Heart-Healthy Kalua Pig
Transform your traditional Hawaiian feast with this "Heart-Healthy Kalua Pig," a lighter twist on the island classic, perfect for health-conscious food lovers. This recipe preserves the smoky, tender essence of authentic Kalua pig by using a lean pork shoulder, infused with liquid smoke and Hawaiian sea salt. Wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked to perfection, every bite is brimming with that signature earthy flavor. The addition of low-sodium chicken broth keeps the dish moist and flavorful while slashing unnecessary sodium. Served with steamed green cabbage, this recipe is as wholesome as it is delicious, offering a low-fat, high-protein option that effortlessly fits into a heart-healthy diet. Whether you're craving a slice of Hawaiian cuisine or looking for a nutritious slow cooker meal, this versatile dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Pork shoulder (lean cut, trimmed of visible fat)
- 1 tablespoon Liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon Hawaiian sea salt (or other coarse sea salt)
- 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 large leaves Banana leaves
- 1 head Green cabbage
Instructions
Prepare the pork shoulder by trimming off any visible fat to reduce overall fat content.
Rub the pork shoulder with the liquid smoke and sprinkle with the Hawaiian sea salt, ensuring even distribution.
Line a slow cooker with banana leaves, leaving enough excess to wrap over the top of the pork.
Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker on top of the banana leaves.
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth around the pork, being careful not to wash off the seasoning.
Wrap the pork with the banana leaves, covering as much of the meat as possible.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat.
Cook for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is extremely tender and easy to shred with a fork.
While pork is cooking, prepare the cabbage. Remove any damaged outer leaves and cut the cabbage into wedges.
About 30 minutes before the pork is done, place the cabbage wedges on top of the pork in the slow cooker to steam until soft.
Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker carefully along with the cabbage.
Shred the pork using two forks into bite-sized pieces, discarding any remaining fat.
Serve the shredded pork with the steamed cabbage on the side. Enjoy your heart-healthy Kalua Pig!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2455 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 104.3 g | 134% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.8 g | 184% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1021 mg | 340% | |
| Sodium | 3180 mg | 138% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.8 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.6 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.9 g | ||
| Protein | 356.2 g | 712% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 273 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 13.9 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 5481 mg | 117% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
