Instant Pot Kalua Pork

What is Kalua Pork?

This recipe for Instant Pot Kalua Pork is one of my absolute favorites. It's not the espresso rum Kahlúa you might be thinking of. Kalua literally means “cooked in an underground oven” and is a traditional Hawaiian dish that takes many hours to make.

It's delicious and you should definitely try the real thing when you are in Hawaii. However, there is an easy shortcut to make a copycat version in your Instant Pot or slow cooker in a lot less time.

Ingredients Needed for Kalua Pork

This is the perfect recipe to feed a crowd or for a simple weeknight meal. There are only 3 ingredients and so many ways to enjoy it.

• Pork butt/shoulder - Choose a bone-in pork butt or shoulder for the best flavor and juiciness when slow-cooking.
• Liquid smoke - A potent flavor enhancer made from condensed smoke that adds a smoky flavor to the meat.
• Kosher salt - A coarse, flaky salt used to season the meat, enhancing its taste and aiding in the cooking process.

*See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.

What Type of Pork to Use

When you are purchasing a piece of pork for this recipe you want to find a pork shoulder or pork butt, preferably with the bone-in. You can make this without the bone as well and it still tastes amazing.

Some people say the bone helps with the shredding and tenderness, the jury is still out for me. I've made a pork shoulder as big as 8 lbs. in my 6 qt. Instant Pot for this Kalua Pork.

How to Make Pressure Cooker Shredded Pork

Cut the pork into pieces for more tender pork. You will have to cut around the bone, but leave it in. If you are making this in the slow cooker, you do not need to cut the pork into pieces.

Place the pork in the Instant Pot and pour both the liquid smoke and salt on top. This is to taste and you can add more of both at the end if needed. Lock the lid into place on the Instant Pot and ensure the steam valve is closed.

Set Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 90 minutes. If using a slow cooker, cook the pork on low for 8 hours. After pressure cooking, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the steam.

Once the pressure is released (or the slow cooker has finished) your house should smell amazing! Remove the bone and shred the pork using tongs or a fork. Just give it a stir with some tongs to break up the pieces. The picture below is just from using tongs!

Expert Tips for This Recipe

• Choose the right cut of pork: Opt for a pork butt or shoulder with good marbling for succulent and flavorful results. Bone-in is a good choice, but I have also made this recipe without a bone and it turns out just as good.
• Season well with kosher salt: The kosher salt not only seasons the pork but also helps in the cooking process. Be generous but mindful of the saltiness. You can always add more at the end.
• Use natural pressure release: Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for tender and juicy pork. The quick release might result in tougher meat.
• Enhance the presentation: Serve the Kalua Pork on a bed of steamed cabbage or fresh greens for an authentic Hawaiian-inspired touch.

Serving Ideas for Kalua Pork

• Put it in a homemade pita! Here is my recipe for Quick Pita Bread
• Serve it over sticky rice with soy sauce and onion
• Use it for my Easy Drunken Noodles Recipe
• Make Kalua Pork tacos, burritos, or nachos
• Use it in place of shredded rib meat for Korean Burritos
• Have a Kalua Pork BBQ sandwich on a Hawaiian roll or hamburger bun

Recipe FAQs

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