This Instant Pot Kalua Pork Roast is a game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering tender, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth pork in just 55 minutes. The rich, savory flavors are infused with a hint of natural sweetness, creating a dish that’s both comforting and irresistible. Perfectly seasoned and effortlessly juicy, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like a labor of love without the hours of work.
With a prep time of only 15 minutes, this recipe is ideal for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful meal without the fuss. The pork’s succulent texture pairs beautifully with its bold, smoky aroma, making every bite a satisfying experience. Whether served over rice, in tacos, or alongside roasted veggies, this dish is a delicious way to bring a taste of Hawaiian-inspired comfort to your table.
What You’ll Need for Instant Pot Kalua Pork Roast
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or butt roast (fat trimmed for a leaner dish)
- 1 Tablespoon sea salt (adjust to taste if using table salt)
- 1 Tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring (essential for authentic flavor)
- 1½ Tablespoons olive oil (or substitute with avocado oil)
- 3 cups cooked rice (brown or white, depending on preference)
- Optional Toppings:
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 diced tomatoes
- ½ diced onion
- ½ cup banana peppers
- 1 diced cucumber
- 1 (2.5 ounce) can sliced olives
- Teriyaki sauce (for drizzling)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Kalua Pork
- Prepare the Pork: Pierce the pork all over with a carving fork to allow the flavors to penetrate. Rub the sea salt and liquid smoke evenly over the meat.
- Brown the Pork: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the pork on all sides for 2-3 minutes or until nicely browned. Remove the pork and set aside.
- Set Up the Instant Pot: Place the trivet in the bottom of the pot and pour in 1 cup of water. Place the pork on the trivet, ensuring it’s elevated above the water.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode for 30 minutes.
- Release Pressure: After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to remove any remaining steam.
- Shred the Pork: Carefully remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. Add some of the cooking drippings to keep the meat moist.
- Serve: Serve the shredded pork over cooked rice and top with your favorite optional veggies. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce if desired.
Delicious Topping and Sauce Ideas
Elevate your Kalua Pork with creative toppings and sauces! Try drizzling teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory kick, or add a tangy twist with pineapple salsa. For a fresh crunch, top with shredded cabbage or sliced green onions. If you love heat, a drizzle of sriracha mayo or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes will do the trick!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Serve your shredded Kalua Pork over a bed of steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add a side of grilled pineapple slices or macaroni salad for a Hawaiian-inspired feast. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad or roasted veggies like zucchini and carrots.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover Kalua Pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, use a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized bags for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
Save time by prepping your optional veggies (like bell peppers, onions, and cucumbers) ahead of time. Use a pre-cooked rice packet or a rice cooker to streamline the process. If you’re short on time, skip the browning step—your pork will still be flavorful thanks to the liquid smoke and salt!
Instant Pot Tips for Perfect Results
Ensure your Instant Pot is properly sealed before pressure cooking to avoid steam leaks. If you’re new to pressure cooking, double-check the valve position (set to “sealing”) before starting. For extra tenderness, let the pork rest in the pot for an additional 5-10 minutes after the natural release. And don’t forget to deglaze the pot after sautéing to prevent the “burn” warning!
Instant Pot Kalua Pork Roast Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 pound pork shoulder, or butt roast, fat trimmed
- 1 Tablespoon sea salt
- 1 Tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring
- 1½ Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups rice, brown or white, cooked
- 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped optional
- 2 tomatoes, diced optional
- ½ onion, diced optional
- ½ cup banana peppers optional
- 1 cucumber, diced optional
- 1 (2.5 ounce) can sliced olives optional
- teriyaki sauce optional
Instructions
- Pierce pork all over with a carving fork.
- Rub salt and liquid smoke over meat.
- Set your instant pot to “saute” and add olive oil to the bottom.
- Once it’s heated up, saute pork roast on all sides for 2-3 minutes or until browned.
- Remove pork from the instant pot and set aside.
- Place trivet into the bottom of the instant pot and pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of your pot.
- Place your pork on the trivet, seal your lid, and set your pressure cook or manual button to 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, let the steam naturally release for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
- Remove meat from slow cooker and shred with 2 forks, adding drippings as needed to moisten.
- Serve over rice, topped with your favorite veggies and teriyaki sauce.