Heart-Healthy Lechon Kawali

Indulge in the classic Filipino flavors of "Heart-Healthy Lechon Kawali" without the guilt! This lighter take on the traditionally indulgent dish swaps fatty pork belly for lean pork tenderloin while maintaining all the crispy, juicy goodness you love. Marinated in a savory blend of reduced-sodium soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns, the pork is boiled to tender perfection before being air-fried to achieve that signature golden crunch using just a spritz of olive oil. Perfectly seasoned with sea salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, this version not only preserves the iconic taste but also cuts back on fat and sodium for a heart-smart meal. Ready in under an hour, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a Filipino favorite, best served alongside steamed veggies or a crisp salad for a balanced, wholesome plate.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

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
• 0 Olive oil cooking spray
• 0.5 teaspoon Sea salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Cut the pork tenderloin into 2-inch wide strips. This will help mimic the texture of crispy pork belly while keeping it low-fat.

Step 2

In a pot, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, bay leaves, black peppercorns, chopped onion, and water. Bring to a boil.

Step 3

Add the pork strips to the boiling mixture. Boil for 20 minutes until the pork is cooked through and tender.

Step 4

Remove the pork and let it drain on a wire rack, ensuring it's dry to achieve a crispy texture by removing excess water.

Step 5

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Step 6

Brush or lightly spray the pork pieces with olive oil and sprinkle them with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Air fry the pork in batches, if necessary, for about 12-15 minutes or until the outside is golden and crispy.

Step 9

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

Serving size	1871.2 grams (1871.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1029

Total Fat 23.70g	30%
Saturated Fat 8.00g	40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 463mg	154%
Sodium 5809mg	253%
Total Carbohydrate 24.20g	9%
Dietary Fiber 3.50g	13%
Total Sugars 6.20g
Protein 175.60g	351%

Vitamin D 54IU	272%
Calcium 198mg	15%
Iron 9mg	52%
Potassium 3658mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.1%

Protein: 69.4%

Carbs: 9.6%