As we were reviewing our low-carb/keto yakitori series the other day, we realized that we haven’t released a vegetable yakitori skewer. So to address that, today we’re releasing one of our favorite vegetable skewers to grill up – Keto Pork Belly Wrapped Asparagus and Okra!!
Now to be fair, it’s not only vegetables. It’s vegetables wrapped in pork belly because let’s face it, pork belly makes everything so much better! Combine that with a light salt seasoning and a smoke-infused char, you got yourself one delicious skewer that is super easy to prepare!
Add some traditional yakitori to that mix and you will have yourself a low-carb/keto Japanese BBQ winner!
Asparagus is probably liked by most people, but on the other hand, we know okra isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. So you definitely can replace this with green onions or just omit it altogether. But do keep in mind that okra is super healthy for you!
It’s considered a ‘superfood’ that is high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and also known to combat certain forms of cancer! So if you’re on the fence about okra, just remember all the great benefits this little vegetable offers.
This skewer comes in off the grill at ~1g of net carb per skewer, but that all those carbs come from green vegetables and carbs can’t get healthier than that!
For this dish, the only special ingredient you would need is thinly sliced pork belly and White Pepper. You can usually find thinly sliced pork belly at a local Asian supermarket labeled for ‘shabu shabu’. If not, a local meat department should be able to slice some up for you. Keep in mind these are very thin though, about 1/8 inch thick (almost to the point where they are falling apart).
Now, let’s get cooking!
Prepping Time 5M
Cooking Time 6M
Total Time 11M
Net Carb/Skewer ~1g
Serving 4-6 Skewers
Ingredients
- 18 Thinly Sliced Pork Belly (about 6-8″ long and ~1/8″ thick)
- 6 Stalks of Asparagus
- 9 Pieces of Okra
- 4-6 Wooden Skewers
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp White Pepper
Directions
1) Gather all the ingredients.
2) Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes.
3) Cut asparagus and okra into 1 inch length and set aside. Note – only use the tender end of the asparagus.
4) Take a 2-3 pieces of asparagus and tightly wrap pork belly around. Skewer loosely and don’t pack in. We fit 3 asparagus wrapped pork bellies to a skewer. Repeat for all skewers you are making and then transfer to holding plate.
5) Take a 2-3 pieces of okra and tightly wrap pork belly around. Skewer loosely and don’t pack in. We fit 3 okra wrapped pork bellies to a skewer. Repeat for all skewers you are making and then transfer to holding plate.
6) Lightly sprinkle salt and White Pepper on both sides of the skewer and set aside.
7) Preheat grill to 350F. Once the grill is preheated, reduce heat to medium-low and place skewers on the grill. Rotate skewers every 2 minutes closing the cover each rotation until done – should take around 4-6 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy!
8) Optional Oven Instructions – if you don’t own a BBQ grill or located in an area where grilling is not possible, here are alternative oven instructions. Preheat oven to 500F. Place skewers on a baking rack in center of oven. Rotate skewers every 2 minutes closing the cover each rotation until done – should take around 4-6 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy!
Hope you enjoy our Keto Pork Belly Wrapped Asparagus and Okra – Yakitori!
If you are looking for other low-carb/keto ideas, be sure to check out our growing Recipe Index full of Asian Inspired low-carb/keto recipes!
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Keto Pork Belly Wrapped Asparagus and Okra
Ingredients
- 18 Slices Thinly Sliced Pork Belly about 6-8" long and ~1/8" thick
- 6 Stalks Asparagus
- 9 Pieces Okra
- 4-6 Pieces Wooden Skewers
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp White Pepper
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes.
- Cut asparagus and okra into 1 inch length and set aside. Note - only use the tender end of the asparagus.
- Take a 2-3 pieces of asparagus and tightly wrap pork belly around. Skewer loosely and don't pack in. We fit 3 asparagus wrapped pork bellies to a skewer. Repeat for all skewers you are making and then transfer to holding plate.
- Take a 2-3 pieces of okra and tightly wrap pork belly around. Skewer loosely and don't pack in. We fit 3 okra wrapped pork bellies to a skewer. Repeat for all skewers you are making and then transfer to holding plate.
- Lightly sprinkle salt and White Pepper on both sides of the skewer and set aside.
- Preheat grill to 350Once the grill is preheated, reduce heat to medium-low and place skewers on the grill. Rotate skewers every 2 minutes closing the cover each rotation until done – should take around 4-6 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy!
- Optional Oven Instructions – if you don’t own a BBQ grill or located in an area where grilling is not possible, here are alternative oven instructions. Preheat oven to 500Place skewers on a baking rack in center of oven. Rotate skewers every 2 minutes closing the cover each rotation until done – should take around 4-6 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy!
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