Heart-Healthy Kalua Pig

Transform your traditional Hawaiian feast into a guilt-free indulgence with this Heart-Healthy Kalua Pig recipe. Crafted with a lean, trimmed pork shoulder, aromatic banana leaves, and a hint of liquid smoke, this dish delivers all the smoky, tender goodness of the classic without the excess fat. Slow-cooked to perfection in a low-sodium chicken broth, the pork becomes irresistibly moist and flavorful, making it an ideal option for those seeking a lighter take on this island staple. Steamed green cabbage adds a nutritious, fiber-rich side that complements every bite of the succulent shredded pork. With just 15 minutes of prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, this easy, healthy Kalua Pig recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or your next luau-inspired gathering!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:480 mins

Total Time:495 mins

Servings: 8

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

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the pork shoulder by trimming off any visible fat to reduce overall fat content.

Step 2

Rub the pork shoulder with the liquid smoke and sprinkle with the Hawaiian sea salt, ensuring even distribution.

Step 3

Line a slow cooker with banana leaves, leaving enough excess to wrap over the top of the pork.

Step 4

Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker on top of the banana leaves.

Step 5

Pour the low-sodium chicken broth around the pork, being careful not to wash off the seasoning.

Step 6

Wrap the pork with the banana leaves, covering as much of the meat as possible.

Step 7

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat.

Step 8

Cook for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is extremely tender and easy to shred with a fork.

Step 9

While pork is cooking, prepare the cabbage. Remove any damaged outer leaves and cut the cabbage into wedges.

Step 10

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.

Step 11

Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker carefully along with the cabbage.

Step 12

Shred the pork using two forks into bite-sized pieces, discarding any remaining fat.

Step 13

Serve the shredded pork with the steamed cabbage on the side. Enjoy your heart-healthy Kalua Pig!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2163.2 grams (2163.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2455

Total Fat 104.30g	134%
Saturated Fat 36.80g	184%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 1021mg	340%
Sodium 3180mg	138%
Total Carbohydrate 20.80g	8%
Dietary Fiber 8.60g	31%
Total Sugars 11.90g
Protein 356.20g	712%

Vitamin D 95IU	476%
Calcium 273mg	21%
Iron 14mg	77%
Potassium 5481mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.4%

Protein: 58.2%

Carbs: 3.4%