Savory Slow-Cooked Kalua Pork
Experience the authentic flavors of Hawaii right at home with this Savory Slow-Cooked Kalua Pork. This mouthwatering dish showcases tender, juicy pork butt infused with aromatic garlic and the unique essence of liquid smoke, making it a standout at any gathering. Although it requires overnight preparation for marination, the subsequent slow cooking in your crockpot transforms the pork into a heavenly dish that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a family meal, sandwiches, or quick stir-fries, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork butt (or shoulder)
5 lbs (whole, cut slits for seasoning)
liquid smoke (or soy sauce)
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
Hawaiian salt (or sea salt)
3 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting slits into the pork butt to allow for better seasoning absorption.
2
In a small bowl, mix together the Hawaiian salt, crushed garlic cloves, and liquid smoke (or soy sauce).
3
Rub this mixture thoroughly all over the pork, ensuring it gets into the slits.
4
Wrap the seasoned pork tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
5
On the day of serving, remove the pork from the refrigerator and place it in the crockpot. Add approximately one inch of water to the bottom of the pot to keep the pork moist.
6
Set the crockpot to low and cook for 10 to 12 hours, flipping the pork halfway through to ensure even cooking.
7
Once cooked, carefully remove the pork from the crockpot and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
8
Enjoy the Kalua pork as is, on sandwiches, or stir-fried lightly with shredded cabbage for a delicious meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Cooked Kalua Pork?
It is an authentic Hawaiian-style dish featuring tender, juicy pork butt slow-cooked with garlic and liquid smoke.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
A 5 lb pork butt or pork shoulder is the recommended cut for the best texture and flavor.
How do I prepare the pork before cooking?
You should cut slits into the pork butt to allow the seasoning mixture to be absorbed more effectively.
What seasonings are used in Kalua Pork?
The recipe uses Hawaiian salt (or sea salt), crushed garlic cloves, and liquid smoke (or soy sauce).
Can I substitute liquid smoke?
Yes, you can use soy sauce as a substitute, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
What if I don't have Hawaiian salt?
You can easily substitute Hawaiian salt with an equal amount of sea salt.
How long should the pork marinate?
The seasoned pork should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight for the best results.
Why do I need to wrap the pork in plastic?
Wrapping the pork tightly helps the flavors of the salt, garlic, and smoke meld and intensify during the marination process.
Do I need to add liquid to the crockpot?
Yes, add approximately one inch of water to the bottom of the pot to keep the meat moist while cooking.
What is the recommended cooking temperature?
Set your slow cooker or crockpot to the low setting.
How many hours does the pork need to cook?
The pork should be slow-cooked for 10 to 12 hours.
Should I flip the pork while it cooks?
Yes, flipping the pork halfway through the cooking time ensures even cooking and moisture distribution.
How do I shred the Kalua Pork?
Once the pork is cooked and tender, use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces.
How can I serve Kalua Pork?
It can be enjoyed on its own, served on sandwiches, or stir-fried with shredded cabbage.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, with a 5 lb pork butt, this recipe is perfect for family meals or parties.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe requires 4 main ingredients: pork, liquid smoke, garlic, and Hawaiian salt.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 2 crushed garlic cloves.
How much salt is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of Hawaiian salt or sea salt.
How much liquid smoke is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke.
Is the pork supposed to be juicy?
Yes, the combination of slow cooking and adding water to the pot ensures the pork stays tender and juicy.
What kind of garlic preparation is needed?
The garlic cloves should be crushed before being mixed with the salt and liquid smoke.
Can I make this dish in one day?
While the cooking takes 10-12 hours, the recipe requires overnight marination, so it is best to start the day before.
What type of salt is traditionally used in Hawaii?
Hawaiian salt, also known as Alaea salt, is traditional for Kalua pork.
Can I use this pork for stir-fry?
Yes, a common and delicious way to serve it is stir-fried lightly with shredded cabbage.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, Kalua Pork is widely considered a staple comfort food in Hawaiian cuisine.
Does the pork need to be whole in the slow cooker?
Yes, the 5 lb pork butt is placed in the crockpot whole after seasoning.
Can I use a pork loin instead?
Pork butt or shoulder is preferred because the higher fat content prevents the meat from drying out during the long cook time.
What should I do after removing the pork from the pot?
Carefully remove it and use forks to shred it while it is still warm.
Is the liquid smoke essential?
It is essential for recreating the traditional smoky 'underground oven' flavor of authentic Kalua pork.
Can I add more spices to the rub?
The traditional recipe is simple, but you can adjust the garlic or salt levels to suit your personal taste.