Kalua Pork Quesadillas

Name: Kalua Pork Quesadillas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: hawaiian
Ingredients: 500 g pork shoulder (cooked kalua-style, shredded (sub-recipe: slow-roasted with liquid smoke and sea salt, or use leftover)); 8 pcs flour tortilla (large, burrito-size); 300 g monterey jack cheese (shredded); 100 g pineapple (fresh, finely diced); 0.5 pcs red onion (medium, thinly sliced); 3 tbsp cilantro (chopped); 1 pcs jalapeno (seeded, thinly sliced (optional for heat)); 1 pcs lime (cut into wedges for serving); 1 pinch salt (for pork seasoning, if needed); 2 tbsp butter (for grilling tortillas)

RATING

4.4/5(78)

TASTE SCORE

9/10

Crispy, golden-brown flour tortillas stuffed with smoky, tender Kalua pork and gooey melted cheese. This Hawaiian-Mexican fusion brings together slow-cooked, shredded pork with the satisfying crunch of a perfectly grilled quesadilla. A quick and easy way to transform leftover Kalua pork into a crowd-pleasing meal or snack.

PREP

10m

COOK

20m

SERVES

1 PIECE

970 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 4 STEPS

prep
Prepare the Kalua pork filling.
Shred the cooked kalua pork into bite-sized strands using two forks. Taste and season with a pinch of salt if needed, keeping in mind the pork was already seasoned during its initial cooking. Gather the shredded cheese, diced pineapple, sliced red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno.
TIPWarm the shredded pork before assembling quesadillas to ensure the center is hot and the cheese melts faster.
assemble
Assemble the quesadillas.
1.Lay 4 tortillas flat on a clean work surface.
2.Sprinkle a layer of Monterey Jack cheese on one half of each tortilla.
3.Distribute the shredded Kalua pork evenly over the cheese.
4.Top with diced pineapple, red onion slices, cilantro, and jalapeno.
5.Add a final layer of cheese on top of the fillings.
6.Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filled side to create a half-moon shape.
TIPDon't overfill the tortillas—a modest, even layer ensures they seal properly and flip without spilling.
grill
Grill the quesadillas.
1.Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2.Melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter in the pan.
3.Place 1 or 2 folded quesadillas in the skillet, seam-side down first.
4.Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
5.Carefully flip with a spatula and cook the second side for another 3-4 minutes.
6.Repeat with the remaining butter and quesadillas.
TIPUse medium heat—too high will burn the tortilla before the cheese melts. Press down gently with the spatula while cooking.
serve
Cut and serve immediately.
Transfer the grilled quesadillas to a cutting board. Cut each half-moon into 2 or 3 wedges using a sharp knife. Arrange on plates and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Warm the shredded pork before assembling so the cheese melts evenly and the center is piping hot.
2
Use medium heat and press gently with a spatula for even browning without burning the tortilla.
3
Do not overfill tortillas; a thin, even layer seals better and flips without spillage.
4
Flip quesadillas seam-side down first to lock the filling inside and prevent leakage.
5
Let grilled quesadillas rest for 1 minute before cutting to keep the cheese from oozing out.
6
For extra crispness, brush tortillas lightly with melted butter instead of adding butter to the pan.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

spicy mango

Spicy mango

Swap diced pineapple for ripe mango and add extra jalapeño for a sweeter, spicier twist that still nods to the islands.

low oil

Low-oil

Skip the butter and cook quesadillas in a dry non-stick skillet or air-fry at 375°F for 5-6 minutes for a lighter version.

gluten free

Gluten-free

Use large corn or cassava tortillas instead of flour to accommodate gluten-free diets; note that corn tortillas may need slightly less cooking time.

vegan

Vegan

Replace shredded cheese with a dairy-free melting cheese (like cashew-based) and use jackfruit prepared in kalua-style seasoning as a pork substitute.

HEALTH BENEFITS