Bite for bite, this may be my easiest and tastiest recipe ever. All you need is a big pork roast, a few slices of bacon, Hawaiian Sea Salt, and patience!
5 pounds Pork shoulder roast (bone-in or bone-out)
1½ tablespoons Alaea Red Hawaiian Coarse Sea Salt (or ~1 tablespoon Alaea Red Hawaiian Fine Sea Salt )
5 peeled garlic cloves (optional)
Categories
Dinner
Cuisine
Hawaiian
Steps
Line a slow cooker with 3 slices of bacon. If desired, use a knife to remove the skin from the roast.
If you aren't using a 5-pound pork roast, weigh the pork so you can estimate how much salt to use. Follow Chef Judy Rodger's rule: use ~¾ teaspoon of medium-coarse salt for every 1 pound of meat. (Using fine salt? Use about half that amount.)
Then, cut some slits into the meat and tucked in the garlic cloves. Salt the pork all over, and then place the roast on top of the bacon in the slow cooker, skin-side up.
Cover with the lid and cook the roast on low for about 16 hours. (Note: newer slow cookers are hotter and may only require 9-12 hours on the low setting.) Don’t add any liquid!
When the pork is finished cooking, remove the meat and shred it with two forks. Check the pork for seasoning and adjust with the cooking liquid that remains at the bottom of the pot. Don’t just shred the meat in the cooking liquid—it’ll be too salty.
Serve!
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 293 kcal
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 16 g
Reviews
Lisa on 2026-05-24 (5 stars): I’ve made this recipe before and it’s amazing. One question, does help/hurt/unnecessary to sear the roast before putting it in the slow cooker?
Meredith on 2026-01-09 (5 stars): So good, so easy. I use the Instant Pot version but they're both good! A great versatile meat to use alone or with just about anything.
AlenaO on 2025-10-13 (5 stars): This recipe reminds me od the first time I had Kalua Pork in Hawai'i. Miss it!
Kristen Reitmeyer on 2024-10-17 (5 stars): You will see this recipe copied on the internet over & over because nailed it! We’ve been using this recipe for years & it’s fool proof. Thank you thank you Nom Nom!
Amanda B on 2024-09-22 (5 stars): This is a long time favorite recipe! I made it in the slow cooker and it comes out perfect every time. While you have to plan ahead - this is a great one for busy evenings and makes the house smell great. I can no longer use the garlic called for in the recipe, but it still tastes great and makes excellent leftovers.
Chrissy on 2024-08-13 (5 stars): I’ve been making this recipe for years now, it’s my favorite pulled pork recipe. Sometimes I sub the bacon for liquid smoke. Thanks for the great recipe!!!!
Amy on 2024-05-09 (5 stars): I have made this recipe several times. It is a staple in our home. We are having a family over that doesn’t eat pork. Could we do the same to a beef brisket or a beef roast?
Julie on 2024-01-21 (5 stars): This is my go-to pulled pork recipe since Jan 2014, published in Costco magazine I believe. Thank you for the tip about new slow cookers cooking hotter. I recently replaced mine and have to adjust all my recipes :>(. I checked the pork at 10 hours and it is perfect.
Katie on 2023-05-21 (5 stars): We love this recipe, but still aren't sure what sides to serve with it. Any suggestions?
