Hawaiian Kalua Pork Deluxe
Experience the rich, smoky flavors of Hawaii in your own home with this authentic Kalua Pork recipe! Adapted from a beloved recipe, this dish features succulent pork shoulder, delicately seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt and infused with liquid smoke for a truly unique taste. The long, slow cooking process enhances the tenderness of the pork, making it easy to shred and blend with nutritious, sweet-savory cabbage. Serve it alongside sticky rice or traditional sweet rolls for an unforgettable meal that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or any day you crave comfort food straight from the islands!
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boston Butt (Pork Shoulder)
6 lbs (None, whole roast)
Hawaiian Sea Salt
1 tablespoon (None)
Liquid Smoke
1 tablespoon (None)
Bay Leaf
1 (Whole)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Gently smashed)
Water
1/4 cup (None)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons (Dissolved in 3 tbsp cold water)
Savoy or Napa Cabbage
1 medium (Shredded)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the pork shoulder: poke the roast all over with a carving fork to allow flavors to infuse.
2
In a small bowl, mix the Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke. Wear disposable gloves to avoid lingering smoke smell on your hands and rub this mixture all over the pork, ensuring it's evenly coated.
3
Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker along with the bay leaf, smashed garlic cloves, and the 1/4 cup of water.
4
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for 16 to 20 hours. If you're short on time, you can alternatively cook on High for 3 hours, then switch to Low for an additional 7 hours. The longer cooking time will yield more tender meat.
5
Approximately 3 hours before the cooking time is complete, skim off some of the fat from the juices, then remove the bay leaf and garlic cloves.
6
Add the shredded cabbage to the slow cooker. If it seems too full, add as much cabbage as fits comfortably, and remember it will cook down significantly.
7
Re-cover the slow cooker and continue cooking on Low until the meat is tender and the cabbage is wilted.
8
Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
9
Strain the juices left in the slow cooker into a large glass measuring cup. Take 1 1/2 cups of these juices and pour them into a saucepan.
10
Bring the juices to a simmer. Slowly drizzle in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until thickened.
11
Serve the shredded pork mixed with the cabbage, alongside the thickened gravy in a sauceboat, and provide sticky rice or sweet rolls for an authentic Hawaiian meal.
Nutrition Information
10.5g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
21g
Protein
200mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in Hawaiian Kalua Pork Deluxe?
The recipe uses a 6 lb Boston Butt, also known as pork shoulder.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Hawaiian sea salt is used to give the dish its authentic flavor.
How much liquid smoke is required?
You need 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke to infuse the pork with a smoky flavor.
Why should I poke the pork roast with a fork?
Poking the roast all over allows the salt and liquid smoke flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
Why is it recommended to wear gloves when preparing the meat?
Disposable gloves prevent the strong smell of liquid smoke from lingering on your hands.
What is the recommended cooking time on the Low setting?
The pork should be cooked on Low for 16 to 20 hours for maximum tenderness.
Is there a faster way to cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on High for 3 hours and then switch to Low for an additional 7 hours.
When should I add the cabbage to the slow cooker?
Add the shredded cabbage approximately 3 hours before the total cooking time is finished.
What kind of cabbage should I use?
The recipe recommends using one medium Savoy or Napa cabbage.
How much water should I add to the slow cooker?
Add 1/4 cup of water to the slow cooker at the beginning of the process.
How many garlic cloves are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 gently smashed garlic cloves.
When do I remove the bay leaf and garlic?
Remove the bay leaf and garlic cloves 3 hours before the cooking time is complete, right before adding the cabbage.
How do I make the gravy for the Kalua pork?
Strain the juices, simmer 1 1/2 cups in a saucepan, and stir in a cornstarch slurry until thickened.
What are the ingredients for the cornstarch slurry?
The slurry consists of 2 tablespoons of cornstarch dissolved in 3 tablespoons of cold water.
How should the pork be shredded?
Use two forks to shred the cooked pork into bite-sized pieces.
How many calories are in one serving of this pork?
Each serving contains 180 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 10.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This recipe is low in carbs, containing only 2.5g per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 21g of protein.
How much sodium is in this dish?
There is 200mg of sodium per serving.
What are the suggested side dishes?
It is traditionally served with sticky rice or Hawaiian sweet rolls.
What if the cabbage doesn't fit in the slow cooker?
Add as much as fits comfortably; the cabbage will cook down significantly as it wilts.
Should I skim the fat from the juices?
Yes, you should skim off some of the fat 3 hours before the cooking time ends.
Is the pork shoulder cooked whole?
Yes, the 6 lb Boston Butt is placed in the slow cooker as a whole roast.
What gives the pork its succulent texture?
The long, slow cooking process breaks down the fibers, making the pork succulent and easy to shred.
Can I use this recipe for a party?
Yes, it is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or island-themed events.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious, sweet-savory comfort food straight from the islands.
What is the purpose of the bay leaf?
The bay leaf is used during the slow cooking process to add a subtle layer of herbal flavor.
Does this recipe include sugar?
The nutritional data indicates no sugar, making it a savory meal option.
How many total ingredients are needed?
The recipe requires 8 primary ingredients including the pork, seasonings, and cabbage.