Instant Pot Kalua Pork

Last weekend, I hosted a luau for my little family, and the star of the meal was this Instant Pot kalua pork, also known as kalua pua’a or kalua pig. I have made a slow cooker version before, but this time I wanted to see how it would turn out in the Instant Pot. It was the perfect main dish for our Hawaiian-inspired meal.

Since we were not able to take a vacation this year because of the pandemic and a few other reasons, I decided to bring a little bit of that vacation feeling home instead. If we could not travel to the islands, I figured the next best thing was creating a fun island-style evening right in our own backyard.

My Luau at Home

I planned the luau for my two now-married sons and their wives, along with my daughter, my husband, and my mom. I kept the decorations simple and affordable, using a few fun finds from the dollar store to make the backyard feel festive. Amazon also has some inexpensive luau party sets if you want to add a little more color and flair. I even invited everyone to dress for the occasion if they wanted to, which made it feel even more fun.

I also set up a little photo spot in case anyone wanted to take pictures. To help set the mood, I made a Hawaiian music playlist and paired it with a beach sounds playlist through Apple Music. We played both at the same time, one from my phone and one from my husband’s, so we could enjoy festive island music along with the relaxing sound of the ocean in the background.

My mom even added a special touch by bringing a set of poi balls from one of her previous trips to Hawaii. Everyone had a chance to try them, which turned out to be a lot of fun.

The Menu

Of course, no luau would be complete without a great Hawaiian-style meal. Here in Utah, we have a few Hawaiian restaurants, so I drew inspiration from the classic Hawaiian plate lunch for our menu. The meal centered around traditional Hawaiian kalua pork, steamed white rice, and Hawaiian macaroni salad. We also served fresh fruit along with a pineapple dip to round everything out. It all came together for a simple but really fun family evening, and I will be sharing all the recipes from the meal this week.

Guests started the evening with my favorite recipe for virgin piña coladas, which was the perfect way to kick off our little luau. Then we ended the night with a new guava cake recipe I tried, and it turned out beautifully. It made such a fun ending to the meal.

But today, the focus is on the kalua pork. As I mentioned before, I have made kalua pork in the slow cooker. This time, I decided to try making it in the Instant Pot instead, and it worked out wonderfully. The Instant Pot (pressure cooker)made the process faster while still delivering the tender, flavorful pork I was hoping for.

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is. You only need 3 ingredients: salt, liquid smoke, and a pork roast. If possible, red Hawaiian salt is the best choice for the most traditional flavor. I found some at a local store called Harmons. If you cannot find Hawaiian salt, pink Himalayan salt works as a good substitute. I can get that from Costco.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Kalua Pork

• PORK ROAST – The pork roast is the star of the recipe and becomes incredibly tender as it cooks. It shreds easily after cooking and gives you that rich, savory meat that kalua pork is known for.
• RED HAWAIIAN SALT OR HIMALAYAN PINK SALT – Red Hawaiian sea salt gives the pork a more traditional flavor and is the classic choice for kalua pork. It seasons the meat well and adds to the authentic Hawaiian-style taste. Pink Himalayan salt is a good substitute if you cannot find red Hawaiian sea salt. It still adds the saltiness needed to season the pork and works well in this simple recipe.
• LIQUID SMOKE – Liquid smoke gives the pork its signature smoky flavor without needing an underground oven or a smoker. Since this recipe uses only a few ingredients, it plays a big role in creating the classic kalua pork flavor.

The Instant Pot version takes a little over an hour and a half from start to finish, which is much quicker than the slow cooker. When it was done, the pork was so tender it was practically falling apart as I lifted it out to shred. It has great flavor all on its own, so you can absolutely serve it just as it is. That said, my family really enjoys it with teriyaki sauce. They like to drizzle it over both the pork and the rice, so I made a separate teriyaki sauce to serve on the side for anyone who wanted some.

Instructions for Instant Pot Kalua Pork Recipe

Cut the pork roast into 4 large chunks. Using a fork, pierce each piece a couple of times, then place the pork in the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water to the pot.

Pour the liquid smoke evenly over the pork, then sprinkle the salt over the top. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes.

Once the cooking time is up, allow for the a natural release of the pressure for 25 minutes. After that, carefully release any remaining pressure manually.

Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it, discarding any excess fat as you go. Pour off most of the liquid from the pot, leaving about 1/2 cup behind. Return the shredded pork to the Instant Pot and toss it with the remaining juices. Let the pork sit on the warm setting for about 15 minutes so it can soak up even more flavor before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
A pork roast works best for this recipe because it becomes tender and easy to shred as it cooks. A well-marbled cut will usually give you the best texture and flavor.

Do I have to use red Hawaiian sea salt?
No. Red Hawaiian sea salt is the traditional choice and gives the pork a more authentic flavor, but pink Himalayan salt is a good substitute if that is what you have available.

What does the liquid smoke do?
Liquid smoke gives the pork its signature smoky flavor. Since this recipe is made in the Instant Pot rather than an underground oven, it helps create that classic kalua pork flavor.

How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork should be very tender and easy to shred with a fork. If it is done properly, it will almost fall apart when you remove it from the pot.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. This is a great make-ahead recipe. The pork reheats well, which makes it perfect for parties, family dinners, or meal prep.

Can I serve the pork plain?
Absolutely. It has great flavor all on its own. However, some people also like serving it with teriyaki sauce on the side.

What can I serve with kalua pork?
It pairs well with steamed rice and Hawaiian macaroni salad for a classic Hawaiian-style plate lunch. Fresh fruit also makes a great addition.

Can I freeze leftover kalua pork?
Yes. Once cooled, the shredded pork can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag and frozen for later.

How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It makes great leftovers for another meal.

Can I use the pork for other dishes?
Yes. Besides serving it with rice, you can use it in sandwiches, tacos, sliders, or even lettuce wraps.

Why is the pork so tender in the Instant Pot?
The pressure-cooking process helps break down the meat quickly, making it tender in much less time than a slow-cooker or oven method.

Tips and Tricks

• Cut the pork into chunks before cooking. This helps the meat cook more evenly and allows the salt and liquid smoke to flavor more of the pork.
• Pierce the pork with a fork first. A few fork holes in each piece help the seasoning soak in better.
• Use red Hawaiian salt if possible. It gives the pork a more traditional flavor, but pink Himalayan salt is still a good substitute if needed.
• Let the pork naturally release for 25 minutes. That extra time helps make the meat tender and easy to shred.
• Let the shredded pork sit in some of the juices before serving. This helps keep the pork moist and gives it even more flavor.

Recipe adapted from I Heart Naptime.