Pork heart is a flavorful, affordable cut of meat that can be prepared in many delicious ways. While its rich taste may seem intimidating, with the right techniques pork heart can be tender and delicious. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook pork heart in 3 different ways.
1. Stir Fry Pork Heart With Vegetables
Ingredients:
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1 pork heart
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1 red or yellow pepper, sliced
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2 small carrots, sliced
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A handful of broccoli, sliced lengthways
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1 onion, sliced
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A handful of shredded cabbage
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1/2 cup of mushrooms, sliced
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1/2 cup of bean sprouts
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1 garlic clove, crushed
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2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
Instructions:
Prepare the Pork Heart:
Start by trimming off any tough fat, arteries, or connective tissue from the pork heart. Rinse it well under cold water, then slice it into thin, even strips. The thinner the slices, the more tender and quick-cooking they’ll be.
Marinate (Optional):
If you have time, toss the sliced pork heart with a teaspoon of soy sauce and a pinch of black pepper. Let it rest for about 10–15 minutes. This step helps season the meat and enhance its flavor.
Preheat the Pan:
Heat olive oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the crushed garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Vegetables:
Add onions, carrots, broccoli, and mushrooms to the pan. Stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still have a bit of crunch. Stir in the shredded cabbage and bean sprouts last, cooking for an additional minute.
Cook the Pork Heart:
Add the sliced pork heart to the pan and stir-fry quickly for 2–3 minutes until the meat turns slightly brown and cooked through.
Season and Sauce:
Add the hoisin sauce and toss everything to coat evenly. You can add a splash of water if the mixture seems dry and cook for another 30 seconds.
Serve:
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced scallions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tip: The key to a great pork heart stir-fry is quick cooking over high heat. The faster you cook it, the more tender and flavorful the meat will remain.
2. Braised Pork Heart Recipe
If you prefer something rich, savory, and comforting, braising pork heart is the way to go. Slow cooking makes the heart tender and allows it to absorb the flavors of wine, herbs, and vegetables.
Ingredients:
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1 pork heart
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 carrot, chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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½ cup red wine
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2 cups beef broth
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1 bay leaf
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A few sprigs of thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Heart:
Clean the pork heart by cutting away any fat or sinew. Slice it into thick chunks or leave it whole if you prefer a more traditional braise.
Brown the Heart:
Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork heart and sear it on all sides until browned. This step locks in flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Remove the heart and set it aside. In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to caramelize.
Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for about 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add Broth and Herbs:
Return the pork heart to the pot. Add beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Braise Slowly:
Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork heart becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Adjust and Serve:
Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the braised pork heart with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or crusty bread.
Tip: Braised pork heart can also be made in a slow cooker—just combine everything and cook on low for 6–7 hours for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
3. Grilled Pork Heart Recipe
Grilling is another great way to enjoy pork heart—it gives the meat a smoky aroma and crispy edges while keeping the inside juicy. Using skewers makes it fun and easy to cook over a charcoal or gas grill.
Ingredients:
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1 pork heart
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon paprika or chili flakes (optional)
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Salt to taste
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Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
Prepare the Heart:
Clean the pork heart by trimming away excess fat and connective tissue. Cut it into 2-inch pieces
Marinate:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, pepper, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Add the pork heart pieces and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Grill:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Skewer the Meat:
Thread the pork heart pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Grill:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally. The meat should be nicely charred on the outside but still tender inside. Avoid overcooking—it can become chewy.
Rest and Serve:
Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with dipping sauces such as spicy chili sauce, teriyaki, or garlic mayo.
Tip: For an extra smoky flavor, brush the skewers with a little marinade during the last minute of grilling.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Is pork heart tough to cook?
Not if prepared correctly. Pork heart is lean and dense, so it benefits from either quick high-heat methods (like stir-frying and grilling) or slow, moist cooking (like braising). Overcooking can make it tough.
How do I clean pork heart before cooking?
Trim away fat, arteries, and connective tissue. Slice the heart open and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any remaining blood.
What does pork heart taste like?
Pork heart has a rich, meaty flavor similar to lean pork or beef with a slightly firmer texture. It’s less “gamey” than liver and milder than kidney.
Can I freeze pork heart?
Yes. You can freeze raw pork heart for up to 3 months. If cooked, store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for a month.
Cooking pork heart at home is easier than it sounds and offers a delicious, budget-friendly way to enjoy a nutritious cut of meat. Whether you prefer a quick stir-fry, a comforting braise, or smoky grilled skewers, these recipes bring out the best of this underrated ingredient. Try them all and discover which method becomes your new favorite way to cook pork heart!
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