Description
This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kalua Pig is a simple yet deeply flavorful dish inspired by traditional Hawaiian cooking. Using only pork shoulder, salt, and liquid smoke, the slow cooker transforms the meat into incredibly tender, juicy, and smoky shredded pork. It’s an effortless recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal preparation, making it perfect for family meals, gatherings, or meal prep.
Introduction
Kalua pig is a beloved Hawaiian classic, traditionally cooked underground in an imu (earth oven) for hours until meltingly tender. While most home cooks don’t have access to an imu, this slow cooker version recreates the essence of the dish using just three ingredients. Long, gentle cooking allows the pork to absorb the smoky flavor while becoming so tender it falls apart with a fork. This recipe proves that incredible food doesn’t need to be complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Only three simple ingredients
Minimal prep and hands-off cooking
Ultra-tender, juicy, shredded pork
Naturally smoky and savory flavor
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Versatile for many different dishes
Ingredients
1 (4–5 lb) pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
1 ½ tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt or kosher salt
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Drying the surface helps the salt stick better and ensures even seasoning. Trim off any extremely thick or hard pieces of fat if desired, but leave most of the fat intact for moisture and flavor during cooking.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Rub the Hawaiian sea salt evenly over the entire pork shoulder, making sure all sides are well seasoned. This salt not only flavors the meat but also helps break down the fibers during the long cooking process, resulting in tender, juicy pork.
Step 3: Add Liquid Smoke
Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker. Pour the liquid smoke evenly over the top of the meat. This ingredient is key to recreating the traditional smoky flavor of authentic Kalua pig without outdoor cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 12–16 hours. The pork is ready when it easily pulls apart with a fork. Slow cooking at low heat allows the connective tissue to break down gently, producing soft, succulent meat without drying it out.
Step 5: Shred the Pork
Carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or in a bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large chunks of fat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it into the cooking juices so every bite is moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the Kalua pig hot. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a light sprinkle of extra Hawaiian sea salt if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed white rice and macaroni salad for a classic Hawaiian plate lunch
Use as a filling for tacos with cabbage slaw and pineapple salsa
Pile onto soft rolls with coleslaw for pulled pork sandwiches
Add to rice bowls, salads, or wraps
Serve with roasted vegetables for a simple, balanced meal
Tips and Variations
For extra flavor, add smashed garlic cloves or sliced onions to the slow cooker
Do not add water — the pork releases enough liquid naturally
Cooking on LOW gives the best texture; avoid rushing on HIGH
If the pork is very large, rotate it halfway through cooking for even tenderness
Use leftovers creatively in quesadillas, fried rice, or breakfast hash
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Freeze shredded pork in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of cooking juices
FAQs
Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes, but LOW is recommended. Cooking on HIGH for 6–8 hours works, but the texture may be slightly less tender.
Is liquid smoke necessary?
Yes. Since this recipe uses only three ingredients, liquid smoke is essential for achieving the traditional Kalua pig flavor.
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Pork shoulder or pork butt works best. Leaner cuts like pork loin are not recommended, as they may dry out.
Is this recipe salty?
Kalua pig is traditionally seasoned simply. If you’re sensitive to salt, start with slightly less and adjust after shredding.
Conclusion
This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kalua Pig is proof that simple cooking can still deliver incredible results. With minimal effort, you get tender, smoky, deeply satisfying pork that works for countless meals. Whether you’re recreating a taste of Hawaii or just looking for an easy slow-cooker recipe, this dish is a reliable favorite that never disappoints. Enjoy sharing this comforting, flavorful pork with family and friends.