Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Pressure-Cooker Kalua Pig Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 27 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Description

A traditional Hawaiian Kalua Pig recipe made easily in a pressure cooker, delivering tender, smoky shredded pork with authentic island flavors in just 1.5 hours.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds pork shoulder
  • 2 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork: Rub the pork shoulder thoroughly with 2 tablespoons of Hawaiian sea salt to infuse it with authentic island flavors and enhance tenderness.
  2. Add Liquid Smoke: Place the seasoned pork into the pressure cooker and pour 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke over it to replicate the traditional smoky aroma of Kalua pig.
  3. Cook Under Pressure: Seal the pressure cooker lid securely and set it to cook on high pressure for 75 minutes, allowing the pork to become tender and juicy.
  4. Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally before carefully opening the lid to preserve moisture and texture.
  5. Shred and Serve: Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces and serve hot, just like traditional Hawaiian Kalua pig.

Notes

  • Using Hawaiian sea salt provides authentic flavor, but kosher salt can be substituted if unavailable.
  • Liquid smoke is essential to mimic the traditional wood smoke flavor since this recipe uses a pressure cooker instead of a pit.
  • Allowing natural pressure release helps keep the meat moist and tender.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed rice and traditional Hawaiian sides like poi or macaroni salad.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.