• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Everyday Southwest
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Us
  • Recipes
    • Authentic Mexican Food Recipes
    • Baking
    • Best Pumpkin Recipes for Desserts, Dinners & More
    • Cinco de Mayo
    • Desserts
    • First Courses
    • Healthy
    • Holiday desserts
    • How to
    • Light and Healthy
    • Main Dishes
    • Party Food and Snacks
    • Popular Posts
    • Side Dish
    • Southwest Pantry
    • Super Bowl
    • Vegetarian
  • Cookbook
  • 200 Appetizers
  • Privacy Policy
Home » Kalua Pork Torta with Pineapple Salsa Recipe: A Slow-Cooker Recipe

Kalua Pork Torta with Pineapple Salsa Recipe: A Slow-Cooker Recipe

Don’t worry, Mom.  There is no Kahlua in Kalua Pork. It’s just the name of the delicious Hawaiian slow cooked pulled pork dish that is wrapped in ti leaves then, roasted underground on hot rocks and served at every luau I have ever been to.  And you don’t have to worry, either.  I’m not going to ask you to dig up the backyard and roast a giant pig just to make this sandwich.  All you have to do is take out your slow cooker and plug it in.  Really.  It’s that easy.
Hawaiian Pork Sandwich

Kalua Pork is a springtime favorite around here.  I’m not quite sure why, maybe it’s the memories of college Spring Fling Carnivals or my husband’s Fiji Islander frat parties or even recent anniversary trips to Hawaii that make this such a fun dish.  What ever the reason, you’ll find my slow cooker working over time to produce mountains of Kalua Pork.  I usually make several batches and freeze them in small portions that are the perfect size to use in every dish from enchiladas and tacos to BBQ sandwiches.

So, grab your little umbrellas and put on your flip-flops, you are going to need them, because this is the easiest dish you will ever make.

Slow-Cooker Kalua Pork Sandwich with Pineapple Salsa
First step, dust off the old crock pot.  Ooops, I mean slow cooker and, if you wish, line it with frozen ti leaves or banana leaves.  They are a nice touch and add a little flavor but, this step is totally optional.  I only go to that step if I am hosting a big party or catering a fancy one for someone else. They are usually in the freezer or produce sections of your grocery store.  If your store doesn’t carry them, you can get banana leaves at your local Latin market. Use the extra leaves to decorate the serving trays and tables.

Step two, rub the pork with sea salt or kosher salt and put it in the slow cooker. Pierce the surface of the pork with a large carving fork. Pour in the tablespoon or so of liquid smoke and pat it into the pork.

Final step, place the lid on the slow cooker and plug it in.

Yep, that’s it.  Roast the pork over night on low and in the morning, you will wake up to the perfect pulled pork dish.  Serve the Kalua Pork as is with rice and shredded cabbage (Hawaiian style) or transform it into carnitas, bbq, green chile, you name it.  Don’t worry about the liquid smoke ruining your dishes, there is only a tiny bit and it only enhances the pork without being an obvious flavor.
I like to serve the Kalua Pork on a big, soft torta bun with pineapple salsa and a little bit of pineapple bbq sauce. I know, bbq sauce is not very Hawaiian but, hey, this is a southwest blog.
Kalua Pork Sandwich with Pineapple Salsa Recipe-a Slow Cooker Recipe!

image half of Kalua Pork Sandwich with Pineapple Salsa

Kalua Pork Torta Recipe

Sandy Hoopes
This easy slow-cooker Kalua Pork with Pineapple Salsa makes the perfect torta. Cook extra pork to freeze for other dishes like enchiladas, tacos or green chile.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 8 hrs
Total Time 8 hrs 20 mins
Servings 10 to 12

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds pork shoulder boneless
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon liquid smoke
  • 1 fresh pineapple small dice (1/4 inch)
  • 1 red bell pepper fine dice (1/8 inch)
  • 1 jalapeno fine dice (1/8 inch)
  • 1/4 small red onion fine dice (1/8 inch)
  • 1 handful cilantro leaves minced
  • 2 cups bbq sauce your favorite brand
  • 12 ounces pineapple chunks
  • 1 habanero chile seeded and chopped
  • 10 to 12 Torta buns or soft Kaiser Rolls
  • 1 head Lettuce or Napa Cabbage

Instructions
 

  • Cut excess fat from pork, rub with salt and place in a slow-cooker. Pierce with a carving fork. Pour liquid smoke over pork and pat into the pork.
  • Cover the slow-cooker and cook pork on low for 8 to 10 hours.
  • Prepare the salsa by tossing the pineapple, red bell pepper, jalapeno, red onion and cilantro together. Refrigerate until serving.
  • Combine bbq sauce, pineapple and habanero together in a food processor or blender. Pulse until well blended and smooth. Heat in a small sauce pan and set aside.
  • To serve, warm the buns. Place a layer of cabbage on the bottom bun. Top with Kalua pork and pineapple salsa. Drizzle with bbq sauce.

