Are you looking for a new and affordable way to add flavor to your soups and stews?
Look no further than pork breast bones!
These often-overlooked cuts of meat can be transformed into a rich and hearty broth that will take your dishes to the next level.
But how do you cook them?
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for cooking pork breast bones and share some delicious recipes to try.
Get ready to elevate your cooking game with this underrated ingredient!
How To Cook Pork Breast Bones?
There are several ways to cook pork breast bones, but the most common method is to simmer them in water or broth for several hours. This will extract all the flavor and nutrients from the bones, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth that can be used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces.
To cook pork breast bones, start by rinsing them under cold water to remove any debris or blood. Then, place them in a large pot or slow cooker and cover with water or broth. Add any vegetables, herbs, and spices you like, such as onions, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper.
Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 2-3 hours. The longer you simmer the bones, the richer and more flavorful the broth will be. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface with a spoon or strainer.
Once the broth is done, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids. You can discard the bones and vegetables or save them for another use. Let the broth cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Choosing And Preparing Pork Breast Bones
When choosing pork breast bones, look for slabs with good meat coverage over the bones and no large areas of surface fat. Avoid slabs where the meat has been cut too close to the bone, as these exposed bones may fall out during cooking. For best quality, try to avoid buying ribs that are frozen or have been previously frozen. However, if you have no choice, fresh is still the best option.
If you are buying ribs in Cryovac packages containing 1-3 slabs of ribs, they have usually not been frozen. However, there are exceptions, and sometimes they do turn up frozen in grocery stores. Ribs sold in loose slabs by the case (not in Cryovac) are commonly sold frozen. In any event, reject ribs that are discolored or that have dried-out edges, an indication of freezer burn.
When preparing pork breast bones for cooking, start by rinsing them under cold water to remove any debris or blood. Use a sharp chopping knife and a cutting board to chop your vegetables into small pieces. Consider carrots for vitamin A, celery for potassium and potatoes for vitamin C. Add the vegetables to the stock pot with the pork breast bone. Sprinkle the pork breast bone and vegetables with salt, pepper and your favorite herbs and spices.
Cover the pork and vegetables with water or broth. Cover the stock pot tightly with a lid. Place the stock pot over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil. Allow the broth to boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer the pork breast bone for 2 to 3 hours.
Once the broth is done, cool it slightly before removing the pork bones and vegetables. Discard them or save them for another use. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Slow-Simmer Method For Pork Breast Bones
The slow-simmer method is a great way to extract all the flavor and nutrients from pork breast bones. To use this method, start by placing the bones in a large pot or slow cooker and covering them with water or broth. Add any vegetables, herbs, and spices you like, such as onions, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper.
Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for several hours. The longer you simmer the bones, the richer and more flavorful the broth will be. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface with a spoon or strainer.
Once the broth is done, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids. You can discard the bones and vegetables or save them for another use. Let the broth cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
The slow-simmer method is perfect for making soups and stews that require a rich and flavorful broth. You can also use this broth as a base for sauces or gravies. The possibilities are endless when it comes to cooking with pork breast bones using the slow-simmer method.
Pressure Cooker Method For Pork Breast Bones
If you’re short on time and want to cook pork breast bones quickly, you can use a pressure cooker. This method will result in tender and flavorful meat in a fraction of the time it takes to simmer on the stove.
To start, season the pork breast bones with your favorite spices and herbs. You can use a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for a classic flavor profile. Rub the seasoning all over the bones to ensure even distribution.
Next, add the seasoned pork breast bones to the pressure cooker along with enough water or broth to cover them. You can also add chopped onions, carrots, and celery for extra flavor. Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 45 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes before opening the lid. Check the meat for tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part. If it’s still tough, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
When the meat is tender, remove it from the pressure cooker and let it cool slightly. You can shred it with a fork or chop it into bite-sized pieces for serving. The broth left in the pressure cooker can be strained and used as a base for soups or stews.
Roasting Method For Pork Breast Bones
Another way to cook pork breast bones is by roasting them in the oven. This method will result in a tender and flavorful meat that can be served as a main dish or used in other recipes.
To start, preheat your oven to 200C. Rinse the pork breast bones and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, season them with your favorite spices and herbs, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
Place the seasoned pork breast bones in a baking pan and cover them with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the meat begins to separate from the bones. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is golden brown on all sides.
Once the pork breast bones are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them as they are or shred the meat and use it in tacos, sandwiches, salads, or stir-fries.
Pork Bone Broth Recipe
If you want to make a delicious and nutritious pork bone broth, here is a simple recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
– 4-5 pounds of pork bones (a variety of different types is good – leg, neck, hip, and rib bones)
– 2-3 carrots, coarsely chopped
– 2-3 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
– 1 medium to large onion, coarsely chopped
– 1/4 cup of vinegar
– Water
Instructions:
1. Soak the pork bones in water and vinegar for 30-60 minutes. This will help pull the minerals from the bones.
2. Optional step for more flavor: Roast the meaty bones first by setting them in a roasting pan and roasting at 350 – 400 degrees for about 45-60 minutes until browned but not charred. Then add them to the stock pot and soak.
3. Bring the pot to a gentle rolling boil and skim any scum that forms on the surface. Add the chopped vegetables.
4. Turn the temperature to low and simmer very gently, covered, for 12-24 hours.
5. Let the broth cool to about room temperature, then strain it from the bones and vegetables and transfer it to storage containers.
6. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze whatever you won’t use within a week.
This recipe will yield about 4 quarts of pork bone broth that is full of umami and aroma, as well as protein, collagen, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and iron. You can use it as a base for delicious soups or add it to any meaty or vegetable dish for extra flavor. Plus, it tastes much milder than beef broth and can replace chicken broth in most recipes. Enjoy!
Pork And Vegetables Stew Recipe With Pork Breast Bones
If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious way to use your pork breast bones, try making a pork and vegetables stew. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different vegetables and seasonings.
To start, gather your ingredients. You will need 6 pork breast bones, 1 1/2 cups of baby carrots (cut in half), 3 large russet potatoes (cut into large chunks), 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (chopped), salt, pepper, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or other thickening agent, and any other hearty vegetables you like such as sliced cabbage or diced turnip.
Begin by cutting up your vegetables and placing them in the bottom of a pot. Stir to mix them together. Season the pork breast bones with salt, pepper, and Lawry’s Seasoned Salt and place them on top of the vegetables. Add 2 cups of water to the pot.
Next, select the manual setting on your Instant Pot and adjust the pressure to high. Set the time for 35 minutes. Once finished cooking, allow for natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Remove the pork breast bones from the pot and remove the meat from the bones. Return the meat to the pot.
In a separate cup, place cornstarch and stir in enough hot juice from the pot to dissolve it. Add this mixture to the Instant Pot. Select sauté and stir until thickened.
If you find that your stew lacks flavor, try adding some leftover chicken vegetable soup or chicken broth instead of water. This will add more depth and richness to your stew.