Slow-Cooker Kalua Pork
This no-fuss smoky pulled pork is incredibly simple. Serve with traditional Hawaiian sides or treat as you would BBQ pulled pork.
Servings 4oz portions (approximate)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3½ pound boneless pork shoulder/butt Approximate size
- Kosher salt or smoked salt See notes
- Hickory-flavored liquid smoke
Instructions
- Discard any meat juices from packaging and pat pork roast dry with paper towels. Pierce the entire roast with a fork and place in slow cooker.
- For a 3-ish lb roast, sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt on meat, trying to get a little on all sides. Pour about 1 tablespoon liquid smoke over the top, and then place lid on slow cooker.
- Cook on low for approximately 8 hours, or until the meat shreds easily with a fork. If your roast is larger (4-6lbs) you'll want to aim for more like 8-10 hours, and if your roast is extra large (7lbs+) I'd plan on about 12 hours.
- When your roast very easily shreds with a fork (it should almost fall apart) Use large tongs to carefully remove meat to a cutting board or serving platter and shred.
- I find a fat separator very helpful for this recipe. If you have one, pour juices into separator and then pour juices back over meat. You can keep the whole mixture warm in the slow cooker, or serve on a platter.
- Flavoring Note: The amount of both salt and liquid smoke in this recipe is flexible and amounts vary depending on your exact size of roast, and brand of liquid smoke you're using. Keep in mind when tasting your shredded meat, that a lot of the smoke and salt is in the juices, so refrain from adding anything additional until you've tossed your pork back with the juices. I like to dip a piece of pork into my juices to sample first, then if needed- you can add a little more salt and/or liquid smoke to your juices and toss together with the remainder of the pork.
Notes
You can make this recipe with simple kosher salt, but for additional flavor, look for a smoked salt at the grocery store. Walmart sells a terrific inexpensive one that's Great Value Brand!
- This recipe calls for a 3 pound roast, but you can easily adjust up or down. It is possible to overcook Kalua Pork. If your roast is on the smaller side, you may want to check on it at around 6 or 7 hour mark to see if it's shreddable yet.
- Plan on 6-8 ounces of pre-cooked meat per person–pork shoulder is quite fatty, and will lose about half of its weight during the cooking process.
- A question we often get is “How much meat do I need?” For boneless meat, the rule of thumb is 1/2 pound per person for adults and 1/4 pound per person for children.
- Serve this dish with any combination of sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, rice, macaroni salad, or fresh fruits and vegetables (or a green salad). Or, try these recipes:
Nutrition
Serving: 4oz, Calories: 336kcal, Protein: 60g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 159mg, Sodium: 143mg, Potassium: 1000mg, Calcium: 19mg, Iron: 2mg
Calories: 336kcal
Cost: $20
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