Instant Pot Kalua Pork
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 530kcal
Three ingredient Kalua Pork made in your Instant Pot in 90 minutes! There is no shredding needed since this pork literally falls apart while cooking and is ready to serve out of the pot.
Print Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker or slow cooker
Ingredients
- 4 pound pork shoulder or pork butt (bone-in or bone-out)
- 3 tablespoons liquid smoke
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt
Instructions
- Cut the pork into pieces, this doesn't have to be exact or even but I find in the Instant Pot it cooks better this way. You will have to cut around the bone so just be creative. I cut mine into 6 pieces. If you are making this in the slow cooker, you do not need to cut it up.
- Add the pork to 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 but you can't take it away. Lock the lid into place on the Instant Pot and make sure the steam valve is closed.
- Set Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 90 minutes. In the slow cooker, allow the pork to cook for 8 hours on low. After pressure cooking, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the steam. This does add time, but it makes a difference.
- Once the pressure is released (or the slow cooker has finished) your house should smell amazing and the pork will just shred on it's own and the bone will come out clean. Just give it a stir with some tongs to break up the pieces. My picture below is just from using tongs!
Video
Notes
- 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 alswayas add more at the end
- Use natural pressure release: Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for tender and juicy pork. 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.
- Always read the instruction manual that comes with your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and follow all safety guidelines.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 530kcal | Protein: 42.2g | Fat: 38.8g | Saturated Fat: 14.3g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 459mg | Potassium: 597mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 2mg