homestyle kalua pork with cabbage in a slow cooker

Steps

1. # How to Make Homestyle Kalua Pork with Cabbage in a Slow Cooker
3. Craving a taste of Hawaii? This **homestyle kalua pork with cabbage** recipe is a simple, flavorful, and tender dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Using a **slow cooker**, this recipe requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. Follow these easy steps to create a dish that’s rich in smoky, savory goodness, with tender cabbage adding a delightful crunch.
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7. ## Ingredients for Kalua Pork with Cabbage
8. - **3-4 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt)**
9. - **1 tbsp Hawaiian sea salt (or kosher salt)**
10. - **1 tbsp liquid smoke**
11. - **1 medium head of cabbage, chopped**
12. - **1 cup water or chicken broth**
13. - **Optional:** 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
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17. ## Step-by-Step Instructions
19. ### 1. **Prepare the Pork**
20. - Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder, leaving a thin layer for flavor.
21. - Rub the pork generously with **Hawaiian sea salt** (or kosher salt) on all sides.
22. - Drizzle **liquid smoke** evenly over the pork to infuse it with that signature smoky flavor.
24. ### 2. **Set Up the Slow Cooker**
25. - Place the seasoned pork into the **slow cooker**.
26. - Add **1 cup of water or chicken broth** to the bottom of the slow cooker to keep the pork moist during cooking.
27. - For extra flavor, add minced garlic around the pork.
29. ### 3. **Cook the Pork**
30. - Cover the slow cooker and set it to **low heat** for **8-10 hours** or **high heat** for **5-6 hours**. The pork is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds.
32. ### 4. **Add the Cabbage**
33. - About **1-2 hours before the pork is done**, add the chopped cabbage to the slow cooker. Stir it into the juices to coat it evenly.
34. - Let the cabbage cook until it’s tender but still slightly crisp.
36. ### 5. **Shred and Serve**
37. - Once the pork is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker.
38. - Mix the shredded pork with the cabbage and juices for a flavorful blend.
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42. ## Serving Suggestions
43. Serve this **kalua pork with cabbage** over steamed rice or with a side of macaroni salad for a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch. Garnish with green onions or a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist.
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47. ## Why This Recipe Works
48. - **Slow cooking** ensures the pork becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the smoky, savory flavors.
49. - Adding cabbage later in the cooking process keeps it from becoming too mushy, providing a nice texture contrast.
50. - This dish is **gluten-free** and can be made **low-carb** by skipping the rice.
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54. ## SEO Keywords
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58. - Hawaiian pork recipe
59. - Easy slow cooker recipes
60. - Smoky pork shoulder
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64. This **kalua pork with cabbage** recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings the flavors of Hawaii to your kitchen. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a comforting, flavorful meal. Try it today and enjoy the taste of the islands!

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