These Kalua Pork Tortas are great for a picnic or an evening on the patio.  Give them a try and let me know how you like them.

Please feel free to share this recipe on twitter and be sure to  subscribe for future recipes delivered right to your inbox.

—posted by Sandy

 

 

Here are some great looking recipes that are just waiting for your leftover Kalua Pork:

Asian Lettuce Wraps by Kalyn’s Kitchen

Pork Carnitas Tacos by Everyday Southwest

Cuban Pulled Pork Sliders by Confections of a Foodie Bride

Pulled Pork Enchilada Casserole by Hogwash

Tweet
Pin1K
Share34
1K Shares

Filed Under: Main Dishes Tagged With: entres, foodie, Hawaiian pork recipe, kalua pork recipe, pineapple habanero bbq sauce, pineapple salsa, pulled pork, pulled pork recipe, pulled pork sandwich, pulled pork torta, torta recipe

Previous Post: « Southwest Meets Italy in this Three Pepper Ricotta Tart Recipe
Next Post: Slow Cooker Duck Confit Quesadilla Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Barbara @ Barbara Bakes

    April 13, 2012 at 11:34 am

    I like how you spiced up Kalua Pork. It looks like summer to me.

    Reply
  2. Kate

    April 13, 2012 at 11:42 am

    Ok, those pictures are so delicious! Even for a vegetarian!

    Reply
    • Sandy

      April 13, 2012 at 2:15 pm

      Hi Kate! I’m so happy you stopped by! Im going to have to do a vegetarian dish for you right away. Maybe a Graduation Day cupcake 🙂
      Say “Hey” to Neil for me.

      Reply
  3. Carol

    April 17, 2012 at 9:13 am

    Thank goodness! The title had me worried for a minute. I can’t wait to taste this scrumptions-looking delight.

    Reply
  4. Toby @ Plate Fodder

    April 18, 2012 at 3:53 pm

    I swear! slow cooked pork is just about the best thing since sliced bread! We’re planning on pit cooking a big pig this summer and I can’t wait! love the spice blend you used.

    Reply
    • Sandy

      April 18, 2012 at 4:16 pm

      You are pit roasting a WHOLE pig?! Awesome! You’ve got to stop back by an d leave a comment about the event. We will definitely link to your website and spread the word.

      Reply
  5. Kevin (Closet Cooking)

    April 18, 2012 at 7:33 pm

    These sandwiches would be really tasty!

    Reply
    • Sandy

      April 25, 2012 at 12:09 pm

      Kevin, These really do make a great sandwich. I hope you give them a try and let me know what you think.

      Reply
  6. Susan Bewley@Budget Earth

    April 19, 2012 at 10:54 am

    5 stars
    Wow! I’m normally not a pork fan but I may have to try it. This sounds absolutely heavenly! I will have to see if I can find a store around here that sells liquid smoke.

    Budget Earth – Baked Acorn Squash Recipe

    Reply
    • Sandy

      April 25, 2012 at 11:42 am

      Bev, This is a dish that will win you over to pork. You can added so many great flavors like salsas or use the pork in any of you favorite dishes like bbq sandwiches or enchiladas. You can find liquid smoke in any grocery store. I think it’s by the spices and flavorings. If not, be sure to ask for it. It is a very common ingredient.

      Reply
  7. Deborah

    April 19, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    That looks so good – especially with that salsa!!

    Reply
    • Sandy

      April 25, 2012 at 11:30 am

      Hi Deborah, Thanks for stopping by. This really is a great recipe, especially for busy mom’s like you. This is one of my sons’ many favorites.

      Reply
  8. Susan Marshall VA

    April 25, 2012 at 8:55 am

    I made these last night for my husband and they were absolutely wonderful. He even went back for seconds, minus the bun. These would be great for a party as everything can be done ahead of time and it makes so much. This was my first recipe to try from EverydaySouthwest.com and it was a success! I look forward to trying another one from your site very soon. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Sandy

      April 25, 2012 at 11:14 am

      Hi Susan! I’m so glad you and your family liked this recipe. It’s a great one for our hot summer days.
      Thanks for letting us know about it, we love any feedback from our foodie friends.

      Reply
  9. Dori aka Malibu Kitchen

    April 26, 2012 at 9:48 pm

    Wow this looks amazingly good! Love your recipes and pictures.

    Reply
    • Sandy

      April 30, 2012 at 12:40 am

      Dori, Thanks for stopping by our blog. I look forward to sharing recipes with you.

      Reply
  10. LindaK

    April 27, 2012 at 9:58 am

    I made this last week, and it was so simple, and so…..INCREDIBLY delicious. This is such a great party dish. I couldn’t find ti or banana leaves but would love to try it with them. Thank you for such a delicious recipe……I’m already planning on making it for a send off party for friends who are going to Hawaii. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT (could you tell?)

