Whether you want to add old-fashioned flavor to soups and beans or enjoy salt pork’s crispy, salty goodness in its own right, learning the most delicious methods of cooking this cured meat is essential. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook salt pork properly at home.
1. Frequently Asked Questions
1.1. What is Salt Pork?
Salt pork comes from pork fatback or belly that has been cured and preserved in salt, leaving it quite salty. It lends rich pork flavor and tender texture to dishes cooked low and slow. Salt pork may have some meat streaks but is primarily fat.
1.2. Is Salt Pork Ready to Eat?
No, salt pork needs thorough cooking before eating to melt down the fat and render out the excess saltiness. Uncooked salt pork is much too salty to enjoy. Frying, baking or simmering renders out those components, leaving nutty, savory, tender bits.
1.3. Should Salt Pork Be Rinsed Before Cooking?
Yes, salt pork should be rinsed, soaked and patted very dry before cooking. Running cool water helps remove excess surface salt and impurities for better flavor balance. If not rinsed first, the final dish may end up far too salty.
2. How To Cook Salt Pork in the Oven
Ingredients
- 1 salt pork ( 12 oz )
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Rinse the salt pork under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat it dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Then rub the spice mixture all over the salt pork, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides.
Place the seasoned salt pork in a shallow baking dish or roasting pan. You can line the dish with aluminum foil for easier cleanup if desired.
Place the baking dish with the salt pork in the preheated oven. Bake the salt pork for 30-40 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Check the salt pork occasionally while it’s cooking. If it starts browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
Once the salt pork is cooked to your liking and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Slice the cooked salt pork as desired. It can be used as a flavorful ingredient in various dishes or served on its own as a salty and crispy snack.
3. How To Cook Salt Pork in an Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 salt pork ( 12 oz )
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
Rinse the salt pork under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat it dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Next, rub the spice mixture all over the salt pork, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides.
Place the seasoned salt pork in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If needed, you can cook the salt pork in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.
After the initial cooking time, flip the salt pork pieces and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
Once the salt pork is cooked to your liking and crispy, remove it from the air fryer. Allow the salt pork to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the air-fried salt pork as a side dish or use it as a flavorful ingredient in various recipes, such as beans, stews, or greens.