The BBQ Kalua Pork Sandwich from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant features tender, smoky shredded Kalua pork piled high on a soft, sweet King's Hawaiian roll, accented with tangy BBQ sauce and a crisp coleslaw topping for a flavorful contrast of savory, sweet, and crunchy elements.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or smoker
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Large fork or meat shredder claws
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (boneless)
- 1 tablespoon Hawaiian sea salt
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 12 King's Hawaiian rolls
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Using boneless pork shoulder weighing 3-4 pounds is essential for achieving tender, flavorful Kalua pork, while Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke provide the signature smoky taste. The combination of green and red cabbage with shredded carrot creates a vibrant, crunchy coleslaw that balances the savory BBQ sauce and sweet King's Hawaiian rolls. Mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar blend into the coleslaw dressing, giving it a refreshing tang and subtle sweetness. You should have all measuring tools and shredding utensils ready to ensure precise seasoning and proper meat texture. This recipe replicates the beloved BBQ Kalua Pork Sandwich from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant, bringing its iconic sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors to your table.
Instructions
- Prepare the pork shoulder by seasoning it with Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke.
- Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker or smoker.
- Cook the pork on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until tender and easily shreds.
- Remove the cooked pork and transfer to a cutting board.
- Shred the pork using large forks or meat shredder claws.
- Toss the shredded pork with BBQ sauce in a mixing bowl.
- In another mixing bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, and shredded carrot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly, creating coleslaw.
- Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half.
- Pile shredded BBQ Kalua pork onto the bottom half of each roll.
- Top the pork with a generous portion of coleslaw.
- Place the top half of the roll on each sandwich.
- Arrange the prepared sandwiches on a serving platter.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The BBQ Kalua Pork Sandwich from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant copycat menu brings together tender shredded Kalua pork with a tangy BBQ sauce and crisp coleslaw on a soft, sweet King's Hawaiian roll. If you don't have access to Hawaiian sea salt, kosher salt or regular sea salt can be used as a substitute without significantly affecting the flavor. For a smoky essence, liquid smoke is essential, but smoked paprika can provide a mild smoky alternative if you're out of liquid smoke. When shredding the pork, you can use two forks or specialized meat shredder claws, depending on what you have on hand. Your coleslaw can be customized by swapping cabbage varieties or adjusting the vinegar and sugar amounts to suit your taste preferences.
Tips
Your cooking space should be well-organized with all the necessary equipment and ingredients within reach to streamline the process. When seasoning the pork shoulder, evenly rubbing the Hawaiian sea salt and liquid smoke ensures consistent flavor throughout the meat. Shredding the pork with forks or meat claws while it is still warm helps achieve tender, easy-to-pull strands. For the coleslaw, whisk the dressing thoroughly to blend the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and seasonings well before tossing it with the shredded cabbage and carrots, ensuring a balanced tangy and creamy taste.
Nutritions
The BBQ Kalua Pork Sandwich offers a good source of protein from the slow-cooked pork shoulder, providing essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. The coleslaw topping contributes dietary fiber and vitamins, particularly vitamin C from the cabbage and carrot, supporting immune health and digestion. You benefit from moderate healthy fats found in the mayonnaise-based dressing, which adds creaminess without excessive calories when used in controlled amounts. The soft King's Hawaiian roll adds carbohydrates for energy, balancing the sandwich's macronutrient profile for a satisfying meal.
Storage
Store leftover BBQ Kalua pork in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Coleslaw should be kept separately in a sealed container to prevent sogginess and maintain its crisp texture. Your King's Hawaiian rolls can be stored in a bread box or bag at room temperature for a day or two to retain softness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can enhance the smoky flavor of your BBQ Kalua Pork Sandwich by substituting liquid smoke with wood chips in the smoker for a more authentic taste. Swap the traditional coleslaw with a spicy kimchi slaw to add a tangy and fermented twist that complements the sweet King's Hawaiian roll. For a quicker cooking method, consider oven roasting the pork shoulder at a low temperature for 4-5 hours instead of using a slow cooker. Replace mayonnaise in the dressing with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier coleslaw option that maintains creaminess without added fat.
Allergies
The BBQ Kalua Pork Sandwich contains common allergens such as mayonnaise, which includes eggs, and the King's Hawaiian rolls, which typically contain wheat and gluten. The coleslaw includes mayonnaise that may cause reactions for those with egg allergies, while the pork and BBQ sauce generally pose minimal allergenic risk but may contain preservatives or additives to check. Make sure to verify all ingredient labels if you have allergies to wheat, eggs, or any additives to ensure your safety when enjoying this sandwich.
Why this recipe?
The BBQ Kalua Pork Sandwich from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant stands out for its tender, slow-cooked pork infused with rich smoky flavors and paired perfectly with the bakery's signature sweet, soft Hawaiian rolls. This combination delivers a harmonious balance of savory and sweet, creating a satisfying and authentic taste experience that resonates with fans of Hawaiian cuisine. Your effort to make a copycat version is worthwhile because replicating these distinct flavors at home allows you to enjoy an iconic comfort food while customizing ingredients to your preference. Emulating this popular menu item also provides a fun culinary challenge and a chance to bring a taste of the islands to your own kitchen.