Experience the authentic taste of the Hawaiian Islands right in your kitchen with this 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kalua Pig Recipe. This dish delivers the smoky, salty, and tender shredded pork that islanders have loved for generations—all without the underground oven or hours of tending. It's incredibly simple, unbelievably flavorful, and perfect for meal prepping, parties, or family dinners.
Whether you're hosting a luau or just want a fuss-free dinner with tropical flair, this easy Kalua pig recipe captures the essence of traditional Hawaiian cuisine with minimal effort and maximum taste.
What is Kalua Pig?
Kalua pig is a traditional Hawaiian dish where a whole pig is seasoned with sea salt, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked in an underground oven called an imu. The result is fall-apart tender pork infused with smoky, earthy flavor.
This slow cooker version recreates the classic flavor using just three simple ingredients. No digging a pit in your backyard—just set it and forget it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Only 3 ingredients needed
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Perfect for slow cooker beginners
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Packed with bold, smoky flavor
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Great for meal prep or crowd-pleasing dinners
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No babysitting required—just shred and serve
Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Kalua Pig
All you need are three pantry staples:
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1 (4-6 lb) pork shoulder roast (Boston butt)
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1 tablespoon Hawaiian sea salt (or coarse kosher salt)
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1 tablespoon liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite)
Optional Additions:
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Banana leaves (for lining the slow cooker, if available)
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Garlic cloves, for extra depth
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Green onions, for garnish
How to Make Kalua Pig in the Slow Cooker
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. If using banana leaves, line the bottom of the slow cooker with them. Rub the pork all over with Hawaiian sea salt, pressing it into all sides.
Step 2: Add Liquid Smoke
Drizzle the liquid smoke evenly over the pork. Place the pork in the slow cooker (fat side up for more flavor).
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 10–12 hours or HIGH for 6–8 hours, until the pork is ultra-tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return it to the juices in the pot to keep it moist and flavorful. Discard excess fat.
Tips for the Best Kalua Pig
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Use bone-in pork shoulder for the juiciest, most flavorful meat.
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For a truer smoky flavor, hickory or mesquite liquid smoke works best.
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Don’t skimp on salt—this dish depends on it for that signature Hawaiian taste.
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If you can find banana leaves at an Asian or Latin grocery store, they add a more authentic aroma.
How to Serve Kalua Pig
Kalua pig is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
Traditional Style
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Serve with steamed white rice and Hawaiian-style macaroni salad.
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Add a side of lomi lomi salmon or poi for an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch.
Modern Twists
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Kalua Pig Sliders: Pile pork on Hawaiian rolls with slaw and BBQ sauce.
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Tacos: Use as filling for tacos with pineapple salsa and avocado.
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Bowls: Layer over rice or cauliflower rice with veggies for a tropical bowl.
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Breakfast: Serve with fried eggs and roasted sweet potatoes.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Refrigerator
Store leftover Kalua pig in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a bit of the cooking juices.
Freezer
Freeze shredded pork in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Kalua pig is one of the most meal-prep-friendly dishes you can make. It's naturally low-carb, high-protein, and pairs well with a variety of sides. Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it all week long in wraps, bowls, salads, and sandwiches.
Health Benefits
This simple recipe is:
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Gluten-free
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Low-carb and keto-friendly
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Paleo-approved
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High in protein and healthy fats
With no added sugars or preservatives, this dish supports clean eating while still being rich and satisfying.
Bring the Islands to Your Kitchen
There’s something magical about the flavor of authentic Hawaiian Kalua pig—deeply savory, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. With just three ingredients and a slow cooker, you can bring that magic into your home without the hassle of traditional methods.
This recipe proves that simple really is better. It’s humble, hearty, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re reminiscing about a Hawaiian vacation or dreaming of one, this dish will take you there—one bite at a time.
