Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that blends the smoky richness of traditional Hawaiian Kalua pig with the irresistible charm of a crispy, cheesy pizza? This isn't your average pizza night; this is a taste of paradise, brought to you by the incredible Chef Sheldon Simeon. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this unique and delicious fusion dish! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, a fun weekend project, or impressing guests with your homemade cooking skills. It's one of the best recipes you'll find for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
For the Kalua Pig:
- 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Hawaiian sea salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp liquid smoke
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Pizza:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Kalua pig (from above)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Pineapple chunks (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Kalua Pig:
- Marinate the Pork: In a large bowl, combine the chicken broth, salt, brown sugar, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Add the pork shoulder and ensure it's fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Slow Cook the Pork: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the marinated pork shoulder in a Dutch oven or oven-safe roasting pan. Add about 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan. Cover tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Cook until Tender: Cook for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. Check the water level occasionally and add more if needed to prevent drying.
- Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Using two forks, shred the pork into small pieces.
Assembling the Pizza:
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Stretch the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape. Transfer it to the prepared pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Add the Sauce and Cheese: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Top with Kalua Pig and Garnishes: Distribute the shredded Kalua pig evenly over the cheese. Top with sliced red onions, chopped cilantro, and pineapple chunks (if using).
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions:
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. This Hawaiian-inspired pizza is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- For a smokier flavor: Use a smoker instead of the oven to cook the Kalua pig.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Kalua pig marinade for a little heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the Kalua pig with roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions.
- Cheese Lovers: Add extra cheese! Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This delicious and easy recipe is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy your culinary journey!