Hawaiian Kalua Pig Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 5-6 lb. pork shoulder or butt
- 2 tbsp. Hawaiian sea salt
- 1 tbsp. liquid smoke
- 2-3 banana leaves
- 1 cup water

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large roasting pan
- Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Rinse pork shoulder and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Rub Hawaiian sea salt all over the pork shoulder.
4. Pour liquid smoke over the pork shoulder and rub it in.
5. Wrap the pork shoulder in banana leaves, making sure it is fully covered.
6. Place the wrapped pork shoulder in a large roasting pan.
7. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the roasting pan.
8. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil, making sure it is tightly sealed.
9. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
10. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
11. Unwrap the pork and shred it with two forks.
12. Serve hot with your favorite sides.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 hours
Temperature:
325°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 1000mg
Total Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 45g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Hawaiian sea salt can be substituted with regular sea salt.
- Liquid smoke can be substituted with smoked paprika.

Variations:
- Add sliced onions and garlic to the roasting pan for added flavor.
- Use a slow cooker instead of the oven for a hands-off approach.
- Add pineapple chunks to the shredded pork for a sweet and savory twist.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the banana leaves are fully covering the pork to keep it moist.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is fully cooked.
- Let the pork rest before shredding to allow the juices to redistribute.

Storage Instructions:
Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the pork in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the shredded pork on a platter with banana leaves and sliced pineapple for a tropical presentation.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for added flavor and color.

Pairings:
Serve with steamed rice and macaroni salad for a classic Hawaiian plate lunch.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Grilled pineapple
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the pork is not falling apart easily, it may need to cook longer.
- If the pork is too salty, rinse it with water before shredding.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F before serving.
- Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw pork.

Food History:
Kalua pig is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is typically cooked in an underground oven called an imu.

Flavor Profiles:
Salty, smoky, savory.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot with your favorite sides for a delicious Hawaiian meal.

Related Categories

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Region: Hawaiian

Taste: Savory, Smoky, Salty, Tangy, Sweet