Slow Cooker Hawaiian Kalua Pork with Cabbage

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, smoky shredded pork cooked low and slow with traditional Hawaiian flavors, served alongside soft braised cabbage. This hawaiian-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pork shoulder, liquid smoke, sea salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Hawaiian cuisine 400 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 3 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 2 tsp liquid smoke, 2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place pork in slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours until it shreds easily.
  2. Step 2: About 1 hour before pork is done, add 1 small chopped green cabbage, 1 cup chicken broth, and 2 tbsp soy sauce on top of the pork in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine and continue cooking.
  3. Step 3: When cooking is complete, shred the pork with two forks, mixing thoroughly with cabbage and juices for a smoky, tender texture.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with 2 chopped scallions and sprinkle 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if desired before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Hawaiian Kalua Pork with Cabbage take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 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 Slow Cooker Hawaiian Kalua Pork with Cabbage?

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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Hawaiian Kalua Pork with Cabbage?

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 Slow Cooker Hawaiian Kalua Pork with Cabbage 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 Slow Cooker Hawaiian Kalua Pork with Cabbage?

Hawaiian pork 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.

Related recipes