Experience a slice of Hawaiian tradition with this Instant Pot kalua pork recipe. Celebrated for its savory, smoked flavors reminiscent of Hawaiian luaus, kalua pork is a beloved dish that typically requires hours of slow cooking. Now, you can bring this Hawaiian pulled pork delight into your kitchen using modern technology, making it both accessible and straightforward.
Gathering the Essentials
The key to authentic kalua pork lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Start with a robust cut of pork shoulder, seasoned liberally with Hawaiian sea salt. The addition of liquid smoke infuses the meat with the iconic flavor that usually comes from traditional pit-smoking methods used in Hawaii smoked meat recipes.
Instant Pot Magic
The Instant Pot revolutionizes how kalua pork can be prepared, drastically reducing the cooking time while maintaining the rich, smoky flavors integral to the dish. This technique turns the pork shoulder into tender, flavorful Hawaiian pulled pork, perfect for various culinary creations.
Kalua Pork and Cabbage: A Timeless Combo
Once the pork is succulently cooked, add some freshly chopped cabbage to the pot. This step is inspired by the popular dish, kalua pork and cabbage, allowing the cabbage to wilt and absorb the flavorful juices, making it a perfect complement to the meat.
Diverse Serving Ideas
The versatility of kalua pork makes it a fantastic choice for numerous dishes. Arrange it over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal, stuff it into buns for kalua pork sandwiches, or wrap it in tortillas for delectable kalua pork tacos. Each preparation offers a different way to enjoy this Hawaiian classic.
Exploring Local Flavors
For those wondering how the homemade version stacks up, searching for “kalua pork near me” could lead you to local spots that serve this authentic dish. Sampling kalua pork at Hawaiian restaurants provides a great comparison and might even inspire new serving ideas, like incorporating kalua pork into a kalua pork sauce or enjoying it as part of a kalua pork sandwich.
Conclusion
Making Hawaiian kalua pork in an Instant Pot not only simplifies the process but also brings a piece of Hawaii into your home. Whether you’re dishing up kalua pork and cabbage for a family gathering, crafting kalua pork tacos for a party, or layering kalua pork sandwiches for a quick meal, this recipe adapts to fit any occasion. Dive into this culinary adventure and let your taste buds travel to the islands.
Hawaiian Kalua Pork Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
- 1 Large Bowl
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Serving Platter
Ingredients
- 4 lb pork shoulder boneless
- 2 tbsp sea salt Hawaiian salt preferred
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 2 cups water
- 1 head cabbage chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rub the pork shoulder evenly with Hawaiian salt and liquid smoke.
- Set Instant Pot: Place the seasoned pork in the Instant Pot, add water, and secure the lid. Set to cook on high pressure for 90 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, allow natural release for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Shred Pork: Carefully remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
- Cook Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the Instant Pot with the pork juices, and sauté until tender.
- Serve: Arrange the shredded pork and cabbage on a serving platter and serve hot.
