How to Cook Juicy, Flavorful Corned Pork Silverside

Corned pork silverside is a delicious cut of meat that’s perfect for feeding a crowd While it requires some advance preparation, corning your own pork results in incredibly moist, seasoned meat with fantastic flavor

In this guide, we’ll walk through the simple process of corning and cooking pork silverside step-by-step With the right techniques, you can make this budget-friendly cut just as tasty as upscale corned beef Let’s get started!

Choosing the Right Pork for Corned Silverside

The first step is selecting the right pork. Here’s what to look for:

• Silverside or rump roast: Opt for a boneless roast between 2-4 lbs. The uniform shape allows even brining.

• Untreated, uncured meat: Don’t use enhanced pork or ham. Choose fresh, plain pork.

• Some fat Moderate marbling provides moisture during cooking Avoid very lean cuts,

• Good marinade absorption: Less connective tissue allows the brine to penetrate.

Once you’ve got the perfect pork roast, it’s time to make the brine.

Creating a Flavorful Brine

A basic brine is equal parts water and salt, but you can add lots of flavor with spices and aromatics.

• Salt: Use 1 cup kosher or pickling salt per 1 quart of water. Table salt is too fine.

• Sugar: 1/2 cup of brown sugar balances flavor. White sugar works too.

• Spices: Try bay leaves, allspice, black pepper, mustard seeds, coriander, etc.

• Aromatics: Onion, garlic, lemon, and orange add brightness.

• Nitrites: Use a small amount of pink curing salt for safety and color.

• Liquid: Water, stock, juice, beer, vinegar, or wine make a flavorful base.

Bring the brine to a boil to dissolve the salt and let cool before adding pork.

Brining Process for Perfectly Seasoned Meat

Once your brine is ready, submerging the pork is simple:

• Submerge the roast in the cooled brine in a nonreactive container. Use a plate to keep it down.

• Refrigerate for 5-7 days, turning the meat occasionally. Longer = more flavor.

• Keep fully submerged; top off with additional brine if needed.

• Remove roast and rinse well. Pat dry with paper towels before cooking.

• Discard used brine as it contains raw pork juices. Don’t reuse.

The brining time infuses the pork with seasoned moisture and gives it terrific old-world flavor.

Cooking Your Corned Pork Silverside

Low and slow braising or simmering is ideal for cooking corned pork. Here are two methods:

Oven Braise Method

• Preheat oven to 325°F.

• Place roast in a Dutch oven or braising pan.

• Add 1 cup broth, water, or beer and aromatic veggies.

• Cover and braise 3-4 hours until fork tender.

• Remove pork and loosely tent to rest.

• Make gravy from pan drippings.

Simmering

• Place roast in a large pot and cover with water.

• Add your favorite spices for extra flavor.

• Simmer covered for about 4 hours over low heat.

• Remove pork and let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Either way yields super tender and juicy corned pork! Just keep the temp low and let it cook slowly.

Serving Your Homemade Corned Silverside

Corned pork makes fantastic sandwiches piled high on rye bread. Try it with:

• Sauerkraut or coleslaw

• Swiss cheese

• Russian or thousand island dressing

• Deli mustard

For dinner, slice and serve with:

• Buttered cabbage or root veggies

• Boiled potatoes or potatoes O’brien

• Horseradish cream sauce or mustard

• A pint of stout or Irish beer

Leftovers are great for hash, omelets, tacos, pasta, or soup. Corned pork keeps for a week refrigerated.

Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Follow these tips and you’ll get professional-tasting corned pork at home:

• Use a digital thermometer – cook to 200°F for braising.

• Pick a uniformly shaped roast for even brining.

• Simmer gently; don’t boil to keep it tender.

• Let rest 20 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.

• Add brine spices slowly until desired flavor is reached.

• Chill the brine fully before adding pork.

With the right cut of pork, a well-balanced brine, gentle cooking, and a little patience, you’ll get amazing homemade corned silverside full of old-fashioned flavor. Impress your family at your next holiday meal!