Heart-Healthy Lechon Kawali
Discover a guilt-free twist on a Filipino classic with this **Heart-Healthy Lechon Kawali** recipe, perfect for those who love bold flavors without compromising well-being. This version swaps out the traditional deep-fried pork belly with tender, lean pork tenderloin, marinated in savory reduced-sodium soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and spices for a flavor-packed base. Instead of frying, the air fryer crisps up each piece to golden perfection with just a light mist of olive oil, keeping it low in fat and high in satisfaction. Finished with a refreshing hint of lemon juice, this lighter take on lechon kawali is a wholesome yet indulgent delight. Ready in under an hour, it's perfect for quick weeknight meals or festive gatherings, especially when paired with steamed vegetables or a vibrant garden salad. **Low-fat lechon kawali**, **air fryer Filipino recipes**, and **healthy Filipino dishes** are just a few of the reasons this recipe will become a staple in your home!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Pork tenderloin
- 0.25 cup Soy sauce, reduced sodium
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 4 cups Water
- 1 Lemon, juiced
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 0.5 teaspoon Sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Cut the pork tenderloin into 2-inch wide strips. This will help mimic the texture of crispy pork belly while keeping it low-fat.
In a pot, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, bay leaves, black peppercorns, chopped onion, and water. Bring to a boil.
Add the pork strips to the boiling mixture. Boil for 20 minutes until the pork is cooked through and tender.
Remove the pork and let it drain on a wire rack, ensuring it's dry to achieve a crispy texture by removing excess water.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Brush or lightly spray the pork pieces with olive oil and sprinkle them with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Place the pork strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket as it might lead to uneven cooking.
Air fry the pork in batches, if necessary, for about 12-15 minutes or until the outside is golden and crispy.
Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete heart-healthy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1029 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.7 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.0 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 463 mg | 154% | |
| Sodium | 5809 mg | 253% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.2 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g | ||
| Protein | 175.6 g | 351% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 198 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 9.3 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 3658 mg | 78% | |
*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.
