What To Serve With Kalua Pork: 20 Easy To Make Recipes
Are you wondering what to serve with kalua pork? Then you are in the right place! Today, I have rounded up 20 easy to make recipes that will take your kalua pork to the next level!
HAWAII & KAULA PORK
Did you know that I lived in Hawaii for a short time? Thanks to the military, Don and I lived in Hawaii early in our marriage and not only was it a gorgeous place to be but the food was amazing!
There are so many Hawaiian recipes and Hawaiian dishes that I absolutely love! However, a Hawaiian cuisine that you may not have heard of is kalua pork!
Kalua pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish that has been served at luaus and other events throughout the islands for generations, particularly in Polynesian culture. Its name is derived from how it is made: Kalua means “to cook in an underground oven” in Hawaiian. The most distinguishing feature of this delicacy is that it is typically a whole pig that is slow-roasted in an underground oven known as an imu, which is made of wood and stones. The taste is a rich, salty, and smoky flavor that can be used to create shredded pork or pork sandwiches
Now, you don’t have to go to Hawaii to enjoy authentic kalua pork! There are tons of recipes online for making this particular cooked pork depending on how much cooking time you have and your favorite way to cook pork in general. Personally, I love instant pot kalua pork or slow cooker kalua pork.
With the kalua pork being your main dish, you might be wondering what Hawaiian side dishes (or side dishes in general) you would serve with it. Well, that’s where I come in because today I am sharing 20 easy-to-make recipes that all taste delicious with kalua pork!
As I mentioned before, I rounded up 20 easy-to-make recipes that you can serve with kalua pork. These recipes are simple to make, use ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen, and (of course) taste delicious!
Since kaula pork is Hawaiian, I tried to round up both Hawaiian-themed side dishes as well as regular side dishes to give you some variety. Also, to make things a bit easier, I divided the recipes up by either the main ingredient or the type of food it is (like salad). By doing this, you can easily skip the recipes that interest you the most!
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s dive into these recipes and find the perfect side dish for our kalua pork!
PINEAPPLE
Grab some fresh pineapple and make these recipes that will make your kaula pork taste even sweeter!
Grilled Pineapple by Easy Budget Recipes
Enjoy the summer to the fullest with this grilled pineapple recipe. Its sweet and tangy flavors go perfectly with juicy pork, plus it can be ready in half an hour!
Mango Pineapple Salsa by Haute & Healthy Living
This vibrant and flavorful mango pineapple salsa is an excellent healthy addition to any kalua pork recipe. It’s also gluten-free and vegetarian!
Simple Hawaiian Rice Pilaf With Pineapple Chutney by Garlic & Zest
This quick and easy 30-minute tropical Hawaiian pineapple rice recipe includes white rice, chutney, and cilantro. A simple, tasty side dish.
SALAD
You can never go wrong with a classic! Grab a large bowl and a few key ingredients to make these simple salad recipes that will go perfectly with any type of kalua pork you are servicing at dinner!
Sweet Macaroni Salad by Cooking With Carlee
If you want a tangy but sweet macaroni salad, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is ideal for potlucks, picnics, brown bag lunches, and of course smoky pork!
Hawaiian Mac Salad by Spabettie
This Hawaiian macaroni salad (or mac salad) is a pineapple-spiked version of the traditional potluck recipe!
Easy Quick Dill Potato Salad by The Dizzy Cook
This salad, made with fingerling potatoes, takes much less time to prepare than other recipes. It’s ideal for a barbecue when tossed with dill mayo dressing.
Green Goddess Salad by Homebody Eats
The green goddess salad is full of vitamins and nutrients. Top with citrus vinaigrette, green onions, and flaky sea salt for a delicious salad!
Pasta Salad With Roasted Corn And Edamame by My Cooking Journey
Simple and refreshing. Pasta salad with roasted corn and edamame makes an excellent lunch or side dish for a holiday meal.
Tangy Green Bean Ciliegine Salad by Garlic & Zest
Do you want an easy green bean potato salad? This potato and beans recipe includes haricots verts with tomato and mozzarella. Try this French bean salad immediately.
Fruit Salad With Honey Lime Dressing by Babaganosh
Enjoy this fresh, beautiful Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing as a healthy snack or dessert. This fruit salad is a popular choice at potlucks and picnics.
