Authentic Hawaiian Kalua Pork
Experience a taste of the Hawaiian islands with this mouthwatering Authentic Hawaiian Kalua Pork recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, this tender pork butt is seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt and infused with rich liquid smoke, creating a savory, smoky flavor that is both satisfying and comforting. Traditionally wrapped in ti leaves, this oven method retains moisture while allowing the pork to absorb distinctive island flavors. Serve it as the centerpiece of your next gathering or family meal, and watch as it becomes a new favorite!
8
Servings
500
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Butt
5 lbs (trimmed and slashed)
Hawaiian Sea Salt
3 tablespoons (for rub)
Liquid Smoke
2 tablespoons (for rub)
Ti Leaves
8 leaves (with ribs removed)
Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil
1 piece (for wrapping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Make several shallow slashes across the surface of the pork butt to allow the seasoning to penetrate.
3
Generously rub Hawaiian sea salt over the entire surface of the pork, ensuring it gets into the slashes.
4
Drizzle liquid smoke over the pork and rub it in to evenly distribute the flavor.
5
Lay out 4 ti leaves on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, layering them to create a base.
6
Place the seasoned pork on top of the ti leaves. Fold the leaves around the pork, ensuring it is fully wrapped.
7
Add the remaining ti leaves on top of the wrapped pork in the opposite direction for added flavor and moisture retention.
8
Carefully fold the aluminum foil tightly around the pork to create a watertight seal.
9
Place the wrapped pork in a large roasting pan and fill the pan with water up to 2 inches deep.
10
Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Then, reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue to cook for about 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the pork is very tender.
12
Carefully unwrap the pork from the foil and ti leaves, and shred the meat using two forks before serving.
Nutrition Information
37.5g
Fat
0.75g
Carbs
28.125g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Hawaiian Kalua Pork?
It is a slow-cooked, tender pork dish seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke, traditionally wrapped in ti leaves for an island flavor.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
A 5 lb pork butt is the recommended cut for making authentic Kalua Pork.
How much Hawaiian sea salt is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of Hawaiian sea salt.
Why is liquid smoke used in Kalua Pork?
Liquid smoke is used to infuse the meat with a rich, smoky flavor that mimics traditional underground pit cooking.
How many ti leaves are needed?
You will need 8 ti leaves with the ribs removed for this recipe.
What is the purpose of the ti leaves?
Ti leaves help retain moisture and allow the pork to absorb distinctive island flavors while cooking.
What temperature should the oven be set to initially?
The oven should be preheated and set to 350°F (175°C) for the first hour of cooking.
Why should I slash the surface of the pork butt?
Making shallow slashes across the surface allows the sea salt and liquid smoke to penetrate the meat more effectively.
How do I wrap the pork with ti leaves?
Lay 4 leaves on foil as a base, place the pork on top, fold them over, and then add the remaining 4 leaves in the opposite direction.
What role does aluminum foil play in this recipe?
Heavy-duty aluminum foil is used to create a watertight seal around the pork to trap steam and juices.
How much water should be added to the roasting pan?
You should fill the roasting pan with water up to 2 inches deep.
How long does the pork cook at 350°F?
The pork is baked at 350°F for exactly 1 hour before the temperature is reduced.
What is the reduced cooking temperature?
After the first hour, the oven temperature is reduced to 325°F (160°C).
How much longer does the pork cook after reducing the heat?
It should continue to cook for about 3 to 3.5 hours at 325°F.
How do I know when the Kalua Pork is done?
The pork is ready when it is very tender and easy to shred.
How should the pork be prepared for serving?
Carefully unwrap the meat from the foil and ti leaves, then shred it using two forks.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 500 calories in one serving of this Kalua Pork.
How much fat is in a serving?
Each serving contains 37.5 grams of fat.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it contains 28.125 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
This is a low-carb dish with only 0.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, the recipe ingredients and nutrition facts indicate 0 grams of sugar.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Pork.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include Hawaiian, slow cooked, oven recipe, and comfort food.
Can I make this if I don't have an underground oven?
Yes, this specific recipe is designed for a standard kitchen oven using a roasting pan.
Is the pork butt trimmed before cooking?
Yes, the pork butt should be trimmed and slashed before seasonings are applied.
Does the roasting pan need to be covered?
Yes, the roasting pan should be covered tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam.
How much liquid smoke is used for the rub?
Two tablespoons of liquid smoke are drizzled and rubbed over the meat.
Is there fiber in Kalua Pork?
No, there is no fiber listed in the nutritional information for this recipe.
What makes this 'Authentic' Hawaiian style?
The use of Hawaiian sea salt, ti leaves, and the slow-steaming method replicates the traditional Luau experience.