Instant Pot Kalua Pork and Cabbage combines the tender, smoky flavor of Kalua Pork with the comforting and wholesome goodness of steamed cabbage, creating a mouth-watering meal.
The inspiration for this recipe comes from the traditional kalua pig served on the Hawaiian islands during special occasions and luaus.
The pork is tender and flavorful, thanks to the Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke that infuses the meat with a smoky aroma. The cabbage, on the other hand, adds a touch of sweetness and crunch that complements the pork perfectly.
With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy this traditional Hawaiian dish without the need for an underground oven or lengthy cooking times. Whether you’re a fan of Hawaiian cuisine or just looking to try something new, the Instant Pot Kalua Pork and Cabbage is definitely worth a try.
Helpful Tips
- Use a natural release to allow the pressure to release slowly after cooking. This will help to keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Be sure to slice the cabbage into thin strips, as this will help it to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the pork.
- Don’t add too much liquid to the Instant Pot, as the cabbage will release moisture as it cooks and may make the dish too watery.
- Let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. This will help to keep the meat moist and tender.
- Serve the Instant Pot Kalua Pork and Cabbage with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.
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Instant Pot Kalua Pork and Cabbage
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork butt or shoulder cut into 4 chunks
- 1 tablespoon coarse red Hawaiian salt https://amzn.to/3MeD8LR
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 8 cloves garlic
- 1 cup water
- 1 head green cabbage sliced into 1-inch strips, core removed
Instructions
- Rub the pork chunks with the salt and liquid smoke. Cut 2 slits in each chunk and press a garlic clove into each slit.
- Pour the water into the Instant Pot. Place the pork in the water.
- Close and lock the lid. Set to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow for a full natural release of the pressure.
- When the pin falls, open the Instant Pot and transfer the pork to a cutting board. Once cool enough to handle, shred the pork using two forks. Taste the pork and season if necessary. You can add a bit of the cooking liquid to the pork to make it juicier.
- Place the cabbage into the cooking liquid in the Instant Pot. Close and lock the lid. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. When the time is up, do a quick release of the pressure and remove the lid. Test the doneness. If it’s not quite done, put the lid back on and let it sit on Keep Warm for 2-5 minutes.
- Serve the cabbage and pork together, with some of the cooking liquid on the side, if desired.
Nutrition
Laura is a home cook, with 25 years experience behind the stove, who spends an extraordinary amount of time in the kitchen cooking. She loves making new recipes and finding wonderful new things to eat, both at home or abroad. She spends a lot of time researching, crafting, and perfecting her recipes.