Best Ever Kalua Pig (Printable Recipe)

Juicy, smoky pulled pork inspired by Hawaiian flavors, made easy in the oven with a handful of ingredients.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

01 - 2.5 to 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 3 to 4 large pieces

02 - 8 to 10 garlic cloves, sliced lengthwise

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

04 - 1 large banana leaf, thawed if frozen and cut into 3 smaller pieces

05 - 2 tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt

06 - 1.5 tablespoons liquid smoke, divided

07 - 2 cups water or chicken stock

01 - Cut slits into the pork pieces and insert sliced garlic into each pocket to infuse flavor.

02 - Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven and sear pork on all sides to develop flavor.

03 - Rub Hawaiian sea salt and 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke over the pork pieces using your hands.

04 - Layer banana leaves around the pork, folding to encase completely and keep sealed.

05 - Place wrapped pork in the Dutch oven, add water or stock and remaining liquid smoke, cover, and cook in a 325°F oven for 3 hours.

06 - Remove pork from oven, unwrap, shred with forks, and serve warm with your preferred sides.

01 - Banana leaves contribute essential earthy aroma and flavor, and are found in the freezer section of Asian markets.

02 - Hawaiian sea salt adds mineral-rich depth; substitute with coarse kosher salt if unavailable.