Transform your dinner routine with this flavorful and heart-healthy **Low Sodium Kalua Pork** recipe, a slow cooker delight inspired by traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Perfect for anyone seeking a lower-salt alternative without sacrificing taste, this recipe features tender, melt-in-your-mouth shredded pork shoulder infused with the smoky essence of liquid smoke and the natural sweetness of garlic and cabbage. Cooked over eight hours with optional banana leaves for added authenticity, this dish captures the essence of island barbecue in an easy, hands-off preparation. Serve this savory creation alongside steamed rice or your favorite sides for a satisfying, low-sodium meal that will transport your taste buds to paradise.
Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder roast.
Using the tip of a sharp knife, make small incisions evenly across the pork roast to insert minced garlic cloves throughout.
Rub the pork with freshly ground black pepper, ensuring it is evenly coated.
If using, rinse the banana leaves and pat them dry. Line the bottom of the slow cooker with the banana leaves, allowing the excess to drape over the edges. If not using banana leaves, you can skip this step.
Place the pork shoulder into the slow cooker, on top of the banana leaves if using.
Pour the liquid smoke evenly over the pork.
Core and thinly slice the cabbage and place it around the pork in the slow cooker.
Add 1/2 cup of water to the slow cooker, pouring it around the sides to avoid washing the seasoning off the pork.
Cover the pork with any remaining banana leaves, then place the lid on the slow cooker.
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for approximately 8 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Once done, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
Toss the shredded pork with the cabbage that has softened in the slow cooker juices.
Serve hot, paired with steamed rice or your choice of sides.
Calories |
4783 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 364.0 g | 467% | |
| Saturated Fat | 127.1 g | 636% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1361 mg | 454% | |
| Sodium | 1467 mg | 64% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.1 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.3 g | 83% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.3 g | ||
| Protein | 338.7 g | 677% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 625 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 19.9 mg | 111% | |
| Potassium | 6694 mg | 142% | |
*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.