Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook pork buttons in the oven?
Look no further! Whether you’re craving savoury ribs or succulent pulled pork, we’ve got you covered with these mouth-watering recipes.
With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a flavourful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
So fire up your oven and get ready to impress your taste buds with these delectable pork button recipes!
How To Cook Pork Buttons In The Oven?
There are a few different ways to cook pork buttons in the oven, depending on the recipe you choose. Here are three popular methods:
1. Savoury Pork Button Ribs: To make these delicious ribs, start by creating a paste with garlic, bay leaf, paprika, salt, chili paste, sugar, black pepper, olive oil and lemon juice. Rub the paste all over the ribs and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Preheat your oven to 350°F and cook the ribs for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally. Let them rest for 5 minutes before cutting into sections and serving with lemon slices.
2. Pulled Pork: For succulent pulled pork, mix together salt, brown sugar, granulated sugar, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, dry mustard, cumin, and ginger in a medium bowl. Rub the mixture all over the pork butt and refrigerate overnight if possible. Preheat your oven to 250°F and place the pork butt on a wire rack in a roasting pan. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 190 to 195°F (88 to 91°C), which can take anywhere from 4 to 10 hours depending on your oven and the size of your pork butt. Let it rest for 15 minutes before shredding with two forks.
3. Seasoned Pork Butt: To make a delicious seasoned pork butt, mix together salt, sugar, paprika, pepper flakes, cumin, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture all over the pork butt and refrigerate overnight if possible. Preheat your oven to 325°F and bake the pork roast uncovered for 25-30 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit (68 degrees Celsius), then cool to a final temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71C).
What Are Pork Buttons?
Pork buttons are small circular bones that are cut from the back end of the pork loin, past the rear end of the actual rib cage. They are usually 4 or 5 in a set and are about the same size as a 50-cent piece. The meat on pork buttons is similar to what you would find on baby back ribs, but usually thinner. Pork buttons are not actually ribs, but rather a cut of the last 4 to 6 bones of the backbone from the spinal area at the back end of the pig, just before the hip area starts. Unlike proper ribs, there are no ribs attached to the backbone in this area, only little nubs or “buttons” attached to the backbone. Some restaurants refer to pork buttons as “riblets,” but this is not technically correct. Despite their small size, pork buttons can be used in a variety of recipes and are a popular cut for making pulled pork or seasoned pork butt.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Pork For Your Recipe
When it comes to cooking pork buttons in the oven, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial for achieving the best results. The Boston Butt, also known as pork butt, is a popular cut of meat for pulled pork recipes due to its high fat content and marbling. It is a shoulder cut with lots of muscle and connective tissues that melt down over time with low and slow cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
If you prefer a leaner cut of meat, the picnic roast is another option. However, it may require more attention during cooking to prevent it from drying out. Both cuts can be seasoned with a variety of spices and rubs to enhance their flavor.
It’s important to note that regardless of the cut you choose, make sure to trim off any loose pieces of fat or skin before seasoning or cooking. Large sections of fat should be trimmed down to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness to reduce cooking time and allow the smoke or seasoning to penetrate the meat better.
Preparing Your Pork Buttons For Cooking
Before cooking your pork butt, it’s important to properly prepare it. The first step is to remove it from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Some people prefer to leave the fat cap on, while others recommend trimming it off. If you choose to trim the fat, use a sharp knife to remove any large areas or pockets of external fat that can be easily trimmed away.
Once you’ve prepared your pork butt, it’s time to apply the rub. For a basic rub, mix together salt, sugar, paprika, black pepper, and any other desired spices. Rub the mixture all over the pork butt, making sure to cover all sides evenly. Some recipes may call for a marinade or a brine instead of a rub, so be sure to follow the specific recipe instructions.
When cooking your pork butt in the oven, it’s important to keep an eye on the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the meat. For pulled pork, the internal temperature should reach 190 to 195°F (88 to 91°C), while for a seasoned pork butt, it should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71C). Cooking times will vary depending on your oven and the size of your pork butt, so be sure to check it regularly.
