3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kalua Pig

3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kalua Pig

This is the simplest, most authentic-tasting way to make Hawaiian-style pulled pork outside of an imu (underground oven). It’s smoky, tender, and incredibly versatile.

📝 Ingredients

• 4-5 lbs (about 2 kg) pork shoulder (Boston butt)

• 1 ½ tbsp liquid smoke (use a natural brand like Wright’s®)

• 1 ½ tbsp coarse Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher/coarse sea salt)

• 2-3 large cabbage leaves (optional, for authentic steaming)

That’s it!

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Pork

1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. If it has a thick fat cap, you can score it in a crosshatch pattern, but it’s not necessary.

2. Pour the liquid smoke evenly over the pork.

3. Rub the coarse salt thoroughly over all sides of the meat.

2. Slow Cook to Perfection

1. For an authentic touch, place the cabbage leaves on top of the pork. This mimics the banana leaves used in traditional preparation and helps keep it moist.

2. Cover and cook on LOW for 12-16 hours (or on HIGH for 6-8 hours), until the pork is fall-apart tender.

3. Shred and Serve

1. Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker to a large cutting board or bowl. Discard the cabbage leaves and any large, unrendered pieces of fat.

2. Using two forks, shred the pork.

3. Optional but recommended: Skim the fat from the juices in the slow cooker, then pour some of the remaining flavorful liquid back over the shredded pork to keep it moist.

💡 Pro Tips for Authentic Flavor

• Low & Slow is Key: The long, slow cooking time is non-negotiable for the right texture. Don’t rush it.

• Liquid Smoke Quality: This is the flavor maker. A natural hickory liquid smoke gives the best, cleanest flavor.

• The Salt: Coarse salt is essential. Fine table salt will make it too salty. Hawaiian Alaea salt is traditional.

• No Water Needed: The pork releases plenty of its own juices. Do not add any other liquid.

🍍 How to Serve Kalua Pig

This is the ultimate versatile meat!

• Hawaiian Plate Lunch: Serve with steamed white rice and macaroni salad.

• Kalua Pig & Cabbage: About an hour before the pork is done, add 1-inch wedges of cabbage to the slow cooker and let them steam in the juices.

• Tacos or Sliders: Pile it into tortillas or Hawaiian sweet rolls.

• Pizza Topping: Use it as a unique and delicious pizza topping with pineapple and jalapeños.

• Fried Rice: Use leftover Kalua pig for an incredible fried rice.

Enjoy the taste of a Hawaiian luau with minimal effort! 🌺