Hawaiian-Style Kalua Pork Recipe

Kalua pork, a centerpiece at any Hawaiian gathering, is renowned for its succulent, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, smoky flavor. Traditionally cooked in an underground oven called an imu, this iconic dish can also be recreated in your kitchen or backyard with just a few simple ingredients and techniques. And if you’re looking for the perfect recipe, try this one from Food Wishes on YouTube!

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This melt-in-your-mouth, homemade kalua pork will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the tropical paradise of Hawaii with this authentic kalua pork recipe. Watch the video below to learn the step by step instructions.

Ingredients:

• 1 (4 1/2 lb) bone-in pork shoulder roast
• 4 tsp liquid hickory smoke
• 3 tbsp sea salt
• 1 (4 oz) package of frozen banana leaves, thawed

Directions:

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Next, rub the pork shoulder with a generous splash of liquid hickory smoke (about 4 tsp) all over, then sprinkle with 3 tbsp sea salt and give it another rub down to spread it evenly. Set it aside. Next, cut the long banana leaves in half, then lay them out on your working surface,  crisscrossing and overlapping one another. After this, place the pork on top, fat side down, then take the ends of the leaves, and bring them up over the meat to cover and wrap it into a nice, tight package. Pick it up once done and flip it over, seams side down into a Dutch oven. Use extra banana leaves, put them around the outside, and tuck one last piece on top.

Step 2

Pop on the lid and place it in the center of a preheated 325 degrees F oven. Cook it for about four hours or until you reach an internal temp of between 195 and 200. After cooking, remove from the oven and let it rest for about 30 minutes to an hour. After this, transfer the pork into a bowl and shred it into small pieces. Once done, transfer the shredded pork back into the pot. Serve and enjoy!

Hawaiian-Style Kalua Pork Recipe