Oven-Roasted Hawaiian Kalua Pork
Transport your taste buds to the Hawaiian islands with this mouthwatering Oven-Roasted Hawaiian Kalua Pork! This recipe captures the authentic flavors of traditional Hawaiian kalua pork without the need for an underground imu. With a delightful smoky flavor and just the right amount of saltiness, this pork roast is perfect for luaus, BBQ gatherings, or a cozy family dinner. The magic happens as the pork slowly roasts in its own juices, resulting in tender, succulent meat that's easy to shred and enjoy. Pair it with rice, coleslaw, or your favorite tangy sauce for a complete feast.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork roast
3.5 lbs (Trimmed of excess fat)
Water
2 cups (N/A)
Liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2
Place the pork roast, trimmed of excess fat and skin, fat side up in a large roasting pan to allow the natural juices to flow during cooking.
3
In a small bowl, combine the liquid smoke with the water, mixing well.
4
Pour the liquid smoke mixture evenly over the pork roast, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
5
Sprinkle the kosher salt generously on top of the roast, which will enhance the flavor and help create a salty crust.
6
Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.
7
Place the covered roast in the preheated oven and let it cook for three hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees F (88 degrees C) for easy shredding.
8
Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before shredding the meat.
9
Serve the shredded kalua pork with your favorite sides, and enjoy the taste of Hawaii!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oven-Roasted Hawaiian Kalua Pork?
It is a smoky and salty pork dish that replicates traditional Hawaiian flavors using an oven instead of an underground imu.
What amount of meat is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 3.5 lbs pork roast.
How should I prepare the pork roast before cooking?
The roast should be trimmed of excess fat and skin before being placed in the roasting pan.
Which way should the pork roast face in the pan?
Place the pork roast fat side up to allow the natural juices to flow during the cooking process.
How is the smoky flavor achieved?
The smoky flavor is created by mixing one teaspoon of liquid smoke with two cups of water and pouring it over the meat.
What type of salt is recommended for this recipe?
Kosher salt is used to enhance the flavor and create a salty crust on the roast.
How much salt should I use?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of kosher salt sprinkled generously on top.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
How long does the pork need to roast?
The pork should be roasted for approximately three hours.
What internal temperature should the pork reach?
The internal temperature should reach 190 degrees F (88 degrees C) for easy shredding.
Why is the roasting pan covered with aluminum foil?
The foil is used to retain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out while it roasts.
How long should the meat rest after cooking?
Let the roast rest for about 15 minutes before you begin shredding the meat.
Why is the resting period important?
Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the pork remains tender and succulent.
What are the total number of ingredients needed?
There are only 4 ingredients: pork roast, water, liquid smoke, and kosher salt.
Is this recipe suitable for a luau?
Yes, it is designed to capture authentic Hawaiian flavors perfect for luaus or BBQ gatherings.
What sides pair well with Kalua Pork?
It pairs perfectly with rice, coleslaw, or your favorite tangy sauce.
Does this recipe require an underground imu?
No, this recipe is specifically designed to be made in a standard kitchen oven.
How do I apply the liquid smoke mixture?
Mix the liquid smoke with water and pour it evenly over the entire surface of the roast.
Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt?
The recipe specifically calls for kosher salt to help create the desired salty crust.
What makes the pork tender?
Slowly roasting the pork in its own juices and the liquid smoke mixture results in tender, succulent meat.
How should I serve the pork?
Serve the pork shredded with your choice of traditional Hawaiian sides.
Is the pork easy to shred?
Yes, once it reaches the internal temperature of 190 degrees F, it is very easy to shred.
What kind of pan should I use?
A large roasting pan is recommended for this recipe.
Can this be used for a family dinner?
Yes, it is a great option for a cozy family dinner.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
Nutritional information like calories and fat content is not specified for this recipe.
How much water is needed?
You will need 2 cups of water.
Is this a savory dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a savory dish with a delightful smoky and salty profile.
What happens to the fat during cooking?
Cooking it fat side up allows the fat to melt and flow over the meat, keeping it moist.
Can I add other spices?
The recipe focuses on the traditional minimal ingredients, but you can customize it during serving.
Is the liquid smoke essential?
Yes, liquid smoke is necessary to achieve the authentic smoky flavor of traditional kalua pork.