Are you a fan of venison burgers or sausages? If so, you know that adding the right amount of fat is crucial to creating a juicy and flavorful product.
While beef fat is a popular choice, many experts recommend using pork fat for the best results. But where can you get your hands on this essential ingredient?
In this article, we’ll explore some options for sourcing pork fat and share tips for incorporating it into your venison recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a home cook looking to try something new, read on to learn more about this delicious and versatile ingredient.
Where To Get Pork Fat For Venison?
One option for getting pork fat for your venison recipes is to visit your local butcher or meat market. Ask if they have any pork trimmings or fat that they can sell you. Some butchers may even be willing to grind the fat for you, making it easier to incorporate into your recipe.
Another option is to purchase pork butt or shoulder from your local grocery store and trim off the excess fat yourself. Freeze the trimmed fat and save it for later use in your venison recipes.
If you’re unable to find pork fat locally, there are also online retailers that specialize in selling high-quality meat products, including pork fat. Look for a reputable seller that offers flash-frozen, sweet and clean pork fat to ensure the best quality.
Why Use Pork Fat For Venison?
Venison is known for its leanness, which can make it difficult to cook without adding fat. Pork fat is a popular choice for adding flavor and texture to venison recipes. Pork fat is also easier to grind than beef fat and doesn’t leave a greasy residue in your mouth. When ground together with venison, pork fat turns the lean and gamey meat into a finely marbled patty or sausage. This not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the meat moist and juicy during cooking. Pork butt or shoulder is a good source of pork fat, as it contains about 30-40% fat content. Adding pork fat to venison recipes is a great way to enhance the flavor and texture of your dishes, while also making them more succulent and satisfying.
Finding Pork Fat At Your Local Butcher Shop
If you prefer to source your pork fat locally, your best bet is to visit your local butcher shop or meat market. Ask the butcher if they have any pork trimmings or fat available for sale. Some butchers may even be willing to grind the fat for you, making it easier to incorporate into your venison recipes.
If you’re not sure where to find a local butcher shop or meat market, try doing a quick search online or asking for recommendations from friends or family members. You can also check out farmer’s markets in your area, as some local farmers may sell pork fat as well.
When purchasing pork fat from a local butcher shop or meat market, it’s important to choose high-quality fat. Look for fresh, sweet-smelling fat that is free from any discoloration or off odors. You may also want to ask the butcher about the source of the pork fat and whether it is from pasture-raised or heritage breed pigs, as these factors can impact the flavor and quality of the fat.
Once you have purchased your pork fat, be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to use it. If you’re not planning on using the fat right away, freezing it in small portions can make it easier to thaw and use as needed.
Sourcing Pork Fat Online
If you’re looking to source pork fat online, there are a few options available. One option is to search for specialty meat retailers that offer pork fat for sale. These retailers often source their meat from small, family-owned farms and offer high-quality products.
Another option is to search for online marketplaces that connect consumers with local farmers and butchers. These marketplaces allow you to browse different cuts of meat and connect directly with the farmer or butcher who is selling the product. This can be a great way to find locally sourced pork fat and support small businesses.
When purchasing pork fat online, it’s important to look for a reputable seller that offers high-quality products. Look for sellers that offer flash-frozen, sweet and clean pork fat to ensure that you’re getting the best possible product.
In addition to purchasing pork fat online, you can also consider ordering from a local processor or butcher. Many processors and butchers offer online ordering and delivery options, making it easy to get the pork fat you need without leaving your home.
Using Pork Fat In Your Venison Recipes
Pork fat is a popular choice for adding flavor and moisture to venison recipes. It is important to use the right amount of pork fat to achieve the desired texture and taste in your venison burgers or sausages.
When using pork fat in your venison recipes, it is recommended to aim for a 20-30% fat ratio. This means that for every pound of lean venison meat, you should add approximately 0.2-0.3 pounds of pork fat. This will ensure that your venison recipe remains juicy and flavorful.
One way to incorporate pork fat into your venison recipes is by grinding the venison meat and pork fat together using a coarse dye plate. This will help to ensure that the fat is evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture, resulting in a well-marbled patty or sausage.
Another way to use pork fat in your venison recipes is by adding it as a separate ingredient. You can cut the pork fat into small pieces and mix it in with the ground venison meat, along with any other seasonings or ingredients you desire.
It is important to note that when using pork fat in your venison recipes, you should choose high-quality, sweet and clean pork fat. This will ensure that your final product has a delicious flavor and texture.
Tips For Storing And Freezing Pork Fat.
Once you have obtained your pork fat, it’s important to properly store and freeze it to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing and freezing pork fat:
1. Keep the pork fat in a closed container: Pork fat has a tendency to absorb the flavors in the air, so it’s important to keep it in a jar with a lid or tightly wrap it.
2. Freeze the pork fat: Freezing pork fat can extend its shelf life to up to three years. To freeze it, pour the lard into an ice tray and wait for the cubes to turn white before freezing them. Once they are frozen, move the cubes into a sealable bag or container and store them in the freezer.
3. Use a vacuum sealer: If you have a chamber sealer, that would be your best bet for preserving pork fat. It saves it from freezer burn and oxidation as well. If you just have a vacuum sealer, you will need to check your bags regularly for ice crystals which is a sign of leakage. The fat should go 6 months to a year under a good vacuum seal.
4. Use carbon dioxide or dry ice: Oxygen in the air is what causes dietary oils and fats to spoil, i.e., go rancid. Lard can be preserved against rancidity by sealing it tightly in a barrier material such as plastic or foil. If storing it at home in jars or cans, anything that can be done to minimize or eliminate air will retard spoilage, such as filling the container to the brim before putting the lid on, or purging the oxygen with carbon dioxide in the form of dry ice.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your pork fat stays fresh and ready to use for all your venison recipes.
