Kalua pig and cabbage is a popular meal in Hawai’i featuring tender, smoky shredded pork mixed with cooked cabbage. It pairs perfectly with a couple of scoops of rice and a side of mac salad.
Kalua Pig & Cabbage
Kalua pig and cabbage is a traditional Hawaiian dish made with slow-cooked, shredded pork mixed with sautéed cabbage. Originally, kalua pig was served at luaus and celebrations, but as cabbage became more available in Hawai‘i, it was added to stretch the meat further, making this dish more affordable and accessible to everyone.
This is one of my absolute favorite meals when I’m back in Hawai‘i. Every time I go home, I make sure to have it at least once. Now that I’ve learned to make it while away, I can enjoy it anytime — and so can you!
I love dishes with multiple textures, and the cabbage adds a bit of crunch to the tender kalua pig, which is perfect. It’s packed with flavor, yet you don’t need a lot of ingredients!
Traditionally, kalua pig is roasted in an imu (an underground oven), but living in San Francisco, I don’t have access to one. So, I’m sharing my recipe for crockpot kalua pig — it’s delicious, simple, and easy to follow.
Ingredients
- Kalua Pig – Use my recipe here! I like to make Kalua pig in big batches to save some for later. I just add the Kalua pig to the sautéed cabbage instead of cooking it together all at once.
- Cabbage – Green Cabbage
- Shoyu – Soy sauce. I love Aloha Shoyu brand. Use code: HIGASHISKITCHEN to get 15% off their website!!!
- Rice – I like to use Japanese short grain because that’s what I grew up with but use whichever you like.
How To Eat Kalua Pig and Cabbage
Kalua pig and cabbage is often enjoyed at big gatherings, parties, or events. In Hawai‘i, it’s a favorite for celebrations like baby’s first birthdays or graduation parties. You’ll also find it in plate lunches, typically served with a scoop of white rice and a side of mac salad. I sometimes like to add a splash of shoyu on top, but that’s definitely optional!
Kalua Pig and Cabbage in Hawaii
There are so many spots that you can get this plate lunch at if you’re ever on Oahu. Here are some of my favorites:
Whether you’ve never had the chance to visit Hawai‘i or are missing this comforting dish from back home, this meal will transport you back to the beautiful islands of the Pacific.
Try These other Local Recipes:
Kalua Pig and Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Head Cabbage chopped
- 1 Yellow Onion Chopped
- 4 Lbs Cooked Kalua Pig
- Shoyu Optional
Instructions
- In hot skillet on Medium heat add olive oil. Once that has heated up add your chopped cabbage and onion. Cook until cabbage is softer and a little more translucent, about 7 minutes.
- Add Kalua pig and mix in very well. Once Kalua pig is heated up you can stop here or add a splash of shoyu and mix again! Totally optional but if your Kalua is already salty, I wouldn’t add any shoyu. Enjoy!