Pork wings, also known as pig wings, are a unique and delicious new way to enjoy pork. If you love chicken wings, you’ll definitely want to give pork wings a try! In this article, we’ll explore what exactly pork wings are, where they come from, how to prepare them, and some serving ideas to make the most of this tasty new cut of meat.
What Part of the Pig Do Pork Wings Come From?
Pork wings are cut from the lower portion of a pork shank or hock. This section contains a leg bone surrounded by flavorful dark meat. Butchers separate the two bones of the shank and trim away the excess fat and connective tissue, leaving just the bone with a portion of tender, succulent meat attached.
The end result looks remarkably similar to a chicken wing drumette, hence the name “pork wings.” While you won’t find these ready to cook at your local grocery store just yet, they are gaining popularity among innovative chefs and butchers. With the right skills and a pork shank, you can even DIY your own pork wings at home.
How Do You Cook Pork Wings?
The preparation of pork wings is very similar to cooking chicken wings. They can be grilled, smoked, baked, fried, or cooked in the air fryer. A dry rub or marinade adds lots of flavor. Sauces like barbecue, buffalo, or teriyaki sauce pair nicely with pork wings.
Most recipes call for cooking pork wings between 375-400°F either in the oven or on the grill until they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F, Cooking time ranges from 15-25 minutes depending on the size of the wings Be sure to let them rest for 5 minutes before serving,
The meat has a succulent chicken wing-like texture while boasting the savory, porky flavor we all love. The bone protruding on one end makes these meaty morsels perfect for picking up and eating with your fingers.
Serving Suggestions for Pork Wings
Pork wings lend themselves well to a variety of recipes and serving ideas
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Appetizers – Serve smoked, grilled, or fried pork wings with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
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Game Day Food – Pork wings are ideal for tailgating, game day parties, and other casual sporting events. Make them the star of your spread!
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Entrees – For a heartier meal, pair pork wings with sides like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, or collard greens.
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Salads – Chopped, diced pork wings can top salad greens, grains, beans, and more as a protein-packed meal addition.
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Sandwiches – Pile crispy, sauced pork wings onto buns for handheld sandwiches your guests will rave about.
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Snacks – Keep a batch of plain, sauced, or spiced pork wings in the fridge for high-protein snacks and quick meals.
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Global Flavors – Look to Asian, Latin, and Middle Eastern cuisines for sauces and seasonings that complement pork wonderfully.
Why Should You Try Pork Wings?
Here are some of the best reasons to add pork wings to your dinner plans:
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Inexpensive – Pork shanks are an economical cut of meat, keeping pork wings budget-friendly too.
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Tender and Juicy – When cooked properly, pork wings are moist and tender similar to chicken wings.
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Meaty – You get plenty of meat on and around the bone, rather than mostly skin and cartilage.
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Flavors Galore – Pork wings take on the flavors of any rubs, marinades, or sauces easily.
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Finger Food Fun – The bone makes these ideal for picking up and eating with your hands.
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Convenient – Pork wings cook quickly and can be prepped in advance.
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New and Exciting – Break out of your dinner rut by trying something new and different!
Where to Buy Pork Wings
Since pork wings utilize an underused cut of meat, you likely won’t find them at your neighborhood grocery store just yet. Here are some ways to get your hands on these novel pig parts:
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Check with local butchers and meat markets to see if they stock or can source pork wings for you.
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Specialty online meat purveyors like Pioneer Meats sell ready to cook pork wings.
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Purchase a pork hock or shank from your grocer’s meat case. Then watch tutorials to DIY your pork wings.
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Talk to farmers at the farmers market to see if they can get you fresh pork shanks for wing making.
Step-by-Step Guide for Preparing Pork Wings
If you can get your hands on uncut pork shanks, follow these simple steps for prepping pork wings at home:
What You Need:
- Pork hock or shank
- Boning knife or cimeter
- Cutting board
- Mallet
- Paper towels
Directions:
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Place pork shank on a cutting board. Carefully cut through the joint separating the two bones.
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Trim away any large pieces of fat or connective tissue to isolate the leg bone.
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Gently pound the meat with a mallet to flatten slightly and tenderize.
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Pat dry with paper towels and rub or marinate as desired.
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Cook using your preferred method until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
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Allow to rest 5 minutes then serve while hot. Enjoy!
Now you can start experimenting with all the flavor possibilities pork wings have to offer!
Recipes and Flavor Ideas for Pork Wings
Here are just a few recipe ideas to inspire you to put pork wings on the menu:
Sweet Chili Pork Wings
- Marinade: Sriracha, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, ginger
- Sauce: Chili garlic sauce, honey
Pork Bulgogi Wings
- Marinade: Soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil
- Garnish: Sesame seeds, green onions
Jerk Pork Wings
- Rub: Jamaican jerk seasoning
- Sauce: Pineapple, lime juice, brown sugar, hot peppers
Mexican Street Corn Pork Wings
- Rub: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne
- Toppings: Grilled corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice
Korean BBQ Pork Wings
- Sauce: Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger
- Garnish: Sesame seeds, green onions
The possibilities are endless when it comes to flavor profiles for pork wings. Let your imagination run wild with cultural spices, herbs, fruits, and veg that complement pork.
FAQs About Pork Wings
If you’re new to pork wings, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this novel cut of pork.
Are pork wings white or dark meat?
Pork wings consist of dark leg meat, which has rich flavor from being well exercised.
Can you make pork wings without the bone?
You can cut the meat away from the bone and cook it, but you’ll lose the signature “wing” shape.
What’s the white stuff on raw pork wings?
The white stuff is collagen connective tissue which melts away during cooking. It’s totally normal and safe to eat.
Should you trim the fat from pork wings?
Some fat can be trimmed, but leaving some fat helps keep the wings tender and moist during cooking.
At what temperature are pork wings safe to eat?
Always cook pork to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F to kill any potential bacteria.
How long do cooked pork wings last in the fridge?
Cooked pork wings will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly in a sealed container.