Oven Kalua Pork Recipe from Hawaii - Delicious and Flavorful

Oven Kalua Pork

Oven Kalua Pork Recipe from Hawaii - Delicious and Flavorful
Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Oven Kalua Pork
Oven Kalua Pork

Oven Kalua Pork is a delicious Hawaiian dish that is traditionally cooked in an underground oven called an imu. This recipe provides a simple and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of Kalua Pork without the need for a traditional imu.

History

Kalua Pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish that is typically served at luaus and other special occasions. The pork is seasoned with salt and liquid smoke, then slow-roasted in an underground oven until it is tender and flavorful. This recipe brings the flavors of Kalua Pork to your kitchen with the convenience of an electric oven.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Place the pork, with the fat side up, in a roasting pan or deep casserole dish.
  2. Combine water and liquid smoke, then pour the mixture over the meat.
  3. Sprinkle salt evenly over the pork.
  4. Cover the pan and roast the pork in an electric oven at 400°F (204°C) for 3 hours.
  5. Remove the pork from the pan and shred it.

Variations

  • For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding pineapple juice or soy sauce to the pork marinade for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For best results, be sure to use a pork butt with a good amount of fat to keep the meat moist and tender during the roasting process. Additionally, make sure to cover the pan tightly with foil to trap in the moisture and create a tender, juicy pork.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Oven Kalua Pork with steamed white rice, macaroni salad, and a side of cabbage for a traditional Hawaiian meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow-roasting the pork in the oven allows the meat to become tender and flavorful, similar to the traditional underground cooking method.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find hawaiian salt, you can substitute with kosher salt or sea salt.

Make Ahead Tips

Oven Kalua Pork can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Oven Kalua Pork on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Oven Kalua Pork with a cold beer or a tropical fruit punch for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Oven Kalua Pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 300

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 0g

Fats

Total Fat: 20g

Saturated Fat: 7g

Proteins

Protein: 45g

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2.5mg

Vitamin C: 0mg

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens.

Summary

This Oven Kalua Pork recipe is high in protein and fat, making it a hearty and satisfying dish. It is low in carbohydrates and contains no common allergens.

Summary

Oven Kalua Pork is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of traditional Hawaiian Kalua Pork. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Oven Kalua Pork. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished a day of cooking with my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. She had invited me over to her house to learn some of her favorite Hawaiian recipes, and I was eager to soak up as much knowledge as I could.

As we sat down at her kitchen table, Mrs. Jenkins handed me a worn and tattered piece of paper. "This," she said with a twinkle in her eye, "is my secret recipe for Oven Kalua Pork. It's been passed down in my family for generations, and now I'm passing it on to you."

I could hardly contain my excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions. The thought of being able to recreate this traditional Hawaiian dish in my own kitchen was both thrilling and daunting. But Mrs. Jenkins assured me that with a little practice and patience, I would soon become a master at making Oven Kalua Pork.

And so, I set to work. I gathered the pork shoulder, Hawaiian sea salt, liquid smoke, and banana leaves that the recipe called for. I carefully followed Mrs. Jenkins' instructions, rubbing the salt and liquid smoke into the meat and wrapping it in the banana leaves before placing it in the oven to slow-cook for hours.

As the savory aroma of the pork filled my kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This was more than just a recipe to me – it was a connection to Mrs. Jenkins and her family, to the rich culinary traditions of Hawaii, and to the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones.

When the Oven Kalua Pork was finally done cooking, I couldn't wait to dig in. The meat was tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of smokiness and saltiness. I knew that I had truly captured the essence of this beloved Hawaiian dish.

I invited my family over for dinner that night, eager to share my newfound culinary masterpiece with them. As they took their first bites of the Oven Kalua Pork, their eyes lit up with delight. They raved about how delicious it was, and I beamed with pride at their compliments.

From that day on, Oven Kalua Pork became a regular fixture on our family dinner table. I would make it for special occasions, holidays, or simply when I wanted to treat my loved ones to a taste of Hawaii. Each time I made it, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for Mrs. Jenkins and the gift she had given me – not just a recipe, but a piece of her family's history and traditions.

Over the years, I continued to hone my skills in making Oven Kalua Pork, adding my own personal touches and variations to the recipe. I experimented with different seasonings, cooking methods, and side dishes to accompany the pork. But no matter how much I tweaked the recipe, the heart and soul of it remained the same – a tribute to the flavors and spirit of Hawaii.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover Oven Kalua Pork, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all the people and experiences that have shaped my love for cooking. From Mrs. Jenkins to my own grandmother, from the bustling markets of Hawaii to the cozy kitchen of my own home – each one has played a part in cultivating my passion for creating delicious meals to share with others.

And so, I will continue to honor the tradition of Oven Kalua Pork, passing it on to future generations and sharing its story with all who gather around my table. For in the act of cooking and sharing food, we not only nourish our bodies but also our souls, connecting us to our past, present, and future in a deliciously meaningful way.

Categories

| Cathy's Recipes | Hawaiian Meat Dishes | Hawaiian Recipes | Pork Shoulder And Blade Recipes |

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