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Kalua Pork with sweet potato, served with fresh coriander
Hawaiian Kalua Pork with sweet potato

Kalua pork with sweet potato

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses
Kalua Pork is the star of Hawaiian luaus, where traditionally a pig steams all day wrapped in banana leaves in an earth oven called an 'Imu'. At home, we evoke this smoky, tender wonder with coconut oil, slow cooking, and (if available) a drop of liquid smoke. The salty taste of pork and the natural sweetness of sweet potato are a classic pairing.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 1 hr 30 mins
⌛ Total Time 1 hr 45 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 580 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Hawaiian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Heavy-based saucepan with lid: For steam cooking.
  • Two forks: For pulling the meat to shreds.

Instructions

1 ✓

Pat the meat dry. Score (prick) it with a knife, and rub thoroughly with salt and pepper.

Tip: The dehydrating effect of salting concentrates flavours and tenderises the fibres.
2 ✓

Heat the coconut oil in the saucepan. Brown the meat on all sides until golden.

Tip: The mild aroma of coconut oil and the searing provide the base.
3 ✓

Throw in the crushed garlic. Mix the water with the liquid smoke (if using) and pour under the meat. Cover tightly.

Tip: The steam generated in the closed space and the smoke aroma permeate the meat (steaming).
4 ✓

Simmer on low heat for approx. 1.5 hours until the meat is butter-soft. Turn halfway through. Add water if needed, but don't let it swim!

Tip: Pork shoulder is full of connective tissue which turns into gelatinous juice under heat.
5 ✓

Meanwhile, peel and dice the sweet potatoes, and boil in lightly salted water (approx. 15 mins).

Tip: Sweet potatoes cook faster than regular potatoes, be careful not to overcook them!
6 ✓

Remove the meat and shred into strands using two forks. Stir back into the juices remaining in the pan. Serve with the sweet potato and fresh coriander.

Recipe FAQ

Why is the cooking time so long?
For 'pulled pork' texture, the meat needs to soften completely so it can be shredded with a fork. This doesn't happen quickly, except in a pressure cooker (approx. 45 mins there).
What salt should I use?
Hawaiian Alaea salt (red salt) is authentic, but at home, coarse sea salt or Himalayan salt is perfect.

Ingredients

  • 800 g Pork shoulder or butt (whole)
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tsp Liquid smoke (optional, but recommended)
  • 1 tsp Coarse salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper
  • 3 whole Sweet potatoes
  • 2 tbsp Coconut oil
  • 1 bunch Fresh coriander
  • 1 dl Water