When it comes to delicious, tender, and flavorful pork dishes, few can rival the iconic Hawaiian Kalua Pig. Traditionally cooked in an underground oven called an imu, Kalua Pig is celebrated for its smoky flavor and fall-apart texture. With this 3-ingredient slow cooker recipe, you can recreate the magic of Hawaiian cuisine right in your own kitchen — no special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients needed.
What is Kalua Pig?
Kalua Pig is a traditional Hawaiian dish made by slow-roasting a whole pig, often during luau feasts. "Kalua" refers to the cooking method, which involves steaming and roasting in an earth oven. The result is juicy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned pork that’s both simple and unforgettable.
This slow cooker version keeps the spirit of the original dish intact while making it achievable for home cooks everywhere.
The Only 3 Ingredients You Need
To make this easy slow cooker Kalua Pig, you’ll only need:
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1 pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) – 4 to 6 pounds, bone-in or boneless
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1 to 1.5 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt or kosher salt
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1 tablespoon liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite flavor)
These three ingredients create a mouthwatering balance of salty, smoky, and savory flavors — no marinades, rubs, or extras required.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Slow Cooker Kalua Pig
1. Prepare the Pork
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the meat with a few shallow cuts. This helps the seasoning penetrate the pork more evenly.
2. Season Generously
Rub the pork thoroughly with the sea salt, making sure to get into the cuts. Drizzle the liquid smoke evenly over the meat and rub it in.
3. Set and Forget
Place the seasoned pork shoulder into your slow cooker. Set it to low heat and cook for 16 to 20 hours. Yes, you read that right. The long, slow cook is what gives Kalua Pig its signature tenderness.
Note: No need to add water or broth — the pork will release plenty of moisture as it cooks.
4. Shred and Serve
Once done, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker. The pork should fall apart effortlessly. Stir it into the cooking juices for maximum flavor.
Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Kalua Pig
Kalua Pig is incredibly versatile. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:
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Traditional Hawaiian Plate Lunch: Serve with steamed white rice and macaroni salad.
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Kalua Pork Sliders: Pile it high on Hawaiian rolls with coleslaw.
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Taco Night Upgrade: Use it as a filling for tacos with pineapple salsa.
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Kalua Pork Bowls: Layer over rice with sautéed greens and a fried egg.
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Kalua Pig Nachos: Top tortilla chips with pork, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Kalua Pig
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Use bone-in pork shoulder if possible — it tends to be more flavorful and moist.
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Don’t skimp on the cooking time. The long cook transforms tough cuts into melt-in-your-mouth bites.
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Avoid over-salting. Hawaiian sea salt is potent, so start with 1 tablespoon and adjust after shredding.
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Use the right liquid smoke. Hickory adds a robust flavor, while mesquite gives a lighter, sweeter smoke.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Kalua Pig stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep:
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container with juices for up to 5 days.
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Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe bags and store for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutritional Benefits of Kalua Pig
This dish is more than just flavorful — it’s also:
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High in protein, which supports muscle health and satiety.
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Low in carbohydrates, making it keto- and paleo-friendly.
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Naturally gluten-free.
You can adjust the fat content by trimming the pork or skimming excess fat from the juices after cooking.
Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Kalua Pig
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Ridiculously easy to make
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Authentic Hawaiian flavor
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Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
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Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved
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Endlessly customizable for tacos, sliders, bowls, and more
Whether you're feeding the family, prepping for the week, or just craving a taste of the islands, this Kalua Pig recipe delivers every time.
Final Thoughts: Taste Hawaii in Every Bite
Bring the spirit of aloha into your kitchen with this 3-ingredient slow cooker Kalua Pig recipe. Simple, authentic, and incredibly satisfying, it’s a dish that’s bound to become a staple in your home.
