Pork roll, also known as Taylor ham or Trenton pork roll, is a New Jersey specialty made of cured and smoked pork. With its salty, tangy flavor and pink color, pork roll is a popular breakfast meat that is commonly sliced and fried or griddled However, frying takes time When you’re in a rush, the microwave provides a fast, easy way to heat up pork roll and enjoy it in sandwiches and other dishes.
Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking pork roll in the microwave perfectly every time
Benefits of Microwaving Pork Roll
Microwaving is one of the quickest and simplest cooking methods for pork roll. Here are some of the benefits:
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Speed – You can microwave pork roll in just 30 seconds to 1 minute, much faster than frying. This makes it ideal for hurried mornings.
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Convenience – No need to heat up a skillet. Just pop the pork roll in the microwave.
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Easy cleanup – Microwaving pork roll makes for fast, minimal-mess cooking compared to frying.
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Healthier – Microwaving doesn’t require any added fat or oil. This gives you all the flavor without the extra calories and grease.
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Portability – You can microwave pork roll in an office kitchenette or dorm room, no stove needed.
While pan-frying gives pork roll a crispy texture, microwaving is great when you want delicious pork roll in a hurry.
How to Microwave Pork Roll Perfectly
Microwaving pork roll takes just a few easy steps for hot and tasty meat every time.
Ingredients
- Pork roll slices
- Paper towels
- Microwave-safe plate or bowl
Instructions
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Unwrap the pork roll and remove any casing or packaging. Slice into thin rounds if using a whole log.
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Layer paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Place pork roll slices in a single layer on the towels.
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Microwave on high for 30 seconds (for 2-3 slices) up to 1 minute (for more slices). Microwave in 30 second increments to prevent overcooking.
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Blot excess grease with more paper towels after microwaving. Be careful, as the pork roll will be very hot!
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Enjoy immediately or use in breakfast sandwiches, appetizers, etc. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Microwaving gives pork roll a hot, soft texture compared to the crispy exterior from frying. But it infuses the meat with warmth and melts any fat through evenly. Use paper towels to absorb excess grease.
Microwave Cooking Tips
Follow these tips for the best results when microwaving pork roll:
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Use thin slices no more than 1⁄4 inch thick for quick, even cooking.
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Arrange slices in a single layer so they heat through. No stacking.
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Microwave in 30 second bursts, checking often to prevent overcooking.
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Let the pork roll rest for 1-2 minutes after microwaving. The inside will finish cooking.
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Blot grease after cooking but don’t press and squeeze pork roll. This will dry it out.
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Add slices to bread or a bagel immediately after microwaving for tasty sandwiches.
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Adjust microwave power and time as needed based on your appliance.
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For food safety, refrigerate any microwaved pork roll within 2 hours.
Microwave Pork Roll Recipes
Once you get the basic microwave cooking method down, you can start incorporating pork roll into all kinds of delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacking.
Breakfast
- Pork roll, egg and cheese sandwich
- Pork roll and hash brown breakfast sandwich
- Pizza bagel with pork roll and cheese
Lunch/Dinner
- Pulled pork roll sandwiches – shred microwaved pork roll
- Pork roll quesadillas
- Pork roll mac and cheese
- Pork roll ramen
Appetizers
- Pork roll pizza bites
- Pork roll nachos
- Pork roll stuffed mushrooms
Microwaving makes it easy to add hot, flavorful pork roll to recipes any time. Keep a log or sliced pack in the fridge and you can have pork roll sliders, omelets, pasta bakes, or salads ready in minutes.
So next time you’re craving the salty, meaty taste of pork roll but don’t want to go through the hassle of frying, turn to your microwave. In less than 60 seconds, you can have perfect pork roll ready to enjoy in all your favorite Jersey shore-inspired dishes and treats.
Super Simple Roast pork belly in the Microwave
FAQ
Can Taylor pork roll be microwaved?
Does pork roll need to be cooked?
How do you cook pork in the microwave?
How to tell if pork roll is cooked?
Can You microwave a pork roll?
Customize your microwaved pork roll by topping with a slice of cheese, fried egg, or avocado. Crispy, salty and oh so satisfying, perfectly cooked pork roll is right at home on a breakfast sandwich or served alongside eggs any style. Now you can achieve diner-quality results easily using 4 different kitchen appliances.
How to cook pork roll in oven?
1. How To Cook Pork Roll in Oven Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly coat with nonstick spray. Lay the sliced pork roll evenly in a single layer across the sheet. Make sure the slices don’t overlap. Bake for 6 minutes then gently flip each slice.
How do you slice a pork roll?
How you slice it depends on your preference. Some people like it paper thin, and cook it in a frying pan till it’s crispy. Some people cut it thick, and barely warm it up. (Kate of www.jerseyporkroll.com, prefers paper thin slices of well-cooked pork roll.) Cut little notches, or slices around the edges; 4 cuts should do it.
How do you cook a pork roll in a frying pan?
Some people like it paper thin, and cook it in a frying pan till it’s crispy. Some people cut it thick, and barely warm it up. (Kate of www.jerseyporkroll.com, prefers paper thin slices of well-cooked pork roll.) Cut little notches, or slices around the edges; 4 cuts should do it. This keeps the slice from curling up when you cook it.