Immerse yourself in the flavors of the Philippines with this Paleo Pork Pastil—a low-carb, gluten-free twist on the traditional Filipino street food! This recipe transforms tender pork shoulder, coconut aminos, and hearty cauliflower rice into a savory filling, all wrapped in aromatic banana leaves for a rustic, authentic touch. The dish is steamed to meld the flavors while keeping it light and nourishing, making it perfect for those following a paleo lifestyle. Simple yet flavorful, this pastil is not only healthy but deeply satisfying, offering a unique way to enjoy Filipino cuisine in a wholesome package. Whether served as a fun dish for dinner or packed for a quick lunch, the Paleo Pork Pastil delivers on taste, nutrition, and cultural charm!
Begin by preparing the banana leaves. Gently rinse each banana leaf under cool water and pat dry. Carefully remove the stiff center rib if necessary.
In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the onions to the pan and cook until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Increase the heat to high and add the sliced pork shoulder to the pan. Stir frequently, cooking until the pork is browned on all sides, approximately 8-10 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the coconut aminos, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to ensure the pork is evenly coated. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
In a separate pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's tender and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
To assemble each pastil, lay a piece of banana leaf flat and place 1/6 of the cauliflower rice in the center. Top with 1/6 of the pork mixture.
Fold the banana leaf over the filling to create a flat parcel. Ensure the leaf fully encloses the meat and rice.
Steam the banana leaf parcels in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors and soften the leaves.
Remove from the steamer and let rest for a minute before serving. Serve warm, allowing guests to unwrap their pastil parcels themselves.
Calories |
1755 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 128.5 g | 165% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.2 g | 291% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 350 mg | 117% | |
| Sodium | 2523 mg | 110% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.4 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.4 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.5 g | ||
| Protein | 103.8 g | 208% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 219 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 2611 mg | 56% | |
*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.