Salt pork is a wonderfully versatile cured meat that adds deep porky flavor to soups stews, baked beans and more. But to get the most out of salt pork, proper boiling technique is key. When it comes to boiling salt pork, two questions arise – how long do you boil it and what’s the best method?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to boil salt pork to tender, flavorful perfection.
Let’s quickly talk about what salt pork is before we get into how to boil it.
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Salt pork comes from pork belly or sides that are cured in salt, creating a salty, seasoned meat
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It has a high fat content that adds moisture and flavor when cooked.
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The curing gives salt pork a longer shelf life than fresh pork.
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Popular uses include baked beans, soups, stews, greens, and chowders.
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It provides deliciously porky flavor without the smokiness of bacon.
Now let’s get boiling!
How Long to Boil Salt Pork
When it comes to boiling times, the general guideline is:
- Boil for 30-40 minutes per pound
However, exact timing will vary depending on a few factors:
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Thickness of the cut – Thicker cuts take longer
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Level of saltiness – More salty pieces require longer boiling
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Desired texture – Longer boiling = more tender meat
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Size of the pot – Allow adequate room for the pork to boil
Get to know your specific piece of salt pork and tweak boiling times as needed. It’s easy to under-boil and end up with chewy, overly salty meat, so err on the side of more time if unsure.
Step-by-Step Boiling Method
Follow these simple steps for perfect boiled salt pork every time:
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Place salt pork in a large pot and cover completely with water.
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Add aromatics like onions, garlic, herbs, and peppercorns for extra flavor.
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Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat.
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Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes per pound.
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Periodically skim off and discard any foam that rises to the surface.
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Test salt pork tenderness periodically by piercing with a fork.
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Once fork-tender, remove salt pork from water and use as desired.
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Reserve the flavorful cooking liquid for soups or stews if desired.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Implement these tips for the best results when boiling salt pork:
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Soak excessively salty pieces in water beforehand to remove some salt.
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Add vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery to the boiling water for more flavor.
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Season the water with aromatics – try bay leaves, thyme, parsley and black peppercorns.
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Once cooked, let salt pork cool in the cooking liquid before refrigerating for added moisture.
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Store fully cooled boiled salt pork in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freeze extra boiled salt pork for up to 2-3 months.
Common Boiling Mistakes
It’s easy to go wrong when boiling salt pork. Avoid these key mistakes:
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Not allowing adequate space for the pork to boil freely.
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Insufficient boiling time leading to chewy, overly salty meat.
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Boiling too long resulting in mushy, stringy, overcooked pork.
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Failing to skim foam, fat, and impurities from the cooking liquid.
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Letting the water come to a hard boil during cooking instead of maintaining a gentle simmer.
Delicious Ways to Use Boiled Salt Pork
Once you’ve perfectly boiled that salt pork, get ready to add incredible flavor to dishes like:
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Split pea or bean soups
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Hearty stews and chowders
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Slow cooked greens like collards or kale
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Classic baked beans or cassoulet
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Flavorful rice dishes
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Roasts and braises
With the right timing and technique, boiled salt pork provides a flavor boost like no other. Now get that pot boiling!
A Delicious Addition to Your Beans: Salt Pork! Let’s Learn How to Cook It
Few things can beat the salty goodness of salt pork when it comes to making your beans taste better. This versatile ingredient enhances the taste and texture of beans, taking them from ordinary to extraordinary. No matter how much experience you have in the kitchen, learning how to cook salt pork for beans is a must-do that will make your cooking skills better.
Before you embark on your salt pork adventure, gather the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Half a pound of salt pork
- Dried beans of your choice, like pinto, navy, or kidney
- A large pot
- Water
- Additional seasonings (optional)
Cooking the Salt Pork and Beans
Now that your salt pork is ready, let’s move on to cooking it with the beans:
- Rinse the dried beans under cold water to get rid of any dust or dirt.
- Cover the beans with water, leaving about two inches of space above them, and put them in a large pot.
- Add the prepared salt pork to the pot. As the beans cook, the salt from the pork will season them.
- Over medium heat, bring the pot to a boil. Then, turn down the heat to low and let the beans simmer.
- Cook the beans until they are as soft as you like them. Based on the type of beans and how fresh they are, this could take anywhere from one to three hours.
- You can add extra seasonings like onions, garlic, bay leaves, or herbs at this point if you want to make the taste even better.
- Take the beans off the heat when they are soft and full of flavor. Let them sit for a few minutes before serving.
It’s time to eat your salt pork and beans now that they’re done! Here are some tasty ways to serve them:
- For a traditional Southern meal, serve the salt pork and beans with warm cornbread that you just baked.
- Add some sour cream and chopped green onions to the top of the beans to make a hearty and comforting bowl.
- For a protein-packed meal, serve the beans with grilled sausages or smoked meats.
- When you add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and your favorite vegetables to the salt pork and beans, you get a hearty soup.
- To make it vegetarian, you can use smoked tofu or tempeh instead of salt pork to get the same smoky flavor.
Learning how to cook salt pork for beans opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Rich and savory salt pork brings out the natural flavors of the beans, making this dish comforting and satisfying. With a little practice and creativity, you’ll soon become a master at preparing this delicious combination. Put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and start cooking! Tell us what you think and have done about how to cook salt pork for beans in the
How To Make Salt Pork – So Easy To Do
How long should you boil pork tenderloin?
Bring the mixture up to a boil over medium heat before reducing the temperature so that it maintains an easy simmer for two hours or until the pork tenderloin is tenderized enough for your liking. Here is an example: Bring a large saucepan to high heat until it starts boiling. Add salt pork into the water for 10 minutes. We want to get rid of as much salt as we can.
How to cook salt pork?
Fry the salt pork slices until the fat is rendered and the slices are crispy. Remove the slices with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate with a paper towel. Let them sit for a minute and they are ready to eat! There are many more ways to cook salt pork, such as cooking it for Greens and Green Beans.
How long do you soak pork in water?
Generally, all I need is about 30-60 minutes soaking in water for the amount of pork I am going to cook with. When cutting a chunk of salt pork to use, testing with a bit of a fry-up helps work out out if you need to draw more salt out with soaking. Soak in water for 20-30 minutes and test it again.
How long do you cook salt pork in the oven?
Place the baking dish with the salt pork in the preheated oven. Bake the salt pork for 30-40 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Check the salt pork occasionally while it’s cooking. If it starts browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.