    Reply
    • Sandy

      April 30, 2012 at 12:38 am

      Linda, I’m so happy you liked the recipe! It is a great party dish that will let you enjoy your own party. Have fun.

      Reply
  11. judy

    February 22, 2013 at 3:40 am

    Do you remove the skin off the pork shoulder before cooking it? How long does the prepared pork last in the fridge? I want to make it in advance for a party.

    Reply
    • Sandy

      February 22, 2013 at 11:46 am

      The skin on my pork shoulder had already been removed so, yes, I would remove the skin and maybe some (but not all) of the fat. That would depend on how much fat is on the shoulder, of course. You do want to leave some for that great “pork-y” flavor.
      I think it is totally fine to cook the pork one or two days ahead of time.
      Have fun at your party!

      Reply
  12. judy

    February 22, 2013 at 3:41 am

    Also, can you make the pineapple BBQ sauce in advance? Do you think it would be ok if I made it a couple days in advance to using it?

    Reply
    • Sandy

      February 22, 2013 at 11:41 am

      Hi Judy,
      Yes, making the BBQ sauce ahead is perfectly ok and a great idea!

      Reply
  13. pulled porktips

    July 20, 2013 at 2:24 am

    I take into account all the thoughts you’ve available with your article. They are really begging and definitely will definitely operate. Nevertheless, the actual articles are very small instructor can. Could you want prolong these people slightly by next occasion? Thanks for the publish.

    Reply
  14. pulled porkmemphis style

    July 20, 2013 at 11:20 am

    My sister encouraged I might perhaps like this site. They ended up being totally correct. That create actually created my personal morning. You are unable to believe that the way in which a whole lot time period I had spent because of this facts! Many thanks!

    Reply
  15. Leigh Anne Wilkes @YourHomebasedMom

    January 10, 2014 at 8:56 am

    This looks delicious! Take me away to Hawaii!!

    Reply
    • Sandy

      January 16, 2014 at 7:05 pm

      Thanks, Leigh Anne! I love this “Hawaii at home” recipe. It’s a family favorite.

      Reply
  16. Melanie LaDue

    January 10, 2014 at 9:56 am

    This looks delicious Sandra…and slow cooker? Yes please!

    Melanie 🙂

    Reply
    • Sandy

      January 16, 2014 at 7:02 pm

      Hi Melanie, Thanks for stopping by and yes! More slow cooker recipes to come!

      Reply
  17. Bethany

    January 10, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    This looks so yummy!

    Reply
    • Sandy

      January 16, 2014 at 7:00 pm

      Thanks, Bethany! Yummy AND easy!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Top Ten List of Our Most Loved Recipes for 2012 says:
    January 3, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    […] has simplified it and used the slow cooker for tender, delicious chicken. Fifth place recipe is Kalua Pork Torta with Pineapple Salsa.  This recipe was also featured on the Huffington Post.  It turned out to be an amazing way to […]

    Reply
  2. Easy Grilled Recipes Family Dinners | #chicken #desserts says:
    June 14, 2013 at 11:48 pm

    […] Kalua Pork Torta Recipe with Pineapple Salsa […]

    Reply
  3. Easy Grilled Recipes Family Dinners | #chicken #desserts says:
    June 14, 2013 at 11:48 pm

    […] Kalua Pork Torta Recipe with Pineapple Salsa […]

    Reply
  4. 9 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes to Make for Tonight’s Dinner | Everyfoodrecipes, cooking tips, and how-to food videos—all rated and reviewed by millions of home cooks,make the perfect birthday cake, or plan your next holiday dinner. says:
    April 1, 2014 at 6:42 am

    […]  SLOW COOKER KALUA PORK SANDWICHES w/ PINEAPPLE SALSA (from Everyday Southwest): This easy slow cooker recipe turns out tender pork for sandwiches. […]

    Reply
  5. Slow Cooker Hawaiian Kalua Pork Taco Recipe says:
    May 5, 2014 at 8:48 am

    […] Slow Cooker Kalua Pork Taco Recipe to bring a little of the islands to the dinner table.  Make a big batch for Kalua Pork Tortes, too. […]

    Reply
  6. April Meal Plan Week 4 - Flour On My Face says:
    April 22, 2020 at 4:30 am

    […] – Kalua Pork Torta with Pineapple Salsa from Everyday Southwest. Serve with sweet potato […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Sandy is a former elementary educator whose love for cooking has gone out of control. She has completed a degree in culinary arts and is now a food writer, photographer, cookbook author and co-creator of the popular website Everyday Southwest. Read More…

Mom’s Authentic Mexican Tamales Recipe

Authentic Mexican Tamales Recipe

Corn Pudding with Green Chiles – Southwest Style

Corn Pudding with Green Chiles Casserole

Recipe Categories

Looking for Something?

Copyright © 2021 · Privacy Policy