Instant Pot® Kalua Pig: A Quick Pulled Pork Delight

A easy pulled pork recipe brings the rich, smoky flavors of traditional Hawaiian kalua pig right to your kitchen in no time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful gathering with friends and family.

★★★★★5(2 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 20 min

Cook Time 2 hr 10 min

Total Time 2 hr 30 min

Difficulty Hard

Ingredients 0/3

1 (5 pound) boneless pork loin roast 1 ½ tablespoons Hawaiian sea salt 1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring

Why This Dish Is A Crowd Favorite

This recipe brings the rich, smoky flavors of traditional Hawaiian kalua pig in a fraction of the time. Using the Instant Pot makes the pork tender and juicy without hours of slow cooking. It’s perfect for busy days or when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Better Cooking Tips

- Use a good quality pork shoulder for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t skip the liquid in the Instant Pot to ensure the meat stays moist and cooks evenly.
- Let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking before shredding to keep it juicy.

Step 1

Place the pork roast in your Instant Pot or any pressure cooker you have. Sprinkle a good amount of Hawaiian sea salt all over the meat, then poke it a few times with a fork or a knife to help the flavors soak in. Drizzle some liquid smoke over the top for that classic smoky taste. Seal the lid and set the cooker to high pressure for about 2 hours. It might take around 15 to 30 minutes for the pressure to build up.

Step 2

Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally—that usually takes about 15 minutes. When it’s safe, open the lid and take the roast out. You can skim off some of the fat if you want, then use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces in a bowl.

Step 3

If you like, pour the cooking liquid through a fat separator to remove excess grease, then drizzle the flavorful juice over the shredded pork before serving.

How To Enjoy This Dish

Serve the pulled pork with steamed white rice and a side of tangy coleslaw for a classic Hawaiian meal. It also works great in tacos, sandwiches, or even on pizza for a fun twist.

Leftover Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the pulled pork in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep it tender.

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By Lucas Bennett

Food Writer

Lucas creates approachable recipes that balance flavor, simplicity, and reliability.