18 Delicious Recipes to Make with Pork Stew Meat Beyond Just Stew

Pork stew meat is a budget-friendly cut that works great in braised dishes like stew But you can stretch your dollar even further by using pork stew meat in a variety of other recipes too,

In this article, I’ll share 18 recipe ideas to inspire you to get more versatility out of this inexpensive cut of pork. From tacos to soup, skewers to hashes, there are so many tasty ways to cook with cubed pork besides stew.

Keep reading for how to pick the best pork for stewing tips on handling and prep and a mouthwatering collection of recipes to add variety to your pork rotation

What is Pork Stew Meat?

Pork stew meat refers to cubed cuts of pork from the shoulder or leg that are best suited for moist cooking methods like stewing, braising and slow cooking. It usually contains pieces from the pork butt, picnic shoulder, leg or fresh ham.

Compared to loin or tenderloin, pork stew meat has more fat marbling and connective tissue. This makes it perfect for slow braising, where the collagen melts into succulent tenderness after hours in liquid.

Pork shoulder or butt are common stew meat cuts since they stay juicier than leaner parts when cooked low and slow. Look for cubes of 1 to 2 inches.

Tips for Handling Pork Stew Meat

Here are some useful pointers for getting the most out of pork stew meat:

Choose meat with good marbling for flavor and moisture
Trim off excess fat before cooking
Brown pork before braising to boost flavor
Cook low and slow, at least 2-3 hours for best texture
Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute
Freeze extras in an airtight bag for up to 4 months

With the right prep and cooking methods, pork stew meat delivers tender, hearty goodness every time.

18 Recipies to Make with Pork Stew Meat

Looking for new ways to enjoy economical cubed pork? Here are 18 delicious recipes that use pork stew meat beyond just stew:

1. Carnitas Street Tacos

Transform cubed pork into crispy, spice-rubbed carnitas for incredible Mexican street tacos.

2. BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Shred smoked and braised pork into finger-food pulled pork sandwiches.

3. Pork Banh Mi

Stuff Vietnamese baguette sandwiches with flavorful braised pork.

4. Pork Tamales

Use stewed pork as the hearty filling inside these Mexican-style masa wraps.

5. Pork Larb

For a Thai twist, mince pork and mix into a zesty salad.

6. Pork Chili Verde

Braise pork in tomatillos and green chiles for an addictive stew-like chili.

7. Pork Green Chili

Swap ground beef for pork in this Southwestern favorite.

8. Pork Posole

Cook cubed pork in a bold red chili broth with hominy.

9. Char Siu Pork

Turn pork into Chinese BBQ with a sweet maltose glaze.

10. Pork Ramen

Top steaming ramen bowls with braised pork belly.

11. Pork Chili

Add tender stewed pork to any beef or turkey chili recipe.

12. Pork Hash

Whip up a hearty diner-style hash with potatoes, peppers and pork.

13. Pork Fried Rice

Stir bite-size pork into vegetable fried rice.

14. Pork & Sauerkraut

Braise pork with tangy sauerkraut and caraway seeds.

15. Pork Tacos al Pastor

Marinate pork in pineapple and chiles for Mexican street food.

16. Pork Enchiladas

Fill tortillas with seasoned shredded pork and cheese.

17. Pork Mole

Smother cubed pork in rich, chocolate-chili mole sauce.

18. Pork & Beans

Mix pork into baked beans for a protein punch.

As you can see, inexpensive pork stew meat offers almost endless recipe potential beyond stew. With a little creativity in the kitchen, you can transform basic pork cubes into all kinds of global cuisine.

Choose the Best Pork for Stewing

Not all pork is created equal when it comes to stewing and braising. Here are some tips for selecting optimal pork stew meat:

Opt for shoulder or leg cuts – Units like the butt, picnic, ham or shank work best. Avoid loin or tenderloin.
Get boneless cubes – Boneless chunks mean easier eating and cooking.
Seek out marbling – The fat lends moisture, flavor and tenderness when braised slowly.
Choose enhanced or not – Enhanced pork contains a salt solution for added juiciness. It’s a personal choice.
Consider heritage breeds – Pasture-raised heritage pork offers deeper flavor.
Inspect quality – Make sure the pork looks fresh with no bad odors or sliminess.

With practice, you’ll learn how to pick the cuts of pork that will yield the richest stew and braise.

Get Creative with Pork Stew Meat

If you’re only using pork stew meat in classic stew recipes, you’re missing out on a world of possibility. From skewers to tacos, sandwiches to egg rolls, the versatile cubed pork takes well to global flavors.

Next time you find a good deal on pork stew meat, grab a few extra packages. Portion and freeze the pork for future meals. Then you can break out of the stew rut and explore new cuisines anytime.

Braised, shredded, skewer or minced – the affordable pork cubes offer budget-friendly options for everyday family dinners, as well as fun weekend cooking projects.

So expand your skills and taste buds by cooking pork stew meat in creative ways. And enjoy delicious variety without breaking the bank!

This is Going to Be the BEST BEEF STEW You Will Ever Make | Easy CARNE GUISADA Recipe

FAQ

Is stew meat only for stew?

What Else Can I Make With Stew Meat? As a rule of thumb, you can use stew meat in any recipe that calls for chopping up and braising chuck or round. Instead of the chuck or round, simply swap in an equal weight of stew meat. Here are some dishes you can make, plus recipes to get that beef cooking.

Is pork stew meat the same as pork shoulder?

Since pork butt has more fat marbling throughout the meat and a more uniform shape, it’s the best cut for stewing and braising as well as for making fall-apart-tender pulled pork for a barbecue or for tacos. If a recipe calls for a choice between pork shoulder and pork butt, we highly recommend choosing pork butt.

Can you cook stew meat in a frying pan?

Turn the heat up to medium-high heat then add stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces. Season with LOTS of salt and pepper, plus a dash of red pepper flakes if you please, then saute until the meat is evenly browned, 8-10 minutes.

What to make with stew meat besides stew?

If you’re wondering what to make with stew meat besides stew, you’re in the right place! As delicious as beef stew is, sometimes you just need to switch things up. About once a month I stock my freezer with a variety of meats. Chicken thighs, chicken breasts, whole chicken, ground beef, chuck roast, and beef stew meat, to name a few staples.

Can one eat pork?

A cooked, medium pork cutlet or steak provides 239 calories, 34 grams protein, 10 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 697 milligrams sodium, and 0 grams carbohydrate, if you eat only the lean part of the steak. Pork contains many of the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) found in beef and it is high in protein, but can be lower in fat than beef—depending on cut and preparation. Meat from any kind of mammal, including pork, can cause an allergic reaction (and some people who are allergic to mammalian meat also react to poultry).

What are some stew meat recipes other than stew?

Some stew meat recipes other than stew include Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas and Beef Tips.

What is a good alternative to stew meat?

Here are some beef stew alternatives to make with stew meat. 1. Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Make this meal higher in antioxidants by adding in more veggies, like carrots and zucchini. These tacos are an easy, high-protein weeknight meal.