Low Fat Lechon Kawali
Indulge guilt-free in the rich and crispy flavors of this **Low Fat Lechon Kawali**, a healthier take on the beloved Filipino classic! This recipe uses a lean cut of pork belly, simmered in a flavorful blend of bay leaves, garlic, black peppercorns, soy sauce, and vinegar to infuse every bite with aromatic goodness. Instead of deep-frying, the pork is roasted to golden perfection in the oven for a crisp, bubbly skin with a fraction of the oil. Perfectly balanced with a squeeze of tangy calamansi or lemon, this dish delivers all the crunch and succulence you crave while keeping it lighter and heart-healthier. Ready in just over an hour, this oven-baked lechon kawali is ideal for family dinners or special occasions where flavor and mindful cooking meet.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork belly, lean cut
- 2 pieces bay leaves
- 4 pieces garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cups water
- 1 as needed vegetable oil spray
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 as needed calamansi or lemon, sliced
Instructions
Place the pork belly in a large pot and add the water, bay leaves, garlic, black peppercorns, soy sauce, vinegar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 60 minutes or until the pork is tender but not falling apart. Check occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the pork submerged.
Remove the pork from the pot and let it rest on a wire rack to cool and drain. Pat the surface dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Once cooled, spray the pork belly with a thin layer of vegetable oil spray.
Place the pork belly on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, skin side up.
Roast in the oven for about 20-30 minutes or until the skin is crisp and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Serve with calamansi or lemon slices on the side for a fresh drizzle before eating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1195 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 91.3 g | 117% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.8 g | 159% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 318 mg | 106% | |
| Sodium | 3865 mg | 168% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.2 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 81.5 g | 163% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 161 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 5.1 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 1400 mg | 30% | |
*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.
