5 Ingredients + 4 Steps to make this unbelievably simple yet incredibly delicious Instant Pot Kalua Pork Recipe (Pressure Cooker Hawaiian Pork Roast). Tender & juicy pulled pork bursting with alluring Hawaiian smoky-savory flavors. Aloha!
I’ve been dreaming of the calming ocean breeze, heart-warming sun, stunning tropical black sand beach, and of course the once-in-a-lifetime luau feast…
Luau, a traditional Hawaiian party, often features the ever so gorgeous smoked Kālua pig.
Traditionally, Kalua Pork is cooked in an imu, an underground earth oven.
But wait! Before you rush off to dig up a hole in your backyard, don’t forget we have a magic pot – Instant Pot. 😀
This is your chance to have a little taste of Hawaiian Luau! *hula dance*
You might be skeptical of the few simple ingredients. But do yourself a favor and try it!
Don’t underestimate the magical power of alaea red Hawaiian sea salt.
The super tender & succulent pork bursting with alluring smoky-savory flavors & aroma that fills your mouth. oh~ truly seductive! Love how the alaea Hawaiian sea salt + fresh banana leaves enhance the pork.
P.S. If you want to go along with the Hawaiian Theme, try these famous Japanese-Hawaiian Rice Sandwich: Instant Pot Spam Musubi 🙂
Step-by-Step Guide: Instant Pot Kalua Pork
Prepare Ingredients for Instant Pot Kalua Pork.
Yes! The ingredients list is simple – only 5 ingredients: Pork + Hawaiian Sea Salt + Liquid Smoke + Banana Leaf + Water.
And done in 4 steps: Cut + Marinate + Pressure Cook + Shred!
BUT you won’t believe the enticing smoky-savory flavors & aroma – so complex & yummy!! 🙂
Why Pork Butt (Pork Shoulder or Boston Butt)?
This cut of pork is one of our favorite cuts! It’s marbled with enough fat to keep the meat moist while cooking. Plus, it’s a relatively budget cut. 😛
*Pro Tip: For best results, it’s critical to pick a piece of pork with lots of nice marbling and fat!
What is Red Alaea Hawaiian Sea Salt?
Alaea Salt is a traditional native Hawaiian salt blend, created by infusing sea salt with Red Alaea Hawaiian Volcanic Clay.
It’s most commonly used for traditional Native Hawaiian dishes like Kalua Pig (!!), Poke, and Hawaiian Jerky. And it works great for brines, spice rubs, and seasonings.
So here we go!! 😀
Cut & Marinate Pork Shoulder
Cut 3.5 – 4 lbs pork shoulder into 2 – 2¼ inches cubes as shown in below photo.
Place cubed pork shoulder in a large mixing bowl.
Add 1 tbsp (17g) coarse Red alaea Hawaiian sea salt and 1 tbsp (15ml) liquid smoke.
Mix very well and marinate for 30 minutes.
Pressure Cook Kalua Pork
Pour 1 cup (250ml) cold water in Instant Pot Pressure Cooker.
Layer a piece of 12×20 inches banana leaf at the bottom of the pot, then place the cubed pork shoulder on top.
*Pro Tip 1: Try fitting the pork shoulder in a singer layer so they are partially submerged in the water.
Then, layer another piece of 12×20 inches banana leaf on top of the pork shoulder in Instant Pot.
*Pro Tip 2: The banana leaves are optional, but try your best to find them for this recipe! It’ll give this dish an extra flavor & aromatic boost. 🙂
Close the lid and turn Venting Knob to Sealing Position.
Pressure Cook at High Pressure for
- With Banana Leaves: 45 mins, then 15 mins Natural Release
- Without Banana Leaves: 40 mins, then 15 mins Natural Release
If the Floating Valve doesn’t drop after 15 minutes, turn the Venting Knob to Venting Position to release the remaining pressure.
Shred & Season Instant Pot Kalua Pork
Open the lid carefully, discard the banana leaf on top and check if the pork butt is tenderized.
*Pro Tip: If the pork shoulder is still tough, close the lid and pressure cook for another 10 minutes.
Place Kalua pork in a serving bowl and shred the tenderized meat with 2 forks.
Taste and season with more Hawaiian alaea sea salt if necessary.
Serve Instant Pot Kalua Pork with your favorite side dishes such as rice + veggie dish.
The Kalua pork will be excellent served in taco and sliders as well.
Enjoy your Instant Pot Kalua Pork!~ 🙂
What to do with the leftover liquid?
Don’t throw away this delicious Hawaiian flavors! The leftover smoky-savory liquid is great for cooking veggies, potatoes, and even rice (dilute the liquid first).
Tools for Instant Pot Kalua Pork
Time for cooking Kalua Pork in Instant Pot!
Instant Pot Kalua Pork
Ingredients
- 4 pounds (1614g) pork shoulder (pork butt meat) , cut into 2 – 2¼ inches cubes
- 1 cup (250ml) cold water
- 1 tablespoon (17g) coarse alaea red Hawaiian sea salt
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) liquid smoke
- 2 pieces (90g) 12x20 inches banana leaves
Equipment
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Instructions
- Cut & Marinate Pork Shoulder: Cut pork into 2 – 2¼ inches cubes, then place them in a mixing bowl. Add 1 tbsp (17g) coarse alaea Hawaiian sea salt & 1 tbsp (15ml) liquid smoke. Mix very well, then marinate for 30 minutes.
- Pressure Cook Kalua Pork: Pour 1 cup (250ml) cold water in Instant Pot. Layer a banana leaf at the bottom, then add in cubed pork. Try fitting the pork in a singer layer so they are partially submerged in the water. Then, layer another banana leaf on top of the pork. Pressure Cook at High Pressure fori) With Banana Leaves: 45 mins, then 15 mins Natural Release
ii) Without Banana Leaves: 40 mins, then 15 mins Natural Release
*Pro Tip: banana leaves are optional, but they’ll impart more flavor & aroma to the Kalua Pig. - Shred & Season Instant Pot Kalua Pork: Discard the top banana leaf and check if the pork is tenderized. If the pork is still tough, pressure cook for another 10 minutes. Shred Kalua pork with 2 forks. Taste and season with more alaea Hawaiian sea salt if necessary. Serve & enjoy~ Aloha! 🙂
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Other Instant Pot Pork Recipes
Here are some recipes that use Pork Butt Meat or Pork Shoulder in Instant Pot! 🙂
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