Close your eyes and let the fragrant aroma of tender, smoky pork transport you to a beachside luau. This Slow Cooker Kalua Pork captures the essence of Hawaiian fare but with an extra pineapple twist, adding just the right hint of sweetness. Perfect for lazy weekends or whenever you crave a carefree meal, this recipe delivers unforgettable flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 pound) pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
- 1 tablespoon Hawaiian sea salt (or coarse sea salt)
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (juices included)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Start by rinsing and patting your pork shoulder dry with a paper towel. Rub the Hawaiian sea salt on all sides of the pork, making sure you coat it evenly. Set your slow cooker to low.
Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Drizzle in the liquid smoke, then layer the crushed pineapple and its juices over the meat. Finally, sprinkle on the minced garlic. Give everything a light dusting of black pepper, if you like a little extra kick.
Pop the lid on and let the slow cooker work its magic for 8-10 hours on low. The meat will become fork-tender and succulent, soaking up every bit of smoky, pineapple goodness. About halfway through the cooking time, give the liquid a quick stir to make sure all flavors mingle nicely.
Once the pork is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a large platter or cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into ribbons of soft, juicy meat. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it through the cooking juices, letting everything get nicely coated.
Now it’s luau time! Serve this smoky pineapple pork with steamed rice, in soft tortillas with fresh slaw, or layered on Hawaiian rolls. Don’t worry—leftovers stay delicious and make for amazing sandwiches or taco fillings the next day.
For an added island vibe, roast a tray of vegetables such as sweet potatoes or carrots with a dash of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, then serve them alongside your pork.
Hungry yet?
This Kalua Pork is a crowd-pleaser for anyone seeking a taste of Hawaii without having to fly there. Thanks to the slow cooker, you can relish a meal that’s both hearty and fuss-free. If salt intake is a concern, go easy on the Hawaiian sea salt or swap in a lower-sodium alternative.
Feel free to play around with flavors: add a bit of hot sauce or extra garlic if you like things bold. Whether you’re cooking for a big family, entertaining guests, or treating yourself, this recipe brings the warmth of the islands straight to your table—no plane ticket required.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
