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Easy Tender Hawaiian Kalua Pulled Pork Instant Pot Recipe for Perfect Flavor

Hawaiian Kalua pulled pork Instant Pot - featured image
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A quick and easy Instant Pot recipe that delivers tender, smoky, and juicy Hawaiian Kalua pulled pork with authentic island flavors using simple ingredients like Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (Boston Butt), well-marbled
  • 1 tablespoon Hawaiian sea salt (Alaea Salt)
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (Wright’s brand recommended)
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth (240 ml)
  • Banana leaves (optional) or heavy-duty aluminum foil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Trim the pork shoulder: Pat dry and trim off excessively thick fat caps, leaving some for moisture and flavor (about 5 minutes).
  2. Season the pork: Mix Hawaiian sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the seasoning all over the pork shoulder, pressing it into the meat (5 minutes).
  3. Wrap the pork: Wrap the seasoned pork tightly in banana leaves if using, or securely with heavy-duty aluminum foil to lock in moisture (5 minutes).
  4. Add liquid to the Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of water or chicken broth into the Instant Pot inner pot (1 minute).
  5. Place the pork in the pot: Set the wrapped pork onto the trivet or directly in the liquid if no trivet is available (1 minute).
  6. Add liquid smoke: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke over the pork (30 seconds).
  7. Seal and cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 90 minutes.
  8. Natural release: Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure (15-20 minutes).
  9. Shred and serve: Remove the pork, unwrap, and shred with forks or meat claws. Optionally drizzle with reserved cooking juice for extra moisture (10 minutes).

Notes

If you want a slight crisp on the shredded pork, spread it on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes watching closely. Use natural pressure release to keep pork tender and juicy. If banana leaves are unavailable, foil works well to trap steam. Adjust salt to taste if using kosher salt instead of Hawaiian sea salt. Liquid smoke is key for authentic smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian Kalua pork, Instant Pot pulled pork, easy pulled pork, Hawaiian pulled pork recipe, liquid smoke pork, tender pork shoulder, quick Kalua pork

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