🍖🌺 Aloha! Auntie Maebelle’s Oven Kalua Pork is a delicious Hawaiian dish that captures the flavors of traditional Kalua pig, typically cooked in an underground oven called an “imu.” This dish is a mouthwatering alternative that can be prepared in a regular kitchen oven, bringing the taste of the islands to your home.
History:
Kalua pork is a traditional Hawaiian dish dating back centuries. The name “kalua” refers to the cooking method in an underground oven, which imparts a unique smoky flavor. Originally, it was prepared for special occasions, such as luaus, and was a communal effort. Auntie Maebelle’s Oven Kalua Pork pays homage to this tradition but adapts it for modern cooking methods.
Components:
- Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder: Typically a 4-6 pound cut.
- Sea Salt: Traditional recipes use coarse Hawaiian sea salt, but any sea salt will do.
- Liquid Smoke: To mimic the smokiness of the imu-cooked pork.
- Banana Leaves (optional): Used for a more authentic presentation and flavor, but you can skip them if unavailable.
Steps to Prepare Auntie Maebelle’s Oven Kalua Pork:
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
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Seasoning: Take the pork butt or shoulder and make small incisions all over it. Rub a generous amount of sea salt into the meat, getting it into the cuts. You want the pork to be well-seasoned. Optionally, add a few dashes of liquid smoke and rub it all over the meat.
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Wrap in Banana Leaves (Optional): If you have banana leaves, wrap the seasoned pork in them. Otherwise, you can use aluminum foil.
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Baking: Place the wrapped pork on a roasting rack in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190-195°F (88-90°C). This low and slow cooking method ensures the meat is tender and smoky.
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Shred and Serve: Once the pork is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes. Then, shred the meat using forks. Serve it with traditional Hawaiian sides like poi, macaroni salad, and some lomi-lomi salmon.
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Enjoy! 🌴 Serve your Auntie Maebelle’s Oven Kalua Pork and savor the delicious taste of the islands.
Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time for Auntie Maebelle’s Oven Kalua Pork can be around 5-6 hours, depending on the size of the pork cut and your oven’s temperature accuracy. It’s a dish that requires patience, but the results are absolutely worth it. 🤙🏝️
Feel free to enjoy this savory, smoky, and tender Hawaiian dish at your next family gathering or luau-themed party. 🌺🍽️
Certainly, let’s delve into the nutrition facts and health information for Auntie Maebelle’s Oven Kalua Pork. Please note that the specific nutritional values can vary depending on factors such as portion size and the cut of pork used. Here’s a general overview:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per 3-ounce (85g) Serving):
- Calories: Around 160-200 calories
- Protein: Approximately 18-22 grams
- Total Fat: Roughly 10-14 grams
- Saturated Fat: Typically 3-5 grams
- Cholesterol: About 60-80 milligrams
- Sodium: Varies depending on the amount of salt used, but it can be relatively high due to the sea salt
- Carbohydrates: Negligible, as this dish is primarily protein and fat
- Fiber: Minimal to none
- Sugars: Negligible
- Vitamins and Minerals: Some iron and potassium, but not significant in small serving sizes
Health Information:
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Protein Source: Kalua pork is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It can be part of a balanced diet for those looking to meet their protein needs.
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Fat Content: Pork can be relatively high in saturated fat. While moderate consumption of saturated fats is fine for most people, those with specific dietary restrictions or concerns about heart health should enjoy it in moderation.
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Sodium: The high salt content in Kalua pork is a significant concern. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues. It’s advisable to be mindful of your salt intake, especially if you have hypertension or other salt-sensitive conditions.
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Low Carbohydrates: If you’re following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, you’ll find that Kalua pork is low in carbohydrates.
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Allergen Information: Pork is a common allergen, so be cautious if you or your guests have pork allergies.
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Additional Ingredients: If you use banana leaves for wrapping, note that they don’t significantly impact the nutrition but add authenticity to the dish.
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Moderation: Enjoy Auntie Maebelle’s Oven Kalua Pork in moderation, as part of a balanced diet. Consider serving it with healthy sides like vegetables to balance the meal.
Remember that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific recipe and preparation methods, so it’s always a good idea to calculate precise nutritional information if you have specific dietary needs or restrictions. 🍽️🌱