COLESLAW
If you would rather have coleslaw than salad, then don’t miss these recipes! I’ve included a little bit of everything like traditional coleslaw, Hawaiian coleslaw, and even Asian slaw!
Old Fashioned Coleslaw With Vinegar by Peel with Zeal
A cool and tangy coleslaw recipe? An easy vinegar coleslaw recipe that will impress both you and your guests. All you need is some traditional ingredients (like green cabbage, kosher salt, and black pepper) along with distilled vinegar and Dijon mustard.
Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
With this Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw, you can add a sweet and savory tropical twist to the classic picnic side dish while also making it lighter with Greek yogurt.
Asian Slaw by It Is A Keeper
Grab your bottle of soy sauce and make this Japanese coleslaw! It combines exotic Asian flavors that are both bold and delicious. Plus, the best part, is that there is no mayonnaise, making it ideal for summer.
SIDE DISHES
If you want a more traditional side dish that can add a bit more food to your plate, don’t worry because I have you covered! Ceck out these delicious side dishes that feature mashed potatoes, rolls, corn on the cob, and so much more!
SIMPLE SIDE DISHES
Hawaiian Rolls Recipe by Vegan In The Freezer
You can never go wrong with yummy rolls! Head to the grocery store to get the ingredients to make these soft, fluffy Hawaiian Rolls! Using the Instant Pot to proof the dough makes things easier. Plus, these rolls are perfect if you are vegan as well!
Coconut Basmati Rice by Wholefood Soulfood Kitchen
Here’s an easy way to elevate your rice – try this sticky Coconut Basmati Rice recipe for something a little special. All you’ll need is a handful of ingredients (like coconut milk, table salt, and a cup of water) to get this easy coconut rice on the table. Full of the creamy and tropical flavor of coconut, this fluffy rice dish will satisfy your taste buds and is a great companion to Asian dishes.
Air Fryer Corn On The Cob by Confetti and Bliss
This air-fried corn on the cob is buttery, crunchy, and delicious! Biting into these plump kernels provides great satisfaction and food happiness. It’s a recipe infused with memories of backyard barbecues and summertime activities.
HEARTY SIDE DISHES
Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes With Fresh Thyme by Kim Schob
You’ll adore the flavor and texture of the Best Sweet Mashed Potatoes. The ideal side dish for any time of year!
Slow Cooker Baked Beans by Vegan In The Freezer
If you want both spicy and savory flavors in your side dish, then try this Vegetarian Baked Beans recipe! It’s a quick Crock Pot Baked Beans Dinner that uses a variety of canned beans.
Asian-Style Shiitake Mushrooms and Baby Bok Choy by Food & Other Things
Find a delicious recipe for Asian-style Shiitake mushrooms and baby bok choy. This flavorful dish is ideal for quick dinners full of fresh ingredients.
Garlic Butter Naan by Busy Creating Memories
As a general rule, I think we can all agree that garlic and butter are a match made in heaven! So, if you love that combo, but want to try something new, then chaked out this Garlic Butter Naan! It’s a soft and fluffy Indian-style flatbread with a light interior and a toasty exterior that you’ll want to make again and again!
FINAL THOUGHTS ON WHAT TO SERVE WITH KALUA PORK
There are some days when I really miss Hawaii and the beautiful scenery, great weather, and the friends that we made. I went back a few years ago by myself for a work trip which was so nice because I got to enjoy all those things for a few days! Until I go back again, in the meantime, I can enjoy some yummy food and bring Hawaii to me!
Now, if you made it to the end of this post, then this is your sign to throw your very own Hawaiian luau! – Honestly this sounds like so much fun and would be perfect to do as a summer get-together! Imagine everyone bringing a side dish or dessert, while you make the kaula pork! Then you all could feast and hula dance the night away! – If you have a pool that would make everything even better!! LOL
Ok, since I have rambled on and on, I now have to ask you ALL the questions!! Have you ever been to Hawaii? Have you ever tried kaula pork? What was your favorite side dish recipe? Share all your thoughts in the comments below!
IF YOU MAKE YOUR KALUA PORK IN A SLOW COOKER, CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR OTHER SLOW COOKER RECIPES!
