The Best Herbs and Spices to Pair with Pork

Pork is a versatile protein that takes well to many different seasonings With its mild yet savory flavor, pork serves as a perfect canvas for layered spice blends and herb infusions But with so many herbs and spices to choose from, how do you know which ones pair best with pork?

Here is an overview of the top herbs and spices that complement and enhance the flavor of pork.

Why Herbs and Spices Go Well with Pork

There are a few reasons why herbs and spices make excellent seasonings for pork

• Pork has a mild taste compared to beef or lamb. This allows the flavors of herbs and spices to shine through.

• The rich, fatty qualities of pork stand up well to robust seasonings and help their flavors cling to the meat

• Many classic cuisines and dishes, from Italian to Cajun, season pork heavily with spices.

• Herbs and spices add flavor variety while requiring little to no added fat or sodium.

• Seasonings transform basic pork into something special and complementary side dishes.

Whether cooking pork chops, roasts, tenderloins or ground pork, herbs and spices add delicious depth, complexity and personality to the meat.

10 Best Herbs for Seasoning Pork

Here are 10 of the top herbs that pair wonderfully with pork:

1. Sage – This aromatic herb has a woodsy, slightly minty taste that enhances pork’s savory qualities. Use with roasts or chops.

2. Rosemary – Its pine-like flavor stands up well to richer cuts like shoulder. Rosemary also seasons stuffings nicely.

3. Thyme – Often paired with rosemary, thyme has an earthy, subtle flavor that complements pork.

4. Oregano – This zesty Mediterranean herb infuses pork with bold flavor. Pairs well with garlic.

5. Marjoram – Offers a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. Use in rubs, marinades and sauces.

6. Parsley – Its fresh, versatile flavor livens up pork dishes as a seasoning or garnish.

7. Basil – Sweet basil balances pork’s fattiness. Also delicious in pestos and pan sauces for pork.

8. Cilantro – Bright, citrusy cilantro cuts through rich pork. Fantastic in tacos and stir-fries.

9. Dill – The anise-like taste of feathery dill offsets fatty pork well. Makes tasty marinades.

10. Tarragon – Licorice-like flavor pairs nicely with lighter cuts like chops and tenderloin.

Playing around with herb combos like sage and marjoram or rosemary and thyme can create amazing flavor layers on pork.

10 Best Spices for Seasoning Pork

In addition to herbs, a variety of spices also complement and enhance pork wonderfully:

1. Garlic – Essential in rubs, marinades and sauces. Mellows and sweetens with cooking.

2. Mustard – Spicy yellow or brown mustard seeds add kick. Also makes great sauces for pork.

3. Coriander – Toasty, citrusy seeds season roasts excellently. Also good in rubs and marinades.

4. Cumin – Earthy, nutty cumin is a key ingredient in Latin and Mexican-style pork dishes.

5. Chili Powder – Adds mild to intense heat, depending on variety. Fantastic in tacos.

6. Paprika – Choose sweet or smoked paprika to lend subtle warmth with a touch of sweetness.

7. Caraway Seeds – Has an anise-like flavor. Seasons rich cuts like shoulder wonderfully.

8. Fennel Seeds – Licorice-like fennel seeds pair nicely with brined or smoked pork.

9. Cinnamon – A touch of cinnamon enhances pork’s sweetness. Works well in Mexican dishes.

10. Cloves – Used sparingly, cloves add warmth and sophistication in marinades and sauces.

Spice combinations like cumin-coriander-chili or mustard-fennel-caraway infuse pork with intense, complementary flavors.

Cooking Methods That Allow Herbs and Spices to Shine

To allow the herbs and spices to shine through, opt for these cooking methods when seasoning pork:

• Rub – Coat raw pork with an herb-spice blend for maximum flavor infusion.

• Marinade – Soaking pork in an herb-infused liquid tenderizes meat and boosts flavor.

• Braise or Stew – Slow cooking melds seasonings into the meat. Great for tougher cuts.

• Grill – Bold seasonings stand up to the high heat of grilling. Impart lovely charred flavors.

• Roast – Dry heat concentrates flavors – roast pork with lots of aromatic herbs.

• Sear – Quickly searing seasoned chops or medallions seals in flavors.

Take your pork from bland and boring to mouthwateringly delicious by experimenting with herbs, spices and different cooking techniques.

Recommended Herb and Spice Combinations for Pork Dishes

Here are some recommended combinations to get you started cooking flavorful pork meals:

• Pork Roast – Rosemary, garlic, sage, thyme

• Pork Chops – Thyme, paprika, coriander

• Pork Tenderloin – Rosemary, garlic, mustard

• Pulled Pork – Chili powder, cumin, oregano, cinnamon

• Carnitas – Cumin, oregano, garlic, chili powder

• Sausage – Sage, fennel seed, red pepper flakes

• Ham – Cloves, brown sugar, mustard, nutmeg

• Stir Fry – Ginger, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce

• Italian Sausage – Basil, fennel seed, oregano

The possibilities for seasoning pork creatively with herbs and spices are endless. Balance mild and robust flavors and tweak combinations until you find your favorites.

Get Creative and Have Fun with Herbs and Spices in Pork Dishes

One of the great things about pork is that it can be enhanced by so many different herbs and spices. Don’t be afraid to think beyond the traditional combos and get creative with global flavors.

Try out spice blends like ras el hanout or bold mixes of herbs de provence. Infuse Mexican-style pork carnitas with chili powder, cumin and oregano. Rub pork ribs with Chinese five spice powder, or inject roasted pork shoulder with a sweet and tangy mojo marinade.

Let your imagination run wild and discover amazing new ways to season pork with the myriad herbs, spices, zests, pastes and rubs available. With its versatility, pork makes the perfect canvas for your bold seasoning experiments.

So explore Mediterranean herb blends, Thai curry pastes, Indian garam masalas or Jamaican jerk spices to take your pork to the next flavor level. The options for seasoning pork creatively are endless!