Do you have friends that always invite you to come and volunteer to drag pigs out of the imu (underground oven) at their luau? Would you like to impress them with your own Kalua Pig made in your crockpot? Well then, get ready to learn about Kalua Pork in the Crockpot!
You might ask, what’s wrong with Kalua Pig made the traditional way? Well, traditionally they dig a hole in the ground and wrap the pig with banana leaves and burlap. They then cover the pig with dirt and cook it that way. So you can understand why you might not want to do that in a campground or your own backyard.
Kalua Pork in the crockpot solves all those problems. It is moist, tender and flavorful. It will have your friends thinking that you dug a hole in the ground and cooked the pig traditionally, and the best part is that you don’t have to get all dirty and sweaty!
Before we get started with the recipe, I just want to mention a few things. First, this recipe is for a 6-quart crockpot. If you have a smaller crockpot, you may need to cut the recipe in half. Second, this recipe takes time to cook. You will need to cook the pork on low for 8-10 hours, so make sure you start early in the day.
Kalua Pork In The Crockpot: A Hawaiian Luau Feast At Home
Traditionally, Kalua Pork is cooked in an underground oven called an imu. The imu is heated with hot rocks, and the pork is wrapped in banana leaves and buried in the hot coals. This method of cooking gives the pork a unique flavor and tenderness that is difficult to replicate in a modern kitchen.
However, it is possible to make a delicious Kalua Pork in a crockpot. The crockpot method is not as traditional, but it is much easier and more convenient. The pork will not have quite the same flavor as pork cooked in an imu, but it will still be very tasty.
History and Myth of Kalua Pork In The Crockpot: A Hawaiian Luau Feast At Home
According to Hawaiian mythology, Kalua Pork was first cooked by the demigod Maui. Maui is said to have stolen the fire from the goddess Pele and used it to cook a pig in an underground oven. The pork was so delicious that it became a staple of Hawaiian cuisine.
Kalua Pork is still a popular dish in Hawaii today. It is often served at luaus and other special occasions. The pork is usually cooked in an imu, but it can also be cooked in a crockpot.
Hidden Secret of Kalua Pork In The Crockpot: A Hawaiian Luau Feast At Home
The secret to making delicious Kalua Pork in the crockpot is to use a combination of liquid smoke and Hawaiian salt. Liquid smoke gives the pork a smoky flavor that is similar to the flavor of pork cooked in an imu. Hawaiian salt is a coarse sea salt that adds a unique flavor to the pork. You can usually find liquid smoke and Hawaiian salt at your local grocery store in the spice section.
In addition to liquid smoke and Hawaiian salt, you will also need the following ingredients to make Kalua Pork in the crockpot:
- 1 pork shoulder (4-5 pounds)
- 1/2 cup liquid smoke
- 1/4 cup Hawaiian salt
- 1/4 cup water
Recommendation of Kalua Pork In The Crockpot: A Hawaiian Luau Feast At Home
Once you have all of your ingredients, you can start cooking the Kalua Pork. First, rinse the pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, score the pork all over with a sharp knife. This will help the liquid smoke and Hawaiian salt penetrate the meat.
Next, place the pork shoulder in the crockpot. Add the liquid smoke, Hawaiian salt, and water to the crockpot. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
When the pork is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding it. Serve the shredded pork with your favorite sides.
Tips of Kalua Pork In The Crockpot: A Hawaiian Luau Feast At Home
Here are a few tips for making the best Kalua Pork in the crockpot:
- Use a good quality pork shoulder. The pork shoulder is the best cut of pork for Kalua Pork because it is fatty and flavorful.
- Do not overcook the pork. The pork should be cooked until it is fall-off-the-bone tender, but it should not be dry.
- Let the pork rest before shredding it. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Fun Facts of Kalua Pork In The Crockpot: A Hawaiian Luau Feast At Home
Kalua Pork is a delicious and versatile dish. It can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. Here are a few fun facts about Kalua Pork:
- Kalua Pork is the national dish of Hawaii.
- Kalua Pork is traditionally cooked in an underground oven called an imu.
- Kalua Pork is often served with poi, a traditional Hawaiian dish made from mashed taro root.
How to Kalua Pork In The Crockpot: A Hawaiian Luau Feast At Home
To make Kalua Pork in the crockpot, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pork shoulder (4-5 pounds)
- 1/2 cup liquid smoke
- 1/4 cup Hawaiian salt
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Rinse the pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Score the pork all over with a sharp knife.
- Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot.
- Add the liquid smoke, Hawaiian salt, and water to the crockpot.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- When the pork is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding it.
- Serve the shredded pork with your favorite sides.
What if Kalua Pork In The Crockpot: A Hawaiian Luau Feast At Home
If you do not have a crockpot, you can still make Kalua Pork. You can cook the pork in the oven or on the stovetop. Here are instructions for cooking Kalua Pork in the oven:
Ingredients:
- 1 pork shoulder (4-5 pounds)
- 1/2 cup liquid smoke
- 1/4 cup Hawaiian salt
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Rinse the pork shoulder and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Score the pork all over with a sharp knife.
- In a small bowl, combine the liquid smoke, Hawaiian salt, and water.
- Rub the pork shoulder with the liquid smoke mixture.
- Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan and add 1 cup of water to the pan.
- Cover the roasting pan with foil and bake for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is fall-off-the-bone tender.
- When the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding it.
- Serve the shredded pork with your favorite sides.
Listicle of Kalua Pork In The Crockpot: A Hawaiian Luau Feast At Home
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Kalua Pork can be made in a crockpot, oven, or on the stovetop.
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Kalua Pork is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish.
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Kalua Pork is a popular dish at luaus and other Hawaiian gatherings.
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Kalua Pork is easy to make and can be made ahead of time.
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Kalua Pork is a delicious and flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.