An imu, or subterranean oven, is usually used to prepare the soulful Kalua Pig, a meal that is highly esteemed and infused with Hawaiian luau tradition. Even if we’re far from the beach and tropical breezes, we can make this meal at home in a practical and surprisingly good method using the slow cooker.
The beauty of Kalua Pig is in its adaptability and ease of preparation; it’s an ideal dish for those on the go who want a little island flavor or for those who want to wow their friends at a potluck.
The wait is well for the soft, flavorful results, and it’s simple enough for any chef to produce.
Even while the Kalua Pig tastes great on its own, it really comes alive when accompanied with steaming white rice and lomi-lomi fish for a traditional Hawaiian meal. Try some roasted veggies or a crisp coleslaw for a more American spin.
But don’t forget the traditional bread; with this juicy pork, you can whip up a pulled pork sandwich that will take your taste senses on an island vacation.
Five pounds of skinless, boneless pork shoulder,
one tablespoon of Alaea sea salt (also known as Hawaiian red salt), and one tablespoon of liquid smoke
What to do :
1. Make many shallow incisions all over the pork using a sharp knife or fork to release the flavors.
2. Apply the Alaea sea salt evenly across the pork shoulder by generously rubbing it in.
3. Drizzle the liquid smoke over the salted pork before placing it in the slow cooker.
4. Put a lid on the slow cooker and reduce the heat to low for about 16 hours. Listen up: if you want to enjoy the tastes to their fullest, you have be patient.
5. The pork should be quite soft when the cooking time has passed. If you’d like, you may use two forks to shred the meat and remove any extra fat.
6. For an extra crunch, place the shredded pork on a baking pan and quickly broil it before serving.
Suggestions and Variations-If you can’t get Alaea salt, you may substitute kosher salt; just start with a little less and taste as you go.
– To give pork a delicate, earthy taste, some people place a banana leaf on top of it before cooking. Banana leaves may be found at certain niche stores, but they aren’t absolutely necessary for this dish.
– pig, once shredded, is delicious with a wide range of sauces; but, to truly appreciate the smokiness and saltiness of the pig, it is best enjoyed raw. Do not be tempted to speed things up by turning the stove on high; remember that the key to delicious Kalua Pig lies in cooking it slowly. – A great recipe to prepare ahead of time, this pork stores well. Thaw in the fridge after storage in sealed containers for a delicious and fast dinner.
