Low Sodium BBQ Liempo

Satisfy your cravings with this healthier twist on a Filipino classic—Low Sodium BBQ Liempo. This recipe features tender, juicy pork belly marinated in a rich blend of garlic, paprika, honey, lemon juice, and low sodium soy sauce, creating the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors. Infused with a hint of liquid smoke and ground cumin, this dish delivers all the bold essence of traditional BBQ while keeping the sodium content in check. Perfectly charred over a hot grill, this liempo is both flavorful and guilt-free. Serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp side salad for a wholesome, delicious meal. Whether you're watching your sodium intake or simply looking for a lighter BBQ option, this recipe is sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:120 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:150 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 kilogram Pork belly (liempo)
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 3 tablespoons Low sodium soy sauce

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the pork belly. Rinse the pork under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Slice into roughly 1-inch thick pieces.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, liquid smoke (if using), ground cumin, and low sodium soy sauce. Mix well to create the marinade.

Step 3

Place the pork belly slices in a large resealable plastic bag or a large shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 4

When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Step 5

Remove the pork from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.

Step 6

Place the pork belly slices on the grill. Cook for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is well charred and cooked through with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 7

Remove the pork from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes.

Step 8

Slice the pork into bite-sized pieces and serve hot. Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1202.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5642.4

Total Fat 558.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 194.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 720mg	0%
Sodium 2479.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 48.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.5g	0%
Total Sugars 35.9g
Protein 99.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 146.9mg	0%
Iron 7.1mg	0%
Potassium 1686.8mg	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: 89.4%

Protein: 7.1%

Carbs: 3.5%