Kalua pig is a staple of Hawaiian cuisine and is served at most luaus and celebrations in Hawaii. It’s smoky, salty, and rich flavor pairs perfectly with creamy Hawaiian mac salad and a scoop of steamed white rice. I’ve had plenty of turkeys in Hawaii, but with Thanksgiving here we thought it a good time to shine a spotlight on the star of Hawaiian cuisine, kalua pig. Let’s just call it Hawaii’s turkey. 😉

Fast Facts:

• Locals usually say, kalua pig, not kalua pork.

• Traditionally prepared in an imu, a type of underground oven.

• Kalua pig gets its distinctive flavor from the ti leaves its wrapped in.

• Most Hawaiian luaus serve this island delicacy.

• Since kalua refers to the method of cooking, pork can be substituted with other meats, such as turkey or chicken.

Since most people don’t have access to an imu, creative cooks have found ways to recreate this tasty dish at home. Kapy, one of our awesome Hawaii specialists and a true local girl through and through, was kind enough to share her recipe for kalua pig. This is one of her family’s favorites, and she shared two methods of preparing this Hawaiian delicacy at home.

Kapy’s preferred method of cooking this recipe is in an InstaPot or other electric pressure cooker. She’s also included directions for cooking in an oven, and a slow cooker will work nicely too. If you like this recipe, check out another recipe from Kapy on the blog, Fried Saimin!

 

Kapy’s Kalua Pig

Ingredients:

• Pork Butt or Shoulder (8-10lbs)
• Hawaiian Salt or Kosher Salt (1-2 Tbsp)
• Liquid Smoke (Between 2-3 Tbsp)
• Water (1/4 cup)

 InstaPot Directions:

• Add water to pot.
• Rub liquid smoke and salt on pork. Season well, adding more smoke and salt if needed.
• Place meat in pot and close lid.
• Make sure lid is on sealing position.
• Select meat option, and 90 minutes cook time.
• Once time is up, select natural pressure release.
• After pressure has fully released, open lid.
• Using 2 forks, shred the cooked meat.
• Taste for seasonings, add more salt if needed.

Kalua Pig Oven Method:

• Preheat oven to 325°.
• Place water in bottom of roasting pan.
• Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil.
• Cook for 3-4 hours.
• Shred meat and taste for seasoning.

Kalua pig is best served with steamed white rice and Hawaiian-style macaroni salad, but it’s also delicious as a sandwich. Many people like to add steamed cabbage to the pork as well.

We hope you enjoy this recipe, and as Thanksgiving approaches, we want to say Mahalo to our wonderful clients, many who feel like friends! We are so thankful.

If you would like to kalua pig the traditional way, at a Hawaiian luau, contact us today! Our All-Inclusive Hawaii Vacation Packages all include a luau.