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Tender Slow Cooker Hawaiian Kalua Pork Recipe with Easy Pineapple Rice

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A tender, smoky slow cooker Hawaiian Kalua pork paired with sweet-savory pineapple rice, perfect for an easy, flavorful island-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds pork shoulder (pork butt), bone-in or boneless
  • 2 teaspoons liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite)
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt or Hawaiian sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (or canned pineapple chunks, drained)
  • 2 cups long grain white rice (about 370 g)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (480 ml)
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the entire surface with sea salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drizzle and rub in the liquid smoke evenly all over.
  2. Place the seasoned pork shoulder into the slow cooker, fat side up. No need to add water—the pork will release juices as it cooks.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is super tender and pulls apart easily. Alternatively, cook on high for 5 hours.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the pineapple rice.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pineapple and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly caramelized.
  6. Add the rice to the skillet with the pineapple and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the grains lightly.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce or coconut aminos if using. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-18 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  8. Remove from heat, stir in remaining butter and sliced green onions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  9. Once the pork is done, transfer it to a large platter or bowl. Use two forks or meat claws to shred the meat, discarding any excess fat or bone.
  10. Serve the shredded Kalua pork over a bed of warm pineapple rice. Garnish with extra green onions and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Notes

Save the pork drippings from the slow cooker and drizzle over pork and rice for extra smoky flavor. Trim thick fat cap before cooking to reduce greasiness. Sauté pineapple before cooking rice to prevent mushiness and add flavor. Let pork rest 10 minutes before shredding. For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Use coconut aminos and coconut oil for gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kalua pork, slow cooker pork, Hawaiian recipe, pineapple rice, easy dinner, pulled pork, tropical flavors, comfort food

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/tender-slow-cooker-hawaiian-kalua-pork-recipe-with-easy-pineapple-rice/