Pork, oriental style, dehydrated
Whole food · Pork Products
Photo: Wikipedia
This is pork that has been marinated in a savory-sweet, soy-based sauce and then dehydrated into a firm, chewy jerky. It delivers a concentrated burst of umami, salt, and sweetness with a satisfying, meaty bite. Nutritionally, it's a high-fat, high-protein snack with virtually no carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 8% protein · 1% carbs · 91% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its intense, addictive blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors that hit all the right notes. Its chewy texture and convenience make it a perfect on-the-go protein boost or a flavorful addition to a charcuterie board.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sodium content can be a concern for those monitoring salt intake, and the significant fat (especially saturated fat) may not suit low-fat diets. To mitigate, pair it with a potassium-rich food like a banana or orange, and practice strict portion control by sticking to a single serving size.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of protein for muscle maintenance.
- Provides a quick, energy-dense snack from its high fat content.
- Highly portable and shelf-stable without refrigeration.
- Offers a strong savory flavor to satisfy salt cravings.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Bakkwa, a popular version of this, is so integral to Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore and Malaysia that shops often have snaking queues for weeks leading up to the holiday.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 21.8 g |
| Energy | 615 kcal |
| Energy | 2573 kj |
| Protein | 11.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 62.4 g |
| Ash | 2.6 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 1.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 10.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.50 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 11.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 128 mg |
| Potassium, K | 139 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 685 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.1 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.06 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 36.3 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.45 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.14 mg |
| Niacin | 2.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.20 mg |
| Folate, total | 2.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 2.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 2.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.36 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (Dihydrophylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 23.1 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.25 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.24 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.95 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 14.3 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 7.3 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 28.6 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 2.0 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 26.6 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 7.3 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 6.5 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.81 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 67.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.11 g |
| Threonine | 0.49 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.59 g |
| Leucine | 0.98 g |
| Lysine | 1.0 g |
| Methionine | 0.28 g |
| Cystine | 0.14 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.50 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.40 g |
| Valine | 0.67 g |
| Arginine | 0.82 g |
| Histidine | 0.48 g |
| Alanine | 0.81 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.2 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.9 g |
| Glycine | 0.89 g |
| Proline | 0.69 g |
| Serine | 0.48 g |
| Hydroxyproline | 0.21 g |
FAQ
Is this the same as regular beef jerky?
No, while both are dehydrated meats, oriental-style pork jerky (like Bakkwa) is typically marinated in a sweeter, soy-heavy sauce and is often grilled or roasted after drying, giving it a distinct flavor and a slightly softer, chewier texture compared to many lean beef jerky styles.
Why is it so high in fat?
The recipe often uses pork belly or other well-marbled cuts to ensure the final product remains tender and flavorful after dehydration, rather than becoming overly tough and dry. The fat carries the marinade's flavor and contributes to its signature rich mouthfeel.
How should I store it?
Due to its high salt and sugar content, unopened packages are shelf-stable. Once opened, it's best to consume it quickly or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out further.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 6.15 kcal/g · 8% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 4.93 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.