Oven Kalua Pork ๐๐บ
Description
Indulge in the flavors of Hawaii with this mouthwatering Oven Kalua Pork recipe. Tender, juicy pork butt is infused with the rich aroma of hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke, creating a dish that’s bursting with island vibes. Whether you’re hosting a luau or simply craving a taste of paradise, this recipe is sure to impress!
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: 629.4
- Aggregated Rating: โญโญโญโญโญ (based on 1 review)
Ingredients
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
5 | Hawaiian sea salt |
3 | Liquid smoke |
2 | Aluminum foil |
8 | Ti leaves |
1 | Pork butt (approx. 4 lbs) |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pork
- Make several slashes on the surface of the pork butt to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Rub the pork butt generously with Hawaiian sea salt, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Drizzle the liquid smoke over the pork, rubbing it in to enhance the smoky flavor.
-
Wrap the Pork
- Lay out 4 ti leaves on a sheet of aluminum foil, creating a base for the pork.
- Place the seasoned pork butt on the ti leaves and wrap them around the pork, covering it completely.
- Layer the remaining ti leaves over the pork in the opposite direction, ensuring it’s fully encased.
- Fold the aluminum foil tightly around the pork to create a watertight seal, keeping the moisture locked in.
-
Roast the Pork
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Place the wrapped pork in a large roasting pan filled with about two inches of water, ensuring the water level doesn’t touch the pork.
- Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil to create a steamy environment for the pork.
- Bake the pork in the preheated oven for 1 hour to infuse it with flavor.
-
Slow Cook to Perfection
- After 1 hour, reduce the oven temperature to 325ยฐF (160ยฐC).
- Continue to cook the pork at this lower temperature for an additional 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Check the pork occasionally and add more water to the roasting pan if needed to prevent it from drying out.
-
Serve and Enjoy
- Once the pork is fork-tender, carefully unwrap it from the foil package.
- Use two forks to shred the succulent meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve the Oven Kalua Pork hot, garnished with additional ti leaves for an authentic Hawaiian presentation.
- Pair it with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice, macaroni salad, or grilled pineapple, for a truly memorable meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 629.4
- Total Fat: 44.5g
- Saturated Fat: 15.4g
- Cholesterol: 187.1mg
- Sodium: 172.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 53.1g
Tips for Success
- Ti Leaves: If ti leaves are not readily available, you can substitute with banana leaves or simply omit them. They add a subtle flavor and help to retain moisture, but the dish will still be delicious without them.
- Liquid Smoke: Liquid smoke is a key ingredient for achieving that authentic kalua pork flavor. If you prefer, you can use smoked salt or smoked paprika as alternatives, but adjust the quantity to taste.
- Shredding the Pork: For tender, juicy meat, it’s essential to allow the pork to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist.
Conclusion
Transport your taste buds to the shores of Hawaii with this irresistible Oven Kalua Pork recipe. With its simple preparation and unforgettable flavor, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion, from laid-back family dinners to festive gatherings with friends. Serve up a taste of the tropics and watch as everyone gathers around for seconds! ๐๐ด