Low Sodium Bak Kwa

Satisfy your craving for the rich, smoky-sweet flavors of bak kwa with this healthier, low-sodium twist on the beloved Asian delicacy. Made with ground pork and thoughtfully seasoned with low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and a hint of five-spice powder, this recipe ensures all the bold flavors while being gentler on your salt intake. The pork mixture is marinated for maximum flavor, baked to perfection, and caramelized to achieve that signature sticky char. Ideal as a snack or a festive treat, this low-sodium bak kwa delivers the perfect balance of savoriness, sweetness, and spice, all with a fraction of the sodium found in the traditional version. Serve it on its own or pair it with rice for a crave-worthy, guilt-free indulgence!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g ground pork
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (low sodium)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 1 teaspoon five spice powder
• 0.5 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 drops red food coloring (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork with light soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sugar, rice wine, five spice powder, white pepper, and red food coloring if using.

Step 2

Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and the pork mixture is sticky. This might take about 3-5 minutes of mixing with your hands or a spatula.

Step 3

Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for better flavor absorption.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Prepare a baking tray by lining it with a baking sheet or parchment paper.

Step 5

Spread the marinated pork mixture evenly onto the prepared baking tray. Use a spatula to ensure the meat is spread as thinly and uniformly as possible, approximately 2-3mm thick.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the meat is partially cooked and the surface looks dry.

Step 7

Remove the tray from the oven and carefully cut the partially cooked meat into your desired size, usually squares of about 10x10 cm.

Step 8

Increase the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F). Return the cut meat pieces to the oven and continue to bake for another 15 minutes. Flip the pieces halfway through this cook time to ensure even caramelization and a nice char.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow the bak kwa to cool on a wire rack.

Step 10

Serve once cooled or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(630.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1771.3

Total Fat 104.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 450mg	0%
Sodium 1501.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 66.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.8g	0%
Total Sugars 61.7g
Protein 131.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 154.0mg	0%
Iron 5.3mg	0%
Potassium 159.0mg	0%

*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: 54.3%

Protein: 30.4%

Carbs: 15.3%