate.
What cut of meat is best for this Kalua Pig recipe?
This recipe calls for a 4-5 lb Pork Loin Roast.
What type of salt should I use for Kalua Pig?
You should use 1 tablespoon of Hawaiian Sea Salt, though regular salt can be used as a substitute.
What ingredients are in the Kalua Pig marinade?
The marinade consists of Hawaiian sea salt, Worcestershire sauce, shoyu (soy sauce), powdered ginger, crushed garlic, and liquid smoke.
How long should the pork marinate?
The pork should marinate for at least 1 hour, but leaving it overnight in the refrigerator provides a deeper flavor.
What is the purpose of Ti leaves in this recipe?
Ti leaves add a distinct flavor and aroma to the pork while helping to seal in moisture during the slow-cooking process.
How do I prepare the Ti leaves?
The 3 Ti leaves should be washed and trimmed before being used to wrap the pork.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) for cooking the Kalua Pig.
How long does the Kalua Pig need to cook in the oven?
The pork needs to bake for 4 to 5 hours until it is tender and easily shreds.
How do I ensure the pork stays moist while cooking?
Enclosing the pork in Ti leaves and then wrapping it tightly in a large sheet of aluminum foil seals in the moisture.
What is 'shoyu'?
Shoyu is the Japanese-style soy sauce commonly used in Hawaiian cooking.
How much liquid smoke is required?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke to achieve the traditional smoky flavor.
How do I shred the cooked Kalua Pig?
Once the pork has rested for a few minutes after cooking, use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Should I keep the fat on the pork after cooking?
No, you should discard any large chunks of fat while shredding the pork.
What is a recommended side dish for Kalua Pig?
This dish is perfectly paired with DaKine Macaroni Salad for a complete Hawaiian feast.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of crushed garlic.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of powdered ginger?
The recipe specifically lists 2 teaspoons of powdered ginger for the marinade.
Is this Kalua Pig recipe suitable for a luau?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for gatherings, luaus, or family dinners.
Do I need a slow cooker for this recipe?
No, this specific version of the recipe is designed to be slow-cooked in an oven at 325°F.
What role does Worcestershire sauce play in the recipe?
One teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce is added to the marinade to enhance the savory depth of the pork.
How many Ti leaves are needed?
You will need 3 Ti leaves to properly wrap the pork roast.
Should I wrap the pork in plastic wrap while it cooks?
No, plastic wrap is only used during the refrigeration/marinating stage. Use foil and Ti leaves for the actual cooking.
How much shoyu or soy sauce is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of shoyu or soy sauce for the marinade.
Is the pork supposed to be submerged in liquid while baking?
No, the pork is wrapped tightly in foil with its marinade and Ti leaves to steam in its own juices.
How do I know the pork is done?
The pork is done when it is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork, usually after 4-5 hours.
Is this a traditional ethnic Hawaiian recipe?
Yes, it is considered a traditional Hawaiian dish often associated with ethnic island cuisine.
What is the first step in making the marinade?
Combine the Hawaiian sea salt, Worcestershire sauce, shoyu, powdered ginger, crushed garlic, and liquid smoke in a small mixing bowl.
Should the pork rest after it comes out of the oven?
Yes, once cooked, carefully unwrap the foil and let the pork rest for a few minutes before shredding.
What size of aluminum foil is needed?
A large sheet of aluminum foil is required to ensure the pork and Ti leaves are completely enclosed and sealed.
How many servings does this 4-5 lb roast provide?
While specific serving counts aren't listed, a 4-5 lb roast typically serves a large family or a small gathering.