Kalua pork and cabbage is a classic Hawaiian dish that is loved by many. This dish is made by slow-roasting pork with salt and wrapping it in ti leaves until it's tender and juicy. It's then served with sautéed cabbage that is flavored with garlic and onions. One serving of Kalua Pork and Cabbage weighs 12 oz and contains 390 calories.

Aside from its delicious taste, this dish is also packed with nutrients. The pork is a good source of protein, vitamin B12, and zinc, while the cabbage is rich in fiber and vitamin C.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at Kalua Pork and Cabbage, its health benefits, nutritional facts, and ways to prepare it at home.

A Closer Look at Kalua Pork and Cabbage: Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredient of Kalua Pork and Cabbage is obviously pork and cabbage, but there are some other key ingredients as well. For the pork, it's important to use a pork butt or shoulder, which has enough fat to give the dish flavor and juiciness. The pork is rubbed with sea salt and wrapped in ti leaves before being slow cooked for several hours. For the cabbage, it's important to sauté it with garlic and onions to give it a nice flavor. Other ingredients that can be added to enhance the flavor of Kalua Pork and Cabbage include soy sauce, liquid smoke, and chicken broth. Some recipes also call for using bacon or ham hocks to add more depth to the dish. Depending on the recipe, the cooking method can also vary. Some recipes call for smoking the pork, while others call for baking or slow cooking in a crockpot.

Health Benefits of Kalua Pork and Cabbage

Kalua Pork and Cabbage offers a number of health benefits. For starters, pork is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissues. It's also rich in vitamin B12, which is important for maintaining healthy nerve and blood cells. Zinc, another important nutrient found in pork, helps support the immune system and aids in wound healing. The cabbage in this dish is also packed with nutrients. Cabbage is low in calories but high in fiber, which can help promote digestive health. It's also a good source of vitamin C, which is important for maintaining healthy skin and supporting the immune system.

The Nutritional Facts of Kalua Pork and Cabbage

One serving (12 oz) of Kalua Pork and Cabbage contains the following nutrients: - calories: 390 - Total Fat: 28g, Sodium: 1220mg, Total Carbohydrates: 9g, Dietary Fiber: 3g, Sugars: 3g, Protein: 24g

Calories in 1 Serving of Kalua Pork and Cabbage

One serving (12 oz) of Kalua Pork and Cabbage contains 390 calories. This makes it a moderate calorie dish that can fit into a healthy and well-balanced diet. If you're looking to cut down on the calories, you can try reducing the amount of pork in the dish or using leaner cuts of pork. You can also increase the amount of cabbage or add more vegetables to the dish to bulk it up.

Does Kalua Pork and Cabbage Fit in a Diabetic Meal Plan?

If you have diabetes, it's important to monitor your carbohydrate and sugar intake. While Kalua Pork and Cabbage is a low-carb dish, it does contain some sugar and sodium, which can be problematic for people with diabetes. To make this dish more diabetes-friendly, try reducing the amount of sugar and sodium in the recipe. You can also add more non-starchy vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or green beans, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.

Gluten-free Kalua Pork and Cabbage Recipe

If you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, you'll be pleased to know that Kalua Pork and Cabbage is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and chicken broth in the recipe if you're following a strict gluten-free diet. Here is a gluten-free recipe for Kalua Pork and Cabbage: - 3 lbs. pork butt or shoulder

How to Add More Flavor to Kalua Pork and Cabbage

If you're looking to add more flavor to your Kalua Pork and Cabbage, there are a few things you can try. First, consider smoking the pork before slow cooking it. This will give it a smoky flavor that pairs well with the cabbage. You can also try adding more spices to the dish. For example, you can mix in some ginger, black pepper, or paprika to give the dish a different flavor profile. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of meat or vegetables. Instead of pork, try using chicken or beef. You can also add in some bell peppers, carrots, or sweet potatoes to make the dish more colorful and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions for Kalua Pork and Cabbage

Kalua Pork and Cabbage is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be served on its own or as part of a larger meal. Here are some serving suggestions: - Serve with steamed rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. - Pair with a side salad or grilled vegetables to increase the nutrient density of the dish.

Where to Find Authentic Kalua Pork and Cabbage?

If you're lucky enough to live in Hawaii or near a Hawaiian restaurant, you may be able to find authentic Kalua Pork and Cabbage. Some popular spots for this dish include Helena's Hawaiian Food in Honolulu, Kua 'Aina Sandwich in Haleiwa, and Kono's in Kailua. If you can't find the dish at your local restaurant, consider trying to make it at home using the recipe above.

How to Make Kalua Pork and Cabbage at Home?

While there are many variations of this dish, here is a simple recipe for Kalua Pork and Cabbage that you can make at home: - 3 lbs. pork butt or shoulder - 1 tbsp. sea salt