Native Hawaiian Kalua-Style Pork Shoulder

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-roasted pork shoulder with traditional Hawaiian flavors, mimicking the underground imu method for tender, smoky perfection. This hawaiian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 320 minutes pairs trimmed of excess fat pork shoulder, salt, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 Hawaiian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp salt with 1 cup water to create a brine; submerge the trimmed 2.5 lbs pork shoulder in the brine and let soak at room temperature for 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: After brining, remove pork shoulder, pat dry with paper towels, and place in a roasting pan. Add 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground ginger, and 1/2 cup pineapple juice around the pork.
  3. Step 3: Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil and place in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C); cook for 5 hours until pork is fork-tender and pulls apart easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from the pan, discard the pineapple chunks and liquid, and let rest for 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Shred the pork with two forks, returning it to the pan with a small amount of pan juices for 5 minutes to reheat and coat.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot, with additional pineapple chunks on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Native Hawaiian Kalua-Style Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Native Hawaiian Kalua-Style Pork Shoulder?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Native Hawaiian Kalua-Style Pork Shoulder?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Native Hawaiian Kalua-Style Pork Shoulder for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Native Hawaiian Kalua-Style Pork Shoulder?

Hawaiian slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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