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 4 different ways.
1. How To Cook Pork Heart on Grill
Ingredients
- 1 pork heart, cleaned and sliced into 1/2 inch slices
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp grill seasoning
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare your grill for direct high-heat cooking and oil the grates.
Pat pork heart slices dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil.
Sprinkle the grill seasoning evenly over both sides of the slices. Squirt with fresh lime juice.
Place slices directly over hot grill grates. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once with tongs when nicely marked. Cook just until browned and slightly firm – do not overcook.
Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
The hot grill gives the pork heart nice charred exterior and tender, lightly pink interior. Squeeze over extra lime juice and enjoy.
2. How To Cook Pork Heart in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pork heart, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
In a bowl, toss pork heart cubes with oil and seasonings until coated, then place cubes in a single layer in air fryer basket.
Cook 8-10 minutes, shaking basket occasionally, until browned. Repeat with remaining cubes.
Remove from air fryer and enjoy immediately as an appetizer or main dish.
The air fryer gives the pork heart a perfect crispy outside and tender inside texture. Feel free to tweak the seasonings to your liking.
3. How To Cook Pork Heart in Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 whole pork heart, trimmed and quartered
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Place pork heart pieces in slow cooker. Top with onion and garlic.
In a bowl, mix together broth, tomato paste, and seasonings. Then pour over ingredients in slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
Remove pork heart and shred between two forks. Return shredded meat to slow cooker and mix with juices to coat.
The long cooking time leaves the pork heart fall-apart tender. Flavorful and hearty, it’s perfect served over mashed potatoes or pasta.
4. How To Cook Pork Heart in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 whole pork heart, trimmed and cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Select Saute setting on Instant Pot and add pork heart cubes in batches, browning each side. Then add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
Next, seal lid and cook on High pressure for 18 minutes.
Allow natural release, then shred pork heart using two forks.
Serve pork heart shredded over rice, polenta, or pasta.
The vinegar adds a tangy flavor that complements the richness of the pork heart. The sage and red pepper flakes give it a tasty kick.
Pork heart makes for hearty, delicious meals when cooked properly. Grill, air fry, slow cook, or use the Instant Pot for tender results. With its great affordability and nutrition, pork heart is worth exploring in your kitchen.
