Are you a fan of pork belly?
This delicious cut of meat has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people incorporating it into their meals at home.
But where can you find it?
While some specialty stores may carry it, many people wonder if they can find pork belly at their local Walmart.
In this article, we’ll explore the availability of pork belly at Walmart and other popular retailers.
Whether you’re a seasoned pork belly enthusiast or just curious about this tasty cut, read on to find out more.
Do They Sell Pork Belly At Walmart?
The answer to this question is not a straightforward one. While Walmart does carry pork belly, it may not be available at all locations.
Pork belly is considered a specialty meat item, so it may not be found in every Walmart outlet. Additionally, it is unlikely that you will find a whole cut of pork belly at Walmart. It is typically sliced before being sold.
If you do find pork belly at Walmart, it may be vacuum packed and refrigerated in other sections of the store, rather than at the meat counter.
What Is Pork Belly And Why Is It So Popular?
Pork belly is a boneless cut of meat that comes from the belly of the pig. It is a fatty cut of meat, with a thick layer of fat running along the top and smaller layers of fat marbled throughout. Pork belly is widely used in Asian cuisine, and is also commonly used to make bacon.
In recent years, pork belly has become increasingly popular in Western cuisine. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as cubed and sautéed, seared on a flat-top grill, or braised in flavorful liquid for hours until it reaches the desired texture and taste. Pork belly can also be cured with spices like nutmeg, peppercorns, hot pepper, fennel, and garlic to create pancetta in Italy.
The popularity of pork belly can be attributed to its rich flavor and versatility in cooking. It can be used as a main ingredient or as a salty add-on to other dishes. Pork belly is also relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $3 to $4 per pound depending on the location and popularity.
While Walmart does carry pork belly, it may not be available at all locations due to it being considered a specialty meat item. However, for those who do have access to it, pork belly offers endless possibilities for delicious and creative meals.
Where To Find Pork Belly: Specialty Stores Vs. Mainstream Retailers
If you’re looking for pork belly, you may have more luck finding it at specialty stores than at mainstream retailers like Walmart. While some Walmart stores may carry pork belly, it is not a guaranteed item and may not be available at all locations.
Specialty stores like local butchers, Asian grocery stores, and ethnic markets are more likely to carry pork belly. These stores often have a wider selection of meats and cuts, including specialty items like pork belly.
Warehouse club stores like Costco and Sam’s Club also carry pork belly, but they typically only sell large portions. This may not be ideal if you’re only looking for a small amount of pork belly.
When shopping for pork belly, it’s important to inspect each cut to ensure that you’re buying one with plenty of meat. If you have freezer space, consider buying by the case as it is usually less expensive.
Other Popular Retailers That Sell Pork Belly
If you are unable to find pork belly at Walmart, there are other popular retailers that may carry it. Warehouse club stores like Costco and Sam’s Club are known for offering a wider variety of options to their diverse clientele. They often carry pork belly, though availability may vary by location.
At these warehouse clubs, you can typically find pork belly in both pre-sliced and slab form. However, keep in mind that the slab will be less expensive than the pre-sliced option. The downside to purchasing from warehouse clubs is that they only sell large portions, whereas a butcher would sell smaller amounts.
Trader Joe’s is another retailer that may carry pork belly. However, it is important to note that their pork belly is pre-cooked and boiled extensively, making it unsuitable for certain dishes such as bacon.
Tips For Cooking Pork Belly At Home
Cooking pork belly at home can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple if you follow a few tips. Here are some things to keep in mind when cooking pork belly:
1. Score the skin: If your pork belly has skin on it, it’s important to score it before cooking. This helps the fat render out and the skin crisp up. Use a sharp knife to score the skin every 1/2 inch in a diagonal pattern, being careful not to cut through to the meat.
2. Season well: Pork belly can be quite fatty, so it’s important to season it well with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Let it sit in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate.
3. Cook low and slow: Pork belly needs to be cooked low and slow to become tender and juicy. Start by roasting it at a high temperature (around 450°F) for 30 minutes to crisp up the skin, then reduce the temperature to around 275°F and cook for an hour or more until tender.
4. Let it rest: Once your pork belly is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
5. Experiment with different recipes: Pork belly is a versatile cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes, from ramen to salads to pasta sauces. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different recipes!
Health Considerations When Consuming Pork Belly
While pork belly can be a delicious addition to your diet, it is important to consider the potential health implications before consuming it regularly.
Pork belly is a high-fat cut of meat that is lower in protein compared to other pork cuts. It contains approximately 50% monounsaturated fat, which is associated with heart-healthy benefits similar to those found in avocado and olive oils. This type of fat can help reduce belly fat, boost good cholesterol, and guard against cancer.
However, about 40% of the fat in pork belly is saturated, which can contribute to dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease. It is important to note that controversy exists regarding the role of animal fat in the development of these diseases. Nonetheless, excessive consumption of red meat such as pork belly has been linked to colon cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Furthermore, pork belly can be high in sodium and may contain sulfates or sulfites if cured. Eating undercooked or raw pork can also lead to parasitic infections like Taenia solium or Trichinella.
To minimize the potential negative health effects of consuming pork belly, it is recommended to choose leaner varieties that are minimally processed and higher in protein. Avoiding fat-heavy pork products like bacon and opting for grilling, roasting, baking, or broiling instead of frying can also help reduce its fat content. Additionally, always cook pork thoroughly to avoid parasitic infection.