After cooking, let your pork butt rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting or shredding it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures that it stays moist and tender. With these tips and techniques for preparing and cooking your pork butt in the oven, you’ll be able to create delicious and succulent dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Seasoning Your Pork Buttons For Maximum Flavor
Seasoning your pork buttons is an essential step in achieving maximum flavor. The spices you choose will depend on your flavor preferences and the recipe you are following. Some of the best seasonings to pair with pork are salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. However, you can also experiment with other spices and herbs such as cumin, chili powder, rosemary, and Italian seasoning to add a unique twist to your dish.
Before seasoning your pork buttons, it is important to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick better to the meat. Once dry, mix together your desired spices in a small bowl and rub the mixture all over the pork buttons. For best results, make sure to thoroughly coat the meat with the seasoning.
For even more flavor, consider refrigerating the pork buttons overnight after seasoning. This will allow the spices to penetrate deeper into the meat and create a more flavorful dish.
When cooking your seasoned pork buttons in the oven, be sure to follow your recipe’s instructions for temperature and cooking time. It is also important to let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Remember that spices are always open for interpretation. Some people prefer a little seasoning, while others like a lot. It is entirely up to you to decide how much seasoning you want to use. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice combinations until you find your perfect flavor profile.
Cooking Your Pork Buttons In The Oven
Cooking your pork buttons in the oven is a great way to achieve tender, juicy meat with crispy edges. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook your pork buttons in the oven using the recipes mentioned above.
1. Savoury Pork Button Ribs: Start by creating the paste mixture with garlic, bay leaf, paprika, salt, chili paste, sugar, black pepper, olive oil and lemon juice. Rub the mixture all over the pork buttons and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the pork buttons on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked. Let them rest for 5 minutes before cutting into sections and serving with lemon slices.
2. Pulled Pork: Mix together salt, brown sugar, granulated sugar, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, dry mustard, cumin, and ginger in a medium bowl. Rub the mixture all over the pork butt and refrigerate overnight if possible. Preheat your oven to 250°F and place the pork butt on a wire rack in a roasting pan. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 190 to 195°F (88 to 91°C), which can take anywhere from 4 to 10 hours depending on your oven and the size of your pork butt. Let it rest for 15 minutes before shredding with two forks.
3. Seasoned Pork Butt: Mix together salt, sugar, paprika, pepper flakes, cumin, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture all over the pork butt and refrigerate overnight if possible. Preheat your oven to 325°F and bake the pork roast uncovered for 25-30 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit (68 degrees Celsius), then cool to a final temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71C).
No matter which recipe you choose, make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your pork buttons are cooked to perfection. Once cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving or shredding for pulled pork. These delicious dishes are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your guests.
Serving Suggestions For Your Delicious Pork Buttons
Once you’ve cooked your succulent pork buttons in the oven, the possibilities for serving them are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Shred your cooked pork buttons and serve them on hamburger buns or slices of bread for the perfect BBQ pulled pork sandwich. Don’t forget to add your favorite barbecue sauce, pickles, or relish for added flavor.
2. Pork Tacos: Use flour or corn tortillas to create easy and delicious pork tacos. Fill them with pulled pork and top with sour cream, red onions, cilantro, lime juice, hot sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
3. Pork Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with pulled pork and your favorite toppings such as sharp cheddar cheese, jalapeno slices, guacamole, and taco sauce for a tasty snack or appetizer.
4. Solo: Enjoy your deliciously seasoned pork buttons on their own or serve them on top of mashed potatoes or cooked noodles for a gluten-free option.
5. Pork Ragu: Use tomato sauce as the key ingredient to create a savory pork ragu that pairs perfectly with pasta.
6. BBQ Sauce: Add a common flavor to your pork roast by using BBQ sauce. Shred your meat and serve it on a roll with some low-carb coleslaw for a delicious sandwich.
7. Beer Braised: Pour some beer over the top of your pork butt before cooking it in the oven to infuse it with a rich, hoppy flavor.
8. Butter: After letting your pork butt rest, add a pat of butter on top and let it melt over the meat for added richness.
9. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce pairs well with the meat. Follow our recipe on our website to make your own and serve it alongside your cooked pork buttons.
No matter how you choose to serve your deliciously cooked pork buttons, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal or gathering.
