Smoked Kalua Pork Recipe

Alrighty folks, gather ’round because today we’re diving headfirst into the world of mouthwatering goodness with my smoked Kalua pork recipe! I’ve got a hankering for some smoky, tender pork, and I reckon you’re gonna love it too. So, grab your apron and let’s get cookin’!

How to Make Smoked Kalua Pork

So, here’s the lowdown on how to make this drool-worthy dish:

1. Get that Pork Butt Ready! First things first, you’ll need a nice pork butt roast. Rub it down with some sea salt. We’re talkin’ a generous amount here, folks. This is where the magic begins.
2. Wrap it Up! Wrap that pork butt tightly in some banana leaves or if you’re feeling fancy, use some good old aluminum foil. We want it cozy and snug for the smoking session.
3. Fire Up the Smoker! Now, let’s fire up that smoker and get it to around 225°F (107°C). What type of wood chips should you use? Well, keep readin’ to find out!
4. Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em! Pop that pork butt into the smoker and let it bathe in that smoky goodness for about 4 to 6 hours. We’re lookin’ for some tender, fall-apart pork here!
5. Shred It, Baby! Once it’s done, take that beautiful piece of pork, shred it up with some forks, and you’re good to go. You’ve just made some authentic Kalua Pork!

What is Kalua Pork?

Now, if you’re scratchin’ your head and wonderin’ what in tarnation Kalua pork is, let me break it down for ya. Kalua pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish that’s all about that slow and low cooking, typically done in an underground oven called an imu. But since most of us don’t have an imu in our backyards, we’ll be usin’ the smoker for that same smoky flavor.

It’s all about simplicity, my friends. Salt, smoke, and time – that’s the secret recipe to Kalua Pork. And trust me, it’s a flavor bomb that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the sandy shores of Hawaii!

What Type of Wood Chips to Use for This Recipe?

Now, let’s talk wood chips, shall we? The type of wood you use can make or break your smoked pork. For that authentic island flavor, go for mesquite or kiawe wood chips. They’ll give your pork that signature smoky, slightly sweet taste that’ll make you wanna do the hula dance.

Additional Tips

• Don’t skimp on the salt! The salt is what really gives the pork that tender texture and mouthwatering flavor.
• Keep that smoker temperature steady. Fluctuations can mess with your cooking time and end up with pork that’s tougher than a two-dollar steak.
• Use a meat thermometer to make sure your pork reaches an internal temperature of around 205°F (96°C). That’s the sweet spot for pull-apart pork.

What to Serve

Now, what to serve with this heavenly Kalua pork? Well, you can’t go wrong with some steamed white rice and a side of macaroni salad. That’s the classic Hawaiian plate lunch right there, my friends. If you’re feelin’ fancy, throw in some pineapple chunks for that extra tropical kick.

What to Do with Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers (which is a rarity in my house when it comes to Kalua Pork), here’s a little tip: make some killer pulled pork sandwiches. Slather on some barbecue sauce, pile it high on a bun, and you’ve got yourself a whole new meal that’s just as delicious as the first go-around.

So there you have it, my amigos and amigas! My smoked Kalua pork recipe that’ll have you smilin’ from ear to ear with every bite. It’s a labor of love, but oh boy, is it worth it.

I hope you enjoy cookin’ up this piece of Hawaiian heaven as much as I do. And if you’ve got any other recipes you’d like me to tackle or any wild food adventures you want to hear about, drop me a line. I’m always up for a tasty challenge!

Remember, keep the fire burnin’, the smoker smokin’, and your taste buds dancin’. Until next time, happy eatin’, y’all! Aloha and mahalo for readin’!

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Smoked Kalua Pork Recipe

Craving authentic Hawaiian flavors? Try our smoked kalua pork recipe for a taste of paradise. Follow our simple instructions for a delicious, smoky meal.

Course Main Course

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 1 pork butt roast about 4-6 pounds
• 1/4 cup sea salt
• Banana leaves or aluminum foil
• Mesquite or kiawe wood chips for smoking
• Steamed white rice
• Macaroni salad
• Pineapple chunks optional

Instructions

Prepping the Pork

1. Take your pork butt roast and give it a good rinse under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Sprinkle the entire roast with that magical 1/4 cup of sea salt. Rub it in generously, making sure to coat every inch. Don't be shy; this is where the flavor starts!
3. Wrap that seasoned pork butt tightly in banana leaves or aluminum foil.

Firing Up the Smoker

1. Now, let's get that smoker smokin'! Aim for a temperature of around 225°F (107°C). Remember, steady as she goes.

Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em!

1. Place your seasoned and wrapped pork butt on the smoker rack. Make sure it's away from direct flames.
2. Add those mesquite or kiawe wood chips for that smoky, tropical flavor. You'll need to replenish them every hour or so during the smoking process.
3. Close the smoker lid and let that pork bathe in the smoky goodness for 4 to 6 hours. Keep an eye on your smoker's temperature to maintain that sweet spot.

The Grand Reveal and Shreddin'

1. After patiently waiting (or drooling) for those hours to pass, it's time to check on your masterpiece. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork has reached an internal temperature of around 205°F (96°C). That's when it's ready to be pulled apart!
2. Carefully remove the pork from the smoker, and let it rest for about 15 minutes. It's been workin' hard, and it deserves a break.
3. Now, grab a couple of forks and start shreddin' that pork. It should practically fall apart with minimal effort.