Crock Pot Kalua Pork

This Crock Pot Kalua Pork is a tender and smoky recipe, which uses pork shoulder roast and liquid smoke. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 8 hours and 5 minutes.

Crock Pot Kalua Pork Ingredients

• 1 4-pound pork shoulder roast (or similar roast, size can vary a bit too)
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (you can find this in almost any grocery store)
• 1 tablespoon Himalayan pink salt (sold in most grocery stores)

How To Make Crock Pot Kalua Pork

1. Prep the slow cooker: Lightly grease your slow cooker with nonstick spray.
2. Pierce and place the pork: Use a fork to pierce the roast all over, then place it into the slow cooker.
3. Season the roast: Pour liquid smoke evenly over the pork, then sprinkle it with Himalayan pink salt.
4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 to 12 hours, depending on the size of your roast.
5. Shred and serve: Uncover the pork, shred it using two forks, and serve as desired.

Recipe Tips

• How long to cook a larger roast: A roast over 4 pounds may take the full 12 hours to become tender and shred easily.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, just double the liquid smoke and salt and enjoy leftovers all week.
• Where to find liquid smoke: It’s available in the condiment aisle of most grocery stores near BBQ sauces.
• Do I need to add water? No, the pork will release its own juices as it cooks.
• Best way to shred pork: Use two forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for faster results.

What To Serve With Kalua Pork

This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings:

• Steamed white rice or coconut rice
• Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
• Coleslaw
• Grilled pineapple
• Sautéed greens or stir-fried vegetables

How To Store Kalua Pork

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freeze: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Kalua Pork Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Iron: 1.1mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I cook Kalua pork on high?
Low is best for tender, slow-cooked texture. High heat can dry it out.

Can I use sea salt instead of pink salt?
Yes, but adjust to taste—start with a bit less and increase if needed.

Is liquid smoke necessary?
Yes, it’s key for the signature smoky flavor in Kalua pork.

How do I serve this for a party?
Make sliders with Hawaiian rolls, or serve it buffet-style with rice and sides.

Can I prep this overnight?
Yes, you can set it up before bed and wake up to perfectly cooked pork.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Italian Pulled Pork
• Crock Pot Italian Pork Tenderloin
• Crock Pot Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin

Crock Pot Kalua Pork

Recipe by Robert Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

8

hours 

Calories

120

kcal

This smoky, fork-tender pork is slow-cooked to perfection and makes an easy, delicious base for tacos, bowls, or sandwiches.

Ingredients

• 1 4-pound pork shoulder roast
  

• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
  

• 1 tablespoon Himalayan pink salt

Directions

• Lightly grease your slow cooker with nonstick spray.
  
• Pierce the pork roast all over with a fork and place it in the slow cooker.
  
• Pour liquid smoke evenly over the pork and sprinkle with salt.
  
• Cover and cook on low for 8–12 hours.
  
• Shred the pork with two forks and serve hot.