Kalua pig, a traditional Hawaiian dish, is often the star at luaus and family gatherings. But what if I told you that you could recreate this smoky, tender delicacy in your kitchen with just four ingredients and a slow cooker? This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Kalua Pig recipe is your ticket to enjoying those delicious Hawaiian flavors without the need for an underground oven or a trip to the islands.
It’s incredibly simple, super flavorful, and the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become your go-to for effortless weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing party dishes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple and Minimal Ingredients: Only four ingredients—pork shoulder, liquid smoke, sea salt, and chicken broth. That’s it! Yet, the flavor is incredible.
Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you. You prep for just a few minutes, and then you can go about your day.
Versatile: Kalua pig pairs perfectly with rice, salad, or even tacos! It’s ideal for meal prep or feeding a large crowd.
Authentic Flavor: Liquid smoke and sea salt mimic the traditional imu (underground oven) method, giving you that authentic smoky flavor with ease.
Moist and Tender: The low and slow cooking process ensures the pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender and juicy.
Ingredients
- 4 lb pork shoulder (pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 cup chicken broth
Ingredient Tips
Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt): This cut is ideal for slow cooking because it’s well-marbled with fat, which helps the meat stay juicy and tender. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use pork loin, but the results won’t be quite as moist.
Liquid Smoke: This ingredient is the secret to achieving that smoky, traditional flavor without an actual wood smoker or underground oven. Hickory or mesquite varieties work well. Go for a high-quality brand to avoid any chemical aftertaste.
Sea Salt: Use coarse or flaky sea salt to enhance the meat’s natural flavors. Hawaiian sea salt is ideal if you can find it, but any coarse sea salt will do.
Chicken Broth: The broth adds moisture to the slow cooker, ensuring the pork remains succulent. For extra flavor, you can use a low-sodium chicken broth or substitute with beef broth for a richer taste.
Instructions Outline
Prepare the Pork Shoulder: Start by piercing the pork shoulder all over with a fork. This helps the salt and liquid smoke penetrate deeply, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Season the Meat: Rub the sea salt generously all over the pork shoulder. This not only flavors the meat but also helps tenderize it during cooking.
Add the Liquid Smoke: Drizzle the liquid smoke evenly over the pork. This is what gives the dish its characteristic smoky flavor, reminiscent of a traditional Hawaiian luau.
Set Up the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth around the meat to keep it moist and help create a flavorful cooking liquid.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours. Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and moisture!
Shred the Pork: Once the pork is tender and falls apart easily with a fork, it’s ready! Use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the juices to keep it moist.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, either on a plate with rice and veggies or as part of your favorite Hawaiian-inspired meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Kalua Pig is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level with these serving ideas:
Traditional Hawaiian Plate Lunch: Serve with steamed white or brown rice, macaroni salad, and a side of lomi-lomi salmon for a complete Hawaiian plate lunch.
Tacos: Pile the shredded pork into soft tortillas, and top with pineapple salsa, shredded cabbage, and a dollop of sour cream for a Hawaiian twist on tacos.
Salads: Use the shredded pork as a topping for a fresh, green salad. Add some sliced avocado, mango, and a citrusy vinaigrette for a light, refreshing meal.
Sliders: Make Kalua pig sliders by serving the pork on small, fluffy buns with coleslaw and a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
Breakfast: Pair with scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit for a hearty, flavorful breakfast.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Kalua pig in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to include some of the cooking juices to keep the meat moist.
Freezing: Kalua pig freezes beautifully! Place the shredded pork (with juices) in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pork in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prep! You can make a big batch and use it throughout the week in different dishes like tacos, salads, and rice bowls.
Variations
Spicy Kalua Pig: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when rubbing the salt on the pork to give it a spicy kick.
Sweet and Smoky: Mix 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with the sea salt before rubbing it on the pork for a touch of sweetness that balances the smoky flavors.
Garlic Lovers’ Kalua Pig: Add 4-6 cloves of crushed garlic to the slow cooker for an extra layer of savory flavor.
Pineapple Kalua Pig: Add 1 cup of pineapple juice in place of chicken broth for a fruity twist that pairs perfectly with the smoky pork.
Keto-Friendly Kalua Pig: Ensure the liquid smoke and chicken broth are free of added sugars, and you’ve got a perfect keto-friendly meal option!
Final Note
This Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Kalua Pig is a game-changer for anyone who loves tender, smoky pork with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or prepping meals for the week, this dish will impress everyone at the table. Give it a try, and let the flavors of Hawaii bring a little sunshine to your kitchen!
Happy Cooking! 🌺
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Kalua Pig
Ingredients Â
- 4 lb pork shoulder pork butt
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 cup chicken broth
InstructionsÂ
- Pierce the pork shoulder all over with a fork to allow the flavors to penetrate better.
- Rub the sea salt all over the pork shoulder generously.
- Drizzle the liquid smoke over the pork, making sure it is evenly coated.
- Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the chicken broth around it.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooked, shred the pork using two forks. Mix the meat with the juices in the slow cooker to ensure it remains moist and flavorful.
- Serve hot with your favorite Hawaiian sides, or simply mound it on a warm plate with rice and veggies.