Kalua Pork

Kalua Pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish featuring a whole pig seasoned with sea salt and cooked in an underground oven called an 'imu'. The slow-cooking process results in incredibly tender, smoky, and flavorful shredded pork. It is a centerpiece of Hawaiian luaus and celebrations.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Kalua Pork is a high-protein, high-fat dish with minimal carbohydrates, as it typically contains only pork and salt. A standard 3-ounce serving provides a good source of protein, B vitamins, and minerals like zinc and selenium, with a calorie count roughly between 200 and 300 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	400 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbs	2 g
Fat	32 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	850 mg
Potassium	380 mg
Phosphorus	220 mg
Zinc	4.5 mg
Iron	1.8 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.7 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	8 mg
Vitamin B6	0.5 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The unique cooking method in an 'imu'—a pit lined with hot lava rocks and covered with banana leaves—imparts a distinctive smoky flavor without using any smoke. Nutritionally, it's a simple, whole-food preparation that highlights the natural flavor of the meat, making it a gluten-free and paleo-friendly option.