Aloha, foodies! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to the sandy shores of Hawaii: 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kalua Pig. 🏝️🍍 If you’ve ever wanted the smoky, tender goodness of traditional Hawaiian kalua pig but thought it was too difficult to prepare at home, think again! With just three simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can make this island favorite right in your kitchen. So let’s take a culinary journey to Hawaii and discover the magic of Kalua Pig! 🌺🐖
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kalua Pig Recipe 📜
Ingredients:
- 4-5 lbs Pork shoulder or pork butt, bone-in or boneless 🐖
- 2 tablespoons Liquid smoke 🌫️
- 2 tablespoons Sea salt 🧂
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
- Rinse the pork shoulder or pork butt under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. If using bone-in pork, you can optionally trim excess fat.
2. Season the Pork:
- Using a sharp knife, make several small, deep incisions or pockets all over the pork. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Rub the entire surface of the pork with the sea salt, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. The salt will help tenderize the meat and impart flavor.
- Drizzle the liquid smoke over the seasoned pork, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Liquid smoke adds that signature smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional kalua pig cooked in an underground imu (earth oven).
3. Slow Cook to Perfection:
- Place the seasoned pork in your slow cooker, fat side up, if applicable. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- Cook the pork on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours. Slow cooking allows the pork to become incredibly tender and infused with smoky flavor.
4. Shred and Serve:
- Once the pork is fork-tender and easily falls apart, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. The meat should be moist, flavorful, and irresistibly tender.
- Serve the Kalua Pig hot with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice, coleslaw, or macaroni salad. Garnish with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
With only three ingredients and little effort, you can recreate a taste of Hawaiian paradise in your own kitchen with 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kalua Pig. Whether you’re hosting a luau-themed party or simply craving island flavors, this dish will impress with its smoky aroma, tender texture, and authentic taste. So, grab your slow cooker, embrace the aloha spirit, and enjoy the deliciousness of Kalua Pig – no plane ticket required! 🌺🍍🐖