3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kalua Pig

Bring the essence of Hawaiian cooking into your home with this easy-to-follow Kalua Pig recipe—a dish rooted in traditional luau celebrations and the spirit of island hospitality. Using just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can recreate the deep, smoky flavors of this iconic dish without ever boarding a plane. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner spreads, this recipe offers a taste of the islands that’s approachable for cooks of all experience levels. Serve it alongside classic Hawaiian sides or your go-to comfort foods for a meal that feels like a tropical getaway.
🌺 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kalua Pig
Serves: 8
Turn a basic pork shoulder into a flavorful island-inspired dish with just three ingredients: a 5-pound boneless, skinless pork shoulder, 1 tablespoon of Hawaiian Alaea red salt, and 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke to capture that signature earth-cooked aroma.
🔪 Instructions
- Prep the Pork
Use a fork or sharp knife to poke the pork shoulder all over. This helps the seasonings seep deeply into the meat during cooking. - Season Generously
Rub the pork shoulder thoroughly with the Alaea sea salt, ensuring every surface is well coated for balanced flavor. - Slow Cook with Smoke
Place the seasoned meat into your slow cooker. Drizzle the liquid smoke evenly over the pork. - Cook Low and Slow
Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for about 16 hours. The long, slow cook time breaks down the meat, making it incredibly tender. - Shred and Serve
Once done, use two forks to pull the pork apart. Discard any excess fat, then serve as-is or alongside your favorite sides.
Tip: This Kalua Pig is excellent served with rice, mac salad, or even tucked into sandwiches or tacos for a fusion twist.