Kalua Pork Quesadillas
Smoky, tender Kalua pork and gooey melted cheese are grilled inside a crispy tortilla with a sweet pop of pineapple. It’s a fantastic Hawaiian-inspired twist on a classic and the perfect way to use leftovers.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.In a medium bowl, combine the shredded Kalua pork, thinly sliced red onion, diced pineapple, and chopped cilantro. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Set aside.
- 2
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat
- a.While it heats up, lay a tortilla flat and spread about 1/2 tablespoon of softened butter evenly over one entire side.
- 3
Place the tortilla butter-side down in the hot skillet
- a.Immediately sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over one half of the tortilla.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Spoon approximately 1/4 of the Kalua pork mixture over the cheese, followed by another 1/4 cup of cheese on top of the pork.
- 5
Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling
- a.Cook for 2-3 minutes, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, until it's also golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- 7
Transfer the cooked quesadilla to a cutting board and let it rest for a minute
- a.Repeat steps 2-6 with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately with sour cream for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use medium heat for cooking. High heat will burn the tortilla before the cheese melts properly.
- 2Don't overstuff the quesadillas, as the filling will spill out when you flip them.
- 3Pressing the quesadilla down with a spatula helps create a crispy crust and ensures the filling melts together.
- 4This recipe is ideal for using leftover Kalua pork. If the pork is cold, it may need an extra minute to heat through.
- 5For a cleaner cut, use a pizza cutter to slice the quesadillas into wedges.
- 6Make sure your pineapple is well-drained if using canned to prevent a soggy quesadilla.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add some heat
Mix in some finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the pork filling for a spicy kick.
Cheese variationsCheese variations
Swap Monterey Jack with other melting cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Add a sauceAdd a sauce
Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce or teriyaki sauce on the inside of the tortilla before adding the filling for extra flavor.
Different proteinDifferent protein
If you don't have Kalua pork, this recipe also works well with shredded BBQ chicken or pulled pork.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
The Kalua pork and Monterey Jack cheese provide a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Vitamin C
Pineapple is an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps boost the immune system and supports skin health.
Provides Energy
The carbohydrates from the flour tortillas provide a quick source of energy to fuel your daily activities.
Frequently asked questions
Each quesadilla contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of tortilla and the fat content of the pork and cheese.