Taylor Pork Roll also known as Trenton Pork Roll or simply pork roll, is a popular breakfast meat originating from New Jersey. This processed meat product is made from a mixture of ground pork salt, spices and is formed into a log shape before being smoked and fully cooked.
While this deli meat is fully cooked during production many people wonder – can you eat Taylor Pork Roll raw?
The short answer is no, it is not recommended to eat Taylor Pork Roll raw. Keep reading to understand why and learn how to properly prepare and enjoy this Jersey breakfast staple.
Raw Pork Carries Risks
Eating raw or undercooked pork of any kind carries health risks. Raw pork may contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes.
Eating pork that is raw or not cooked enough can make you sick with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and worse long-term effects. When pork is cooked all the way through to 145°F, any pathogens that might be present are killed, and the meat is safe to eat.
So while Taylor Pork Roll is fully cooked during manufacturing, the USDA recommends reheating before eating to 165°F for added safety. For maximum food safety, always cook pork roll thoroughly until hot before consuming.
Proper Preparation is Key
While it may seem convenient, eating Taylor Pork Roll straight out of the package is not recommended.
Always heat pork roll thoroughly before eating to ensure any bacteria present is killed. Here are some safe ways to enjoy Taylor Pork Roll:
- Pan-fry slices on both sides until crispy and hot throughout
- Grill slices on a skillet or outdoor grill until marks appear
- Bake in the oven on a sheet tray at 400°F until heated through
- Add to omelets, breakfast tacos, casseroles after cooking meat first
When you cook a pork roll, the fat is rendered and the outside gets crispy and browned, while the inside stays hot and juicy. Don’t miss out on that satisfying texture and flavor by eating it raw!.
Serving Suggestions
Once properly cooked, here are some classic ways Taylor Pork Roll is served:
- Breakfast sandwich with fried egg and cheese on a bagel, roll or English muffin
- Side of breakfast platter with scrambled eggs, home fries and toast
- In a breakfast burrito or wrap with eggs, cheese, peppers and onions
- Chopped up in home fries or hash for added protein
- On a pizza with other breakfast toppings like eggs and bacon
- Crumbled into a breakfast casserole or strata
The savory smoked pork flavor pairs perfectly with eggs and cheese. And the thin slices means it cooks up quick. Just be sure to always heat it thoroughly before enjoying in any dish.
A Garden State Icon
Taylor Pork Roll is an iconic Jersey breakfast meat beloved for its smoky, salty, subtly sweet flavor. But this processed meat needs proper cooking before eating for food safety. While fully cooked during production, the raw pork still poses risks if not heated to an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming. For peak safety and taste, always cook Taylor Pork Roll thoroughly until hot and browned before eating – never eat it raw. With its signature flavor and versatility, this Jersey style breakfast meat is a delicious addition to many morning meals as long as its properly prepared.
Pork Roll Recipes
From New Jersey to eastern Pennsylvania and parts of Maryland and Delaware, you can find pork roll in the breakfast meat section of grocery stores, butcher shops, delis, and corner stores. It’s typically served on breakfast sandwiches at diners, brunch restaurants, gas stations, and food carts around the Mid-Atlantic.
How to Cook With Pork Roll
Even though pork roll is fully cooked when it’s made, it’s not served cold on sandwiches like most deli meats are. Instead, it’s griddled on both sides and served hot, similar to Canadian bacon.
Pork roll must be sliced into thin rounds before it’s fried, grilled, or seared. It’s either sold in cylinders to be sliced at home or may be sold in pre-sliced packages.
Before cooking pork roll, make several shallow cuts about half an inch to an inch deep around the edges of each slice. This will keep the meat from curling up while it cooks and allow it to stay in contact with the cooking surface.
Melt the butter in a frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side until browned. You can put the hot pork roll on a bagel, roll, or English muffin and top it with cheese and scrambled or fried eggs. You can also put it on a breakfast platter with eggs, toast, and home fries.
Why Pork Roll (Or Taylor Ham) Rules New Jersey || Food/Groups
FAQ
Does Taylor Pork Roll have to be cooked?
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