Are you tired of the same old bacon for breakfast? Why not try fresh side pork?
This uncured pork belly, also known as pork side, can be a delicious alternative to bacon. But how do you cook it?
There are several methods to choose from, including frying, baking, and coating with seasonings. In this article, we’ll explore these different techniques and provide step-by-step instructions for each.
So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, read on to learn how to cook fresh side pork and add some variety to your breakfast routine.
How To Cook Fresh Side Pork?
Frying:
One of the simplest ways to cook fresh side pork is by frying it in a pan. Start by preheating a large skillet on medium-low heat. Once hot, add the side pork to the pan and cook, turning as needed, until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and sprinkle with salt. You can also save the rendered fat for later use.
Baking:
If you prefer a hands-off approach, baking fresh side pork in the oven is a great option. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pork belly strips in a single layer on the pan and sprinkle with your desired seasonings. Roast for 30 minutes on one side, then flip and roast for an additional 20-30 minutes until browned and crispy.
Coating with Seasonings:
For a flavorful twist on fresh side pork, try coating it with your favorite seasonings before baking. Start by thawing the package in the refrigerator overnight. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, and sugar to make a seasoning mix. Rub this mixture all over both sides of the fresh side strips and place them on a broiling sheet. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes on each side, flipping as needed until brown and sizzling.
What Is Fresh Side Pork?
Fresh side pork is essentially uncured and unsmoked pork belly, which is the same cut of meat that bacon comes from. It is a succulent and richly flavorful cut of meat that is often served in small portions. Unlike bacon, fresh side pork is not cured with nitrates or smoked, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is commonly sliced like extra thick bacon and can be fried in a pan, baked in the oven, or coated with seasonings for added flavor. In Korean culture and some other Asian cultures, pork belly is used as a main dish and prepared in various ways such as barbecuing, boiling, or baking to create crispy pork belly. Fresh side pork can be found at country style butchers or natural meat producers, and is a popular ingredient in farm-to-table meals.
Frying Fresh Side Pork
Frying fresh side pork is a popular method that many people prefer due to its simplicity and quick cooking time. To begin, preheat a large skillet on medium-low heat. Once the skillet is hot, lay the side pork strips evenly over the skillet. Keep the heat at medium-high until the skillet is hot and the meat begins to cook.
Once the fat starts to render, turn down the heat to medium/medium-low. Stir the meat frequently to ensure it cooks evenly. Adjust the heat as needed; you want the pan hot enough to continue frying the side pork, but not so hot that it burns. If it gets too cool, the meat will boil in its own juices instead of frying, which will make it tough and not very flavorful.
It’s important to note that the temperature of the room and the stovetop and skillet being used can affect cooking time, so be sure to keep an eye on it. Once the side pork is brown and crispy to your liking, remove it from the pan and drain on paper towels. Do NOT discard the grease or pan, as you can save the rendered fat for later use.
When frying fresh side pork, it’s important to use a large skillet or cast-iron skillet for even heating and cooking. Additionally, you can add your desired seasonings such as salt and pepper while cooking or after removing from the pan for added flavor. Frying fresh side pork is a delicious way to enjoy this cut of meat with minimal prep time and effort.
Baking Fresh Side Pork
Baking fresh side pork is a great option for those who prefer a hands-off approach to cooking. Here’s how to do it:
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the pork belly strips in a single layer on the pan and sprinkle with your desired seasonings.
3. Roast for 30 minutes on one side.
4. Flip the strips over and roast for an additional 20-30 minutes until browned and crispy.
It’s important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the side pork strips. It’s always a good idea to check on them periodically to ensure they don’t burn or become overcooked.
If you want to add more flavor to your fresh side pork, try coating it with your favorite seasonings before baking. Simply thaw the package in the refrigerator overnight, combine salt, black pepper, and sugar in a small bowl to make a seasoning mix, rub it all over both sides of the fresh side strips, and place them on a broiling sheet. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes on each side, flipping as needed until brown and sizzling.
Baked fresh side pork can be served as a main dish or used as a flavorful addition to soups, salads, pasta sauces, ramen, and more. So next time you’re looking for a simple and delicious way to cook fresh side pork, give baking a try!
Coating And Seasoning Fresh Side Pork
To take your fresh side pork to the next level, consider coating it with a flavorful mix of seasonings before cooking. You can use a variety of different spices and herbs to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste preferences. Here is a simple recipe for coating and seasoning fresh side pork:
Ingredients:
– 1 lb fresh side pork
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Rub the seasoning mix all over both sides of the fresh side pork strips.
4. Place the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes on each side, flipping as needed, until browned and crispy.
You can adjust the amount of seasoning based on your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mix. Alternatively, you can use herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more savory flavor. Experiment with different seasoning combinations until you find one that you love.
Coating and seasoning fresh side pork is a simple way to elevate this classic Southern ingredient. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious and flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends. Give it a try and see how easy it is to cook up some amazing fresh side pork!
Tips For Cooking Fresh Side Pork Perfectly
Cooking fresh side pork can be a bit tricky, but with these tips, you’ll be able to cook it perfectly every time.
1. Adjust the heat: The key to cooking fresh side pork is to adjust the heat as needed. Start with medium-high heat until the skillet is hot and the meat begins to cook. Once the fat starts to render, turn down to medium/medium-low heat. You may need to continue adjusting the heat up and down to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
2. Use a splatter screen: When cooking fresh side pork, there can be a lot of splatter due to the high-fat content. To prevent this, use a splatter screen over the skillet while cooking.
3. Check internal temperature: To ensure that the fresh side pork is cooked through, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for pork is 145°F.
4. Save the rendered fat: The rendered fat from cooking fresh side pork can be saved and used for other recipes, such as frying eggs or making gravy.
5. Experiment with seasonings: Fresh side pork can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs to add flavor. Try different combinations of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin to find your favorite flavor profile.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to cook fresh side pork perfectly every time and enjoy its crispy texture and delicious flavor.
Serving Suggestions For Fresh Side Pork
Fresh side pork is a versatile cut of meat that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
1. Breakfast: Fresh side pork is a great alternative to bacon for breakfast. Fry it up and serve it alongside scrambled eggs, toast, and fresh fruit.
2. Sandwiches: Use fresh side pork strips as a filling for sandwiches. Add some lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments for a delicious lunchtime treat.
3. Salads: Crumble up some fresh side pork and sprinkle it over a salad for added flavor and crunch. It pairs particularly well with spinach or arugula.
4. Tacos: Fresh side pork is a delicious filling for tacos. Top with salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a tasty twist on traditional tacos.
5. Appetizers: Cut fresh side pork into bite-sized pieces and serve as an appetizer with dipping sauce. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next party or gathering.
No matter how you choose to serve it, fresh side pork is sure to be a hit with meat-lovers everywhere. Experiment with different flavors and cooking methods to find your perfect dish!