As a passionate home cook and bacon lover, I’m always eager to discover new types of pork to experiment with. Lately I’ve become intrigued by side pork, which seems very similar to bacon yet remains unfamiliar to many cooks. That’s why I want to provide a definitive guide on what side pork is, where it comes from, and most importantly – what you can use it for in the kitchen!
What Exactly is Side Pork?
Let’s start with a quick definition of side pork. Also known as pork belly or fresh bacon, side pork comes from the same part of the pig as bacon – the belly/side area. However, it is not cured, smoked, or otherwise processed like traditional bacon. Side pork is simply raw pork belly meat.
Since it hasn’t been altered or flavored side pork has a milder meatier taste compared to smoky, salty bacon. It also boasts a slightly chewier texture. But when cooked properly, side pork delivers plenty of porky flavor along with delightful crispy bits!
Now that we know what it is, let’s get into the good stuff – how to use side pork in cooking!
Cooking Methods for Side Pork
The most common way to prepare side pork is similar to regular bacon – by pan-frying Follow these tips for perfect crispy side pork
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Cut side pork into 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch slices or strips.
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Cook in a heavy pan like cast iron over medium-high heat.
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Once the fat renders, lower the heat to prevent burning.
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Flip and stir frequently until browned and crispy to your liking.
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Drain on paper towels before serving.
You can also bake side pork in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking gives a nice even crispness.
No matter which cooking method you use, the key is getting that irresistible contrast of crispy exterior and tender, meaty interior!
Tantalizing Ways to Use Crispy Side Pork
Now for the best part – all the tasty ways to eat and cook with crispy side pork! Here are some of my favorite options:
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Enjoy plain as a snack – Season with just a bit of salt and pepper for pure porky flavor.
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Make BLT sandwiches – Layer with lettuce, tomato, and mayo on bread for a classic combo.
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Crumble into salads – Bits of crispy side pork give great texture and smoky notes.
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Frittata filler – Mix into egg dishes like quiche or frittata for breakfast.
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Flavor vegetables – Sauteed greens, beans, or potatoes benefit from porky richness.
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Enhance pasta – Toss crispy nuggets into classic spaghetti carbonara for extra decadence.
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Garnish soups – Sprinkle over chowders, bean soups, or ramen for a savory crunch.
The possibilities are endless! Side pork’s mild flavor allows it to complement both sweet and savory ingredients beautifully.
Creative Recipe Ideas Using Side Pork
Looking for some full recipe inspiration? Here are a few of my favorite creative ways to use side pork:
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Side Pork Hash – Diced potato, onion, peppers and crispy side pork makes a hearty hash. Top with a fried egg!
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Sweet & Salty Brussels Sprouts – Roast brussels sprouts and apples with maple syrup, then finish with crispy bits of side pork.
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Loaded Baked Potatoes – Top russet potatoes with crispy side pork, cheddar, bacon, and scallions for an indulgent meal.
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Porky Pasta Salad – Toss pasta with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta and crispy side pork morsels.
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Asian Pork Lettuce Wraps – Sauteed mushrooms, water chestnuts, green onions and side pork wrapped in lettuce leaves makes an easy appetizer.
With a little creativity, the possibilities for side pork are practically endless. Don’t be afraid to get inventive!
Helpful Hints for Cooking with Side Pork
Here are a few handy tips to ensure success when cooking with side pork:
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Store fresh side pork well-wrapped in the fridge and use within 4-5 days for best flavor and texture.
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Pat the slices dry before cooking to help achieve maximum crispiness in the pan.
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Adjust cooking temp as needed to render fat slowly without burning the pork.
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Save the leftover rendered side pork fat for cooking other foods – it has great porky flavor!
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Add side pork to dishes at the end of cooking so it stays nice and crispy.
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Play around with different seasonings beyond just salt and pepper to liven up the flavor.
With its mild taste and texture, side pork adapts well to all types of cuisines and cooking methods. I hope these tips inspire you to start cooking up this underrated gem!
Frequently Asked Questions About Side Pork
Still have some lingering questions about side pork? Here I’ll tackle some of the most common queries:
Is side pork the same thing as bacon?
While side pork does come from the same part of the pig, it differs from bacon in that it is not cured, smoked, or seasoned. The two meats have distinctly different textures and flavors.
What’s the best way to cook side pork?
Pan-frying and baking are the most popular cooking methods to achieve crispy side pork. Low, gentle heat helps render fat and crisp the pork without burning it.
How long does fresh side pork last in the fridge?
Fresh side pork stored properly in the fridge will last for 4-5 days. After that, it’s best to freeze any you can’t use.
Can you eat side pork raw?
Like bacon, it’s not recommended to eat raw side pork due to the risk of bacteria. Always cook side pork thoroughly before consuming.
Is side pork healthy?
In moderation, side pork can be part of a healthy diet. Opt for high-quality sources and focus on vegetables and whole grains as the bulk of your plate.
Time to Try This Tantalizing Pork Treat!
Thanks for joining me on this mouthwatering exploration of side pork – an underappreciated gem of the pork family! With its mild taste and texture, side pork works beautifully in so many dishes from comforting breakfast hashes to quick pasta weeknight meals.
Here’s a quick summary of why every home cook should have side pork in their fridge:
- Versatile mild flavor complements both sweet and savory ingredients
- Satisfying crisp and tender texture when pan-fried
- Nutritious source of protein and healthy fats
- Inexpensive and easy to cook just like bacon
- Elevates endless recipes when used creatively