Are you craving a taste of Hawaii? Look no further than Ono Ono Kalua Brand Pork!
This delicious and juicy pork is cooked in traditional Hawaiian style, giving it a unique and irresistible flavor. While it may seem intimidating to cook, fear not! With just a few simple ingredients and a crock pot, you can easily recreate this island favorite in your own kitchen.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make mouth-watering kalua pork that will transport you straight to the shores of Hawaii. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds with this onolicious dish!
How To Cook Ono Ono Kalua Brand Pork?
To start, you’ll need a few key ingredients: pork butt, Hawaiian salt, and smoked liquid flavor. While traditionally cooked in an imu, or pit oven, we’ll be using a crock pot for convenience.
Begin by rubbing the Hawaiian salt all over the pork butt. Place the pork in the crock pot and pour the smoked liquid flavor over it. Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat for 8 hours.
Halfway through the cooking process, flip the pork on the other side. If you’d like to add some greens to your dish, set aside a chopped cabbage head that you can add in 30 minutes before the pork is finished cooking.
Once the pork is fully cooked, take two forks and start shredding it. The meat should naturally fall apart as you pull it apart.
And there you have it – delicious Ono Ono Kalua Brand Pork! Serve it up on a platter with a side of rice for a complete meal that will transport you straight to Hawaii.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To cook Ono Ono Kalua Brand Pork, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. First, you’ll need a pork butt roast, which is the traditional cut of meat used for kalua pork. Next, you’ll need Hawaiian salt, which is a coarse salt that adds a unique flavor to the dish. Finally, you’ll need smoked liquid flavor, which can be added to the crock pot to give the pork a smoky taste.
If you’d like to add some greens to your dish, you can also set aside a chopped cabbage head to add in 30 minutes before the pork is finished cooking. This is optional, but it’s a great way to include some extra veggies in your meal.
Preparing The Pork
Before cooking the Ono Ono Kalua Brand Pork, it’s important to prepare the pork butt properly. Start by removing the pork butt from its packaging and patting it dry with paper towels. Next, rub Hawaiian salt all over the pork butt, making sure to cover every surface. The salt will help to flavor the pork and also draw out any excess moisture.
Once the pork butt is thoroughly salted, it’s time to add the smoked liquid flavor. Pour the liquid over the pork butt, making sure to cover it evenly. The liquid flavor will give the pork a smoky flavor that is characteristic of traditional imu-cooked Kalua pork.
After adding the liquid flavor, place the pork butt in a crock pot and cover it with the lid. Set the crock pot to low heat and let it cook for 8 hours. Halfway through the cooking process, flip the pork butt over to ensure even cooking.
If you’d like to add some greens to your dish, chop up a head of cabbage and set it aside. Add the cabbage to the crock pot 30 minutes before the pork is finished cooking.
Once the pork is fully cooked, take two forks and start shredding it. The meat should be tender enough to fall apart as you pull it apart. Serve up your delicious Ono Ono Kalua Brand Pork on a platter with a side of rice for a complete meal that will transport you straight to Hawaii.
Setting Up The Crock Pot
To set up the crock pot for cooking Ono Ono Kalua Brand Pork, begin by ensuring that the crock pot is clean and dry. Then, place the pork butt into the crock pot, making sure that it fits comfortably and doesn’t touch the sides of the pot.
Next, rub the Hawaiian salt all over the pork butt, ensuring that it is evenly coated. This will help to season the meat and bring out its natural flavors.
Once the pork has been salted, pour the smoked liquid flavor over it. This will provide a rich, smoky flavor to the meat as it cooks.
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to low heat for 8 hours. This will allow the pork to cook slowly and become tender and juicy.
Halfway through the cooking process, flip the pork over to ensure that it cooks evenly on both sides. If you’d like to add some greens to your dish, you can add a chopped cabbage head 30 minutes before the pork is finished cooking.
Once the pork is fully cooked, take two forks and start shredding it. The meat should easily fall apart as you pull it apart.
By following these simple steps, you can easily set up your crock pot for cooking delicious Ono Ono Kalua Brand Pork that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Cooking The Kalua Pork
If you don’t have a slow cooker or instant pot, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of kalua pork by using the oven method. Start by laying a 6-pound pork shoulder over a sheet of foil large enough to cover it. Pierce the pork all over with a carving fork and rub in salt and liquid smoke. Wrap the pork tightly with the foil and place it in a roasting pan. Add 1/4 cup of water to the pan and roast at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 hours for a 3-pound pork shoulder, or longer for bigger pieces up to 8 hours. Check every 30 minutes for doneness after the original 5 hours.
For an even more authentic flavor, use banana leaves to wrap the pork before wrapping it in foil. Banana leaves can be found in the freezer section of most well-stocked Asian grocery stores. The leaves are crucial in this recipe as they perfume the pork with a rich, earthy flavor.
Once the pork is fully cooked, let it cool for a little while before shredding it with two forks. Add back some of the kalua pork juices/drippings to make it extra juicy. Kalua pulled pork stores incredibly well, so you can easily reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave for up to 4-5 days. It’s also incredibly freezer-friendly, so you can freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or by submerging the freezer container in room temperature water for a quicker thaw.
Shredding And Serving The Pork
After the pork has finished cooking and has been shredded, it’s time to serve it up! Using two forks, pull apart the meat until it’s fully shredded. Be sure to remove any excess fat or bone that may still be in the meat.
To serve, place the shredded pork on a platter and garnish with some chopped green onions or cilantro. If you opted to add cabbage to the dish, place it on the platter next to the pork.
For a traditional Hawaiian meal, serve the pork with a side of rice. You can also add some macaroni salad or potato salad as a side dish.
Whether you’re hosting a luau or just looking for a delicious dinner option, Ono Ono Kalua Brand Pork is sure to impress. With its tender and flavorful meat, it’s no wonder why this dish is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Kalua Pork Every Time
Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your kalua pork turns out perfect every time:
1. Use a good quality pork butt: The quality of the meat is important for the flavor and texture of the final dish. Look for a pork butt with a good amount of marbling for optimal tenderness.
2. Rub the salt in well: Make sure to rub the Hawaiian salt thoroughly into the meat before cooking. This will help to infuse the flavor throughout the pork.
3. Don’t skimp on the liquid smoke: Liquid smoke is what gives kalua pork its signature smoky flavor. Be sure to use enough to get that delicious taste.
4. Flip the meat halfway through cooking: Flipping the pork halfway through ensures that it cooks evenly on both sides.
5. Add cabbage for extra flavor: Adding chopped cabbage to the crock pot 30 minutes before the pork is finished cooking adds a delicious flavor and texture to the dish.
6. Shred the meat carefully: Use two forks to shred the pork, pulling it apart gently. This will help to maintain its tenderness and prevent it from becoming too stringy.
By following these tips, you can make sure your kalua pork turns out perfectly every time, with tender, juicy meat and a rich, smoky flavor.
