Kalua Pork

Kalua pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is cooked in an earth oven (imu). However, it can easily be adapted to cook in the oven, multicooker, or Instant Pot, keeping the juiciness, flavor, and smoky taste intact.

Ingredients (for 6-8 servings):

• 1.5-2 kg of pork shoulder (or ham, with skin and a little fat);
• 1.5 tbsp. Hawaiian sea salt (or coarse sea salt);
• 1 tbsp liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite for smoked flavor);
• 2-3 banana leaves (optional, for authentic flavor);
• ½ cup water (for oven or multicooker).

Preparation:

In the oven (more authentic flavor)

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C.
2. Rub the pork with salt and liquid smoke, then wrap with banana leaves (if using).
3. Wrap tightly in several layers of foil.
4. Place in a roasting pan, add ½ cup water to the bottom and cover with a lid or another layer of foil.
5. Bake for 5-6 hours, until meat is very soft and begins to separate easily with a fork.
6. Take out, let cool slightly and pull the meat apart with forks, stirring with any juices that have separated.

Serving:

Serve with rice, coleslaw (Hawaiian slaw) or the classic Hawaiian side dish lomi lomi (tomatoes and onions).

Can be used in tacos, burritos, or sandwiches with pineapple sauce.

Tip: If you want a more caramelized crust, you can pan fry the meat after cooking or bake it in the oven at 200°C for 10 minutes.

Bon appetit!