Hawaiian Kalua Pork Delight
Indulge in the authentic taste of Hawaii with this Hawaiian Kalua Pork Delight recipe. Passed down from our pastor's wife during our time in paradise, this tender and flavorful pork dish captures the essence of traditional imu pit roasting, just like that served at luaus. It's incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor, and it's a crowd-pleaser, ensuring you'll be showered with compliments at every gathering. The pork is infused with the smoky richness of liquid smoke, seasoned perfectly with rock salt, garlic, and pepper, and topped with sweet onion and bananas for added depth. The leftovers freeze beautifully, allowing you to savor the tropical taste of Hawaii anytime! This dish makes a considerable amount, perfect for feeding a large group or for meal prepping for the week.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork butt or Pork shoulder
2 (Roasts)
Rock salt
1/4 cup
Liquid smoke
1 (3 ounce) bottle
Garlic
to taste (minced)
Pepper
to taste
Onion
1 (sliced into rings)
Bananas
2 (sliced into halves or thirds)
Water
as needed (for the bottom of the pan)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to between 250°F and 300°F.
2
Prepare the pork by cutting deep crisscross slices into the surface of the meat to allow flavors to permeate.
3
Generously rub the rock salt into the pork, ensuring it gets into the slits you've made.
4
Evenly drizzle the entire bottle of liquid smoke over the meat, allowing it to seep into the cuts.
5
Sprinkle minced garlic and pepper over the pork according to your taste preferences.
6
Layer the sliced onion rings on top of the pork for added flavor and aroma.
7
Place the banana slices on top of the pork and tuck some into the slits.
8
Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the baking pan to create steam and moisture during cooking.
9
Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap heat and moisture.
10
Slowly bake the pork overnight for at least 12 hours, checking at intervals to ensure it doesn't dry out.
11
Once the pork is tender and easily shredded, remove the foil and discard the onions and bananas.
12
Serve the succulent, shredded pork warm, and enjoy the uniquely Hawaiian flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hawaiian Kalua Pork Delight?
Hawaiian Kalua Pork Delight is a tender and flavorful pork dish that captures the essence of traditional Hawaiian imu pit roasting, providing an authentic luau taste.
What cut of meat is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two pork butt or pork shoulder roasts.
How long does it take to cook the pork?
The pork should be baked slowly for at least 12 hours, typically overnight.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated and set between 250 degrees Fahrenheit and 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much liquid smoke is needed?
The recipe uses one 3-ounce bottle of liquid smoke to provide a smoky richness.
What kind of salt is best for Kalua Pork?
Rock salt is used to season the meat and should be rubbed into crisscross slices on the pork surface.
Why are bananas included in the recipe?
Banana slices are placed on top of the pork and tucked into the slits to add depth of flavor and moisture during the long cooking process.
Should I eat the onions and bananas after cooking?
No, once the pork is tender and ready to be shredded, the onions and bananas should be discarded.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 12 servings.
Can the leftovers be frozen?
Yes, the leftovers freeze beautifully, making it easy to enjoy the tropical taste of Hawaii at any time.
Is this a difficult recipe to prepare?
No, it is incredibly simple to prepare and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Why should I cut crisscross slices into the pork?
Cutting deep crisscross slices into the surface of the meat allows the flavors of the salt, smoke, and garlic to permeate deeper into the pork.
What purpose does the water in the pan serve?
Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the pan creates steam and helps maintain moisture while the pork bakes.
How should I season the pork beyond salt and smoke?
You should sprinkle minced garlic and pepper over the pork according to your personal taste preferences.
Is the baking pan covered during cooking?
Yes, the baking pan must be covered tightly with aluminum foil to trap heat and moisture.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, because it makes a considerable amount and freezes well, it is perfect for meal prepping for the week.
How is the onion prepared for the recipe?
One onion is sliced into rings and layered on top of the pork for added flavor and aroma.
How do I know when the pork is finished?
The pork is done when it is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
Is this recipe good for large groups?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleaser and the large yield makes it ideal for gatherings.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was passed down from a pastor's wife during the author's time living in Hawaii.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
While the instructions specify oven baking, the recipe is tagged for 'slow cooker' use, suggesting it can be adapted for one.
What is the final texture of the pork?
The final result is succulent, shredded pork with a smoky finish.
How many bananas are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 bananas, sliced into halves or thirds.
What amount of rock salt is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of rock salt.
Do I need to check the pork while it bakes?
Yes, you should check the pork at intervals during the 12-hour period to ensure it does not dry out.
Is there a specific way to serve the pork?
The pork should be served warm once it has been shredded.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic?
Yes, the garlic should be added 'to taste,' so you can use as much or as little as you prefer.
Does this recipe use traditional imu pits?
No, it uses an oven to recreate the flavors of traditional imu pit roasting without the need for an actual pit.
Is this a comfort food dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a comfort food dish due to its tender texture and hearty flavor.
What type of pepper should I use?
The recipe simply specifies pepper to taste; standard black pepper is typically used.