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Instant Pot Kalua Pork

This Instant Pot Kalua Pork, ready in only 1 hour, makes it so much easier to have a Hawaiian feast, complete with a simple macaroni salad and rice!
Servings 6 to 8 servings
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

Kalua Pork:

  • 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder cut into chunks
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
  • 1 tablespoon Hawaiian salt or Kosher salt
  • 1 small head of cabbage cored and sliced
  • 4 to 6 pieces banana leaves

Macaroni Salad:

  • 1/2 pound macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 medium carrot shredded
  • 2 tablespoons grated white onion
  • 1 large Russet potato peeled, sliced and boiled until tender
  • 1 1/4 cups good quality mayo
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • cooked rice for serving

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, toss together the chunked pork, liquid smoke and salt until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Line the bottom of your instant pot bowl with a few banana leaves. Add one cup water to the bowl and then place the marinated pork in a single layer. Top with the sliced cabbage and cover with another piece or two of banana leaves.
  • Pressure cook at high pressure for 1 hour with a 15 minute natural release. Once ready, carefully open the instant pot and discard the top layer of banana leaves. Transfer the pork to large bowl and shred with two forks. Drizzle the shredded pork and cabbage with some of the cooking liquid left in the instant pot.
  • To make the macaroni salad, cook the pasta according to package directions, and then drain. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and then while still hot, stir together the pasta with the vinegar, carrot and onion until combined. Set aside and allow to cool to room temperature. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, milk, sugar and salt and pepper until smooth. Pour into the cooled pasta mixture and add the cooled potatoes. Stir everything until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight. If the salad dries a bit, stir about a tablespoon or so of milk to loosen it.
  • Serve the kalua pork with macaroni salad and cooked white rice and enjoy!

Notes

Adapted from PressureCookRecipes.com!
Author: The Candid Appetite