3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kalua Pig | Easy Hawaiian-Style Pork

If you’re craving tender, smoky, melt-in-your-mouth pork but don’t want to spend all day tending a fire pit, this 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kalua Pig is the answer. Inspired by traditional Hawaiian kalua pork—where a whole pig is slow-cooked in an underground oven (imu)—this version uses a crockpot to capture the same smoky, savory flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or backyard luau parties, it’s as simple as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only 3 ingredients – minimal shopping and prep.
Slow cooker magic – tender, juicy pork every time.
Versatile dish – enjoy it in sliders, tacos, rice bowls, or wraps.
Big-batch friendly – great for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4–5 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), bone-in or boneless
1 tbsp Hawaiian sea salt (or coarse kosher salt)
1 tbsp liquid smoke (hickory or mesquite flavor)

Optional: sliced green onions for garnish, steamed white rice for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork

Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the Hawaiian sea salt all over the meat, coating it evenly.

2. Add Liquid Smoke

Place the pork in the slow cooker. Pour liquid smoke over the top for that signature smoky flavor.

3. Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.

4. Shred & Serve

Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to the juices to keep it moist and flavorful. Serve hot.

Serving Ideas & Variations

Traditional style: Serve with steamed white rice and Hawaiian macaroni salad.
Kalua sliders: Pile pork onto Hawaiian rolls with a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
Taco twist: Use shredded pork as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Veggie pairing: Add sautéed cabbage for an authentic island-style side.
Meal prep: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for later.

Tips for the Best Kalua Pig

Choose the right cut: Pork shoulder (Boston butt) has the perfect fat-to-meat ratio for juicy results.
Don’t skip the liquid smoke: It’s the key to achieving that imu-style flavor.
Cook low & slow: Patience is what makes the pork tender enough to shred.
Make it saucy: While traditional kalua pig is simply seasoned, you can mix in teriyaki or BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Kalua Pig is proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. With just pork, salt, and liquid smoke, you can recreate the taste of Hawaiian luau-style pork right in your kitchen. It’s flavorful, versatile, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.