Crispy, crunchy pork cracklin strips are a beloved snack, especially in the Southern United States. These tasty treats are made by frying pork skin and fat until deliciously browned and crisp. While you can certainly just eat pork cracklins straight from the bag, there are lots of creative and delicious ways to enjoy them!
In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about eating pork cracklin strips including
- What Are Pork Cracklins?
- Buying the Best Pork Cracklins
- Eating Them Plain
- Pairing with Dips and Sauces
- Using as Toppings
- Cooking with Cracklins
- Storing and Reheating
- FAQs
So let’s dive in and explore all the possibilities for enjoying these savory. satisfying snacks!
What Are Pork Cracklins?
Pork cracklins, also called pork rinds or pork skins, are made from the skin of a pig that is fried or roasted until puffed and crispy. They have a light interior with a deliciously crispy and salty exterior, thanks to being fried in pork fat or oil and then seasoned with salt.
Cracklins contain mostly fat and protein, with little to no carbs. They make a great high-fat, low-carb snack, especially for keto and paleo diets. Their rich, meaty flavor and crunchy texture make them hard to stop eating!
Buying the Best Pork Cracklins
For the tastiest cracklins, look for:
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Freshness – Check expiration dates and proper storage
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Minimal ingredients – Just pork skin, oil or lard, and salt
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Good fat content – This makes them crispy
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Reputable brand – Look for small local producers for quality
Avoid cracklins with a lot of extra seasoning or additives. You want to taste the natural pork flavor. Consider making them yourself too for the freshest results.
Eating Cracklins Plain
The simplest way to eat pork cracklins is straight from the bag as a snack. Here are some tips:
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Break into smaller pieces to reduce choking hazard from large pieces
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Blot excess grease with a paper towel if they seem overly oily
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Season more to taste with salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.
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Microwave 10-15 seconds to warm and crisp up if bags get stale
I like to portion out smaller bags for grabbing on-the-go. Pork cracklins are a protein-packed snack perfect for keeping you energized!
Pairing Pork Cracklins with Dips and Sauces
While delicious plain, cracklins also pair well with a variety of dips and sauces for even more flavor. Some tasty options include:
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Creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing
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Warm queso or cheese sauce
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Guacamole or mango salsa
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Hummus or baba ganoush
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Peanut or almond butter
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Sweet and sour or duck sauce
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Honey mustard or BBQ sauce
Get creative and discover your perfect flavor combinations! The crunch of the cracklins combined with creamy, spicy, or sweet sauces is a match made in heaven.
Using Pork Cracklins as a Topping
Pork cracklins aren’t just a snack – they make a fantastic topping too!
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Sprinkle on salads for added crunch
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Garnish chili, soups or stews
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Top tacos, nachos and more
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Use as breading for chicken, fish, etc.
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Add texture to dips and spreads
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Garnish finished dishes before serving
Crush them up first for an even coating or leave whole for crunch. Either way, they add a tasty crunch and savory flavor as a topping.
Cooking with Pork Cracklins
You can add pork cracklins to recipes too. Here are some ideas:
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Fritters – Add to corn or apple fritter batter
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Meatballs – Mix into the ground meat
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Stuffing – Toss with bread cubes and veggies
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Casserole topping – Sprinkle over green bean or broccoli casserole
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Breadcrumbs – Use crushed cracklins instead of breadcrumbs
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Fried rice – Sprinkle in for added texture
-trail Mix – Toss with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit
The options are endless! Let the porkiness enhance your savory dishes.
Storing and Reheating Pork Cracklins
To maintain crispness and freshness:
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Store cracklins in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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For longer storage, place bags in the freezer for 2-3 months.
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To reheat, bake at 400°F for 5 minutes until crispy again.
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Microwaving works too – just heat in 10 second intervals, checking often.
With proper storage, you can enjoy pork cracklins for weeks! Just re-crisp as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common pork cracklin FAQs:
How are cracklins different than pork rinds?
Cracklins have small bits of pork attached, while rinds are just the skin. This gives cracklins more meaty flavor and texture.
Can you eat pork cracklins on keto or paleo diets?
Yes! Cracklins are low carb and fit nicely into low carb, high fat diets.
Are pork cracklins healthy?
They are high in fat and sodium, so moderation is key. But cracklins can fit into a balanced diet.
What’s the best way to make homemade pork cracklins?
Cut the skin into strips, fry in lard or oil until browned, then salt generously. Drain on paper towels before eating.
What cooking oil works best for frying pork cracklins?
Lard or peanut oil are ideal, as they have high smoke points. Canola or vegetable oil work too.
Crunch Away with Pork Cracklins!
Now you have plenty of ideas for enjoying every bite of these deliciously crispy pork cracklin strips! From snacking to dipping to cooking, put these tips to use and expand your pork cracklin horizons. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize them to your personal tastes. With so many options, you’ll never get bored of these tasty treats. So get crunch-happy with some porky goodness.