How to Prepare Delicious Pork Dishes the Nigerian Way

Pork is a versatile and tasty meat that can be prepared in endless mouthwatering ways. While beef and chicken dominate the Nigerian protein scene, pork deserves more time in the spotlight! Nigerians have a knack for infusing pork with complex spices and herbs to bring out its succulent best.

As a Nigerian food enthusiast and home cook, I want to share my tips on how to prep and cook pork to create quintessential Nigerian pork entrees Read on for my guidance on choosing quality pork, essential prep steps, and authentic Nigerian recipes that will have you craving more of this underrated meat

Selecting the Best Pork for Nigerian Cooking

The first step in pork perfection is choosing the right cut of meat Here are some tips

• Go for pork belly – This cut has streaks of tender, flavorful fat running through that keeps the meat moist and infuses Nigerian stews with richness.

• Choose meat with some fat – The fat contributes flavor and tenderness. Lean loin cuts can dry out.

• Get bone-in cuts – Bones impart extra flavor and collagen that results in more luscious meat.

• Buy fresh, never frozen – For maximum juiciness and flavor, use pork that was never frozen.

• Source from a butcher – For quality assurance, purchase pork from a trusted butcher rather than pre-packaged supermarket meat.

I recommend avoidingFactory farmed pork lacks quality and ethical animal treatment. Seek out pasture-raised heritage breed pork from small local farms instead for superior taste and nutrition.

Essential Prep Tips for Nigerian Pork Dishes

To prep pork for Nigerian recipes, keep these key tips in mind:

• Trim excess fat – Pork belly and other fatty cuts should be trimmed of some external fat before cooking. Leave about 1⁄4 inch.

• Cut into cubes – Most Nigerian pork dishes call for the meat to be cut into small 1-2 inch cubes. This allows the sauce to penetrate.

• Marinate – Rubbing the pork cubes with a Nigerian marinade of herbs, spices, and peppers before cooking boosts flavor tremendously.

• Parboil first – Quickly blanching the pork before stewing or frying removes excess fat and starts the tenderizing process.

• Dry thoroughly – Pat pork very dry after washing or parboiling. Wet pork causes splattering when frying.

Following these preparatory steps will help you achieve the tender, flavored pork that makes Nigerian pork recipes shine. Now let’s get cooking!

Traditional Nigerian Pork Stew Recipes

Stewing pork in a spiced sauce is one of the most iconic ways Nigerians prepare this meat. Here are two classic Nigerian pork stew recipes to try:

Nigerian Peppered Pork Stew

This stew sees cubed pork belly fried up in aromatic onions and peppers and then simmered in a fiery pepper sauce. The result is a rich, addictive pork dish with a spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb pork belly, cubed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 scotch bonnet peppers, diced
• 4 red bell peppers, diced
• 2 tbsp Nigerian curry powder
• 1 tbsp ginger and garlic paste
• 2 tbsp palm oil or vegetable oil
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Parboil the pork cubes for 5 minutes then drain and dry thoroughly.
2. Heat oil in a pot and fry the onions for 2 minutes. Add the pork and fry until browned.
3. Add the diced peppers, curry powder, garlic/ginger paste and seasonings. Fry 2 more minutes.
4. Add 1 cup water, cover and simmer for 40 minutes until pork is very tender.
5. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve over white rice.

Nigerian Pork Tatashey Stew

This stew utilizes the tomato-based tatashey pepper puree as its flavor base. It delivers a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy pork dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb pork shoulder, cubed
• 3 roma tomatoes, blended
• 1 red bell pepper, blended
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp Nigerian curry powder
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup chicken or beef stock
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Parboil the pork for 5 minutes then drain and pat dry.
2. Fry the onion slices for 3 minutes in the oil. Add the pork and brown it.
3. Stir in the blended tomato, pepper, and curry powder. Fry for 2 more minutes.
4. Add the stock and season with salt and black pepper.
5. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes until pork is fork-tender.
6. Adjust seasoning and serve over fluffy jollof rice.

Quick & Easy Nigerian Pork Recipes

For weeknight meals, try these fast and flavorful Nigerian pork dishes:

Suya Spiced Pork Kebabs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut in 1-inch chunks
• 2 tbsp suya seasoning (or dry jerk seasoning)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Lime wedges for serving

Directions:

1. Toss pork chunks with suya seasoning and oil.
2. Thread onto skewers and grill 5-7 minutes until just cooked through.
3. Squeeze lime juice over kebabs before serving.

Garlic Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 2 tbsp garlic paste
• 2 tbsp Nigerian curry powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Rub pork chops with garlic paste and curry powder. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in skillet and fry chops for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
3. Serve over coconut jasmine rice.

The Perfect Side for Nigerian Pork

While Nigerian style pork makes a stellar entree on its own, every main needs luscious sides. Here are two of my favorites:

Grilled Sweet Plantains

Charred, caramelized plantains offer a sweet counterpoint to spicy, savory pork.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe plantains
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Sea salt

Directions:

1. Peel plantains and slice diagonally into 1/2-inch ovals.
2. Toss plantain slices with oil and season with salt.
3. Grill 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and tender.

Nigerian Coleslaw

A zingy, spice-laced coleslaw complements rich pork preparations.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag preshredded cabbage
• 1 shredded carrot
• 1 small diced onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cabbage, carrot, onion, oil, vinegar and seasonings.
2. Chill 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.