Experience a taste of Hawaii with this incredibly simple and delicious 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kalua Pig. Traditionally cooked in an underground oven called an imu, Kalua Pig is known for its smoky flavor and tender texture. This slow cooker version brings the essence of this Hawaiian classic to your home kitchen with minimal effort and just three ingredients: pork shoulder, Hawaiian sea salt, and liquid smoke. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Serve it with rice or in sandwiches, and you’ll have a versatile and satisfying meal that captures the spirit of the islands.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork Shoulder:
- Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
- Rub the Hawaiian sea salt all over the pork, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Add Liquid Smoke:
- Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
- Pour the liquid smoke evenly over the pork.
- Cook the Kalua Pig:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Cook on low for 8-12 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork. The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become incredibly tender.
- Shred the Pork:
- Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a large plate or cutting board.
- Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices. Let it sit on warm for about 20 minutes to soak up more flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Kalua Pig over steamed white rice or alongside traditional Hawaiian sides like macaroni salad or coleslaw.
- You can also use the shredded pork in tacos, sandwiches, or as a topping for nachos.
Tips:
- If you can’t find Hawaiian sea salt, kosher salt is a good substitute.
- Adjust the amount of liquid smoke based on your preference for smokiness. A little goes a long way.
Enjoy your homemade Kalua Pig, a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a taste of Hawaii to your kitchen!
