Are you looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional breadcrumbs?
Look no further than pork rinds!
Yes, you read that right – pork rinds can be used as a delicious and crispy breading for all your favorite dishes.
Not only are they a great substitute for breadcrumbs, but they also add a unique flavor and texture to your meals.
In this article, we’ll show you how to use pork rinds as breading in a variety of recipes.
So grab your food processor and get ready to transform your cooking game with this unexpected ingredient.
How To Use Pork Rinds As Breading?
To use pork rinds as breading, you’ll need to start by crushing them into fine crumbs. This can be done easily with a food processor or by placing the pork rinds in a resealable plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
Once you have your pork rind crumbs, you can use them as a 1:1 substitute for traditional breadcrumbs in any recipe. Simply dip your protein or vegetables in beaten eggs, then coat them in the pork rind crumbs.
For a crispy and flavorful coating, try adding some Parmesan cheese, herbs, or spices to your pork rind crumbs before breading. You can also mix the pork rind crumbs with almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free option.
Some popular dishes that can be made with pork rind breading include chicken tenders, fish fillets, and even onion rings. The possibilities are endless!
Why Use Pork Rinds As Breading?
Pork rinds are a great alternative to traditional breadcrumbs for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they are incredibly flavorful, adding a depth of taste to your dishes that you simply can’t get with plain breadcrumbs. This is because pork rinds contain their own fat, which gives them a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with many different types of proteins and vegetables.
Another advantage of using pork rinds as breading is that they are low carb and gluten-free, making them a great option for people with dietary restrictions. They are also zero carb, Whole30 and paleo-friendly, which means that they can be enjoyed by a wide range of people.
In addition to being flavorful and diet-friendly, pork rinds are also incredibly versatile. They can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from chicken tenders to fish fillets to onion rings. And because they are so easy to prepare (simply crush them into fine crumbs and mix with any additional seasonings you like), they are a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
How To Prepare Pork Rinds For Breading
To prepare pork rinds for breading, you’ll need to start with whole pork rinds. These can be found in most grocery stores, or online.
The easiest way to turn pork rinds into crumbs is to use a food processor. Simply add the pork rinds to the food processor and pulse until they are the desired texture. If your recipe calls for panko breadcrumbs, pulse the pork rinds until they form a crumbly mixture. If you need finer breadcrumbs, pulse several more times until you have smaller crumbs.
If you don’t have a food processor, you can still crush the pork rinds into crumbs. Place them in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them until they are the desired texture.
For added flavor, mix in some Parmesan cheese and spices to your pork rind crumbs before breading. You can vary the spices depending on the dish you are making. For example, if you’re making Parmesan chicken, you might want to use Italian seasoning spice. If you’re making a Mexican dish, try adding chili powder and cumin.
Once your pork rind crumbs are ready, use them as a substitute for traditional breadcrumbs in any recipe. Dip your protein or vegetables in beaten eggs, then coat them in the pork rind crumbs for a crispy and delicious coating.
Using Pork Rinds As Breading For Meat
When it comes to using pork rinds as breading for meat, they make an excellent substitute for traditional breadcrumbs. Not only are they gluten-free, but they also provide a crispy and flavorful coating that is hard to beat.
To get started, you’ll need to crush the pork rinds into fine crumbs. This can be done in a food processor or by placing the pork rinds in a resealable plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Once you have your pork rind crumbs, you can use them as a 1:1 substitute for breadcrumbs in any recipe.
To bread your meat with pork rinds, start by dipping your protein in beaten eggs. This will help the pork rind crumbs adhere to the meat. Then, coat the meat in the pork rind crumbs, pressing down gently to ensure they stick.
For added flavor, try mixing some Parmesan cheese, herbs, or spices into your pork rind crumbs before breading. This will give your meat a delicious and unique flavor profile.
When it comes time to cook your breaded meat, you can either fry it in oil or bake it in the oven. If frying, be sure to use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil and heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the meat until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Using Pork Rinds As Breading For Vegetables
Pork rind breading is not just limited to meat and seafood – it can also be used to coat vegetables for a crispy and low-carb snack or side dish. One recipe that uses pork rind breading for vegetables is low-carb zucchini fries. To make these fries, the zucchini is cut into matchsticks and coated in a mixture of beaten eggs and pork rind crumbs with Parmesan cheese. The fries are then baked in the oven until crispy and golden brown.
Another recipe that uses pork rind breading for vegetables is fried zucchini rounds. The zucchini rounds are dipped in egg and seasoned pork rind crumbs before being fried in oil until crispy. This makes for a delicious and easy-to-prepare appetizer or snack.
Onion rings can also be made healthier by using pork rind breading instead of traditional breadcrumbs. By using almond flour and crushed pork rinds, you can create a low-carb and gluten-free version of this classic snack.
Tips For Getting The Perfect Crispy Coating
If you want to achieve the perfect crispy coating with pork rind breading, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
First, make sure your pork rind crumbs are as fine as possible. This will ensure that they stick well to your protein or vegetables and create an even coating.
Second, try using a binder like beaten eggs or mayonnaise before breading. This will help the pork rind crumbs adhere to your food and create a crispy crust.
Third, consider seasoning your pork rind crumbs with your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor. This can make all the difference in creating a delicious and satisfying dish.
Finally, if you’re looking for an extra crispy coating, try frying your food in oil instead of baking it. Avocado oil is a great option for frying because it has a high smoke point and won’t break down at high temperatures.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and crispy coating with pork rind breading that will rival any traditional breadcrumb recipe.
Recipes To Try With Pork Rind Breading
If you’re looking for some recipe inspiration for using pork rind breading, here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Pork Rind Crusted Chicken Tenders: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F and fit a sheet pan with a wire rack. In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise and mustard. Sprinkle chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then coat them in the mayo mixture. In a separate bowl, mix together pork rind crumbs, Parmesan cheese, thyme, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Dip the chicken tenders in beaten eggs, then coat them in the pork rind mixture. Fry until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to the prepared sheet pan and keep warm in the oven. Serve with a herb salad and dipping sauces.
2. Pork Rind Crusted Fish Fillets: Crush pork rinds into fine crumbs and mix with grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Dip fish fillets in beaten eggs, then coat them in the pork rind mixture. Fry until golden brown and crispy, then serve with tartar sauce or lemon wedges.
3. Pork Rind Crusted Onion Rings: Cut onions into thick rings and separate the layers. Mix together pork rind crumbs, almond flour, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Dip onion rings in beaten eggs, then coat them in the pork rind mixture. Bake in the oven until crispy and golden brown.
With these recipes and tips for using pork rinds as breading, you can enjoy all your favorite fried foods without the guilt!
