Pressure Cooker Hawaiian Kalua Pork

Name: Pressure Cooker Hawaiian Kalua Pork
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 5 lbs bone-in pork shoulder (or boneless butt), cut into 3 chunks; 2 tbsp Hawaiian red alaea salt (or coarse kosher salt); 2 tbsp liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite); 6 garlic cloves, smashed; 1 cup water; 4 pieces banana leaves (optional, for authentic flavor), rinsed, trimmed

Smoky, fall-apart tender pulled pork inspired by the Hawaiian imu pit-roasting tradition, made fast in a pressure cooker with liquid smoke and Hawaiian salt. Serve over rice or in tacos.

105 minEasyServes 6450 cal/serving

HawaiianDinnerPressure CookerPaleoHigh ProteinLow CarbGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

5 lbs bone-in pork shoulder (or boneless butt), cut into 3 chunks
2 tbsp Hawaiian red alaea salt (or coarse kosher salt)
2 tbsp liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite)
6 garlic cloves, smashed
1 cup water
4 pieces banana leaves (optional, for authentic flavor), rinsed, trimmed

Instructions

1

Rub 5 lbs cut into 3 chunks bone-in pork shoulder (or boneless butt) all over with 2 tbsp Hawaiian red alaea salt (or coarse kosher salt) and 2 tbsp liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite), pressing the seasoning into the meat.
2

If using 4 pieces banana leaves (optional, for authentic flavor), line the bottom of the pressure cooker insert with them. Place the seasoned pork on top and tuck 6 smashed garlic cloves among the pieces.
3

Pour 1 cup water around the pork (not over it). Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 75 minutes. Allow a 15-minute natural pressure release, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
4

Transfer the pork to a large cutting board. Check that the internal temperature is at least 200°F (93°C) for shredding - the meat should pull apart easily.
5

Shred the pork with two forks, discarding any large fat pieces and bones. Return the shredded meat to the pot and toss with the cooking juices. Taste and adjust salt. Serve hot.

Questions

Can I make Pressure Cooker Hawaiian Kalua Pork ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. It also freezes well for up to three months.

Can I halve or double Pressure Cooker Hawaiian Kalua Pork?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Never fill a pressure cooker past its max line; the cook time itself does not change when you double.

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