Cuisine : Hawaii : Kalua Pig
Travel Through Food - Hawaii: Kalua Pig & Shrimp Truck Shrimp
Don't have time or money to spend traveling the world? Then bring the world to you through food. Native cuisine is a quick and delicious way to learn about a new culture and community. The possibilities of travel through food are endless and you don't even have to pack a bag!
Today's journey takes us to Hawaii where we will create a pork dish and a shrimp dish. Rice is a perfect accompaniment for both. Kalua pig is traditionally served at lu'aus and is the Hawaiian version of pulled pork served in the South. Shrimp Truck Shrimp might be a new one for you, but the foundation is familiar. It is super garlicky scampi served over rice and the "truck" part of the name comes from the lunch trucks that serve this delicious dish. Buying shrimp from a truck in 90 degree heat seems pretty counterintuitive, but it's the best shrimp you'll ever have and a truly Hawaiian experience.
Our trip to the islands begins with the table setting. Hawaiian decorations might include palm trees or leaves, banana leaves, orchids, hibiscus, birds of paradise, tuberose and coconuts. Bright colors as well as dark greens will transport you to your own tropical paradise. Don't forget to wear your Hawaiian shirt!
Kalua Pig
Traditionally kalua pig is a whole pig slow roasted in an earthen pit. Hmmm...don't have one? A slow cooker plus liquid smoke is the perfect substitute. Take a 4-5 lb pork roast (shoulder or Boston Butt) and season liberally with Hawaiian salt (kosher salt will work too). Add two tablespoons of liquid smoke and cook low 'n slow for at least 8 hours. 10 or 12 hours wouldn't hurt it if you have the time.
Once the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker and into a large platter. Shred the pork with two forks or tongs and make sure to ladle any juice from the bottom of the slow cooker onto the meat.
Shrimp Truck Shrimp
A rich finger-licking garlic sauce is the key element to this shrimp. Use raw shell-on shrimp for the best flavor. Pre-cooked shrimp will not do this justice. This recipe is for one serving of shrimp but would be enough for two people if serving kalua pig too. Otherwise double or triple this recipe to get the right amount.
Saute 4 tablespoons olive oil or butter, the juice of one lemon, a splash of white wine, at least 8 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon paprika. This will only take a few minutes on medium low heat. Turn the heat up and add 12 large shrimp (U21/25s or larger if you can get them), cooking just until they are done (pink and curled up). Do not overcook. Remove from pan, onto a platter and make sure to scrape up all the tastey bits that might be stuck on the bottom of the pan.
Pigging Out
Don't forget to steam rice in a rice cooker while the pork is cooking and before you prepare the shrimp. Serve everything family style on large platters. To plate, scoop two spoonfuls of rice. Top one with kalua pig and the other with Shrimp Truck Shrimp. Make sure to get sauce from each dish too. Yum!
TIP: GiftStashers, create a registry called Hawaiian Food and save choices there until you're ready to buy.