Pork roll, also known as Taylor ham, is a processed meat product with a distinctive flavor that’s beloved in New Jersey and parts of the Northeast While it’s often pan-fried, did you know you can easily cook pork roll in the microwave for a quick meal or sandwich?
Microwaving is a fast and convenient cooking method that lets you enjoy the salty, smoky taste of pork roll without having to dirty a skillet. Follow this simple guide to learn how to microwave pork roll to perfect, hot and delicious results every time.
Benefits of Microwaving Pork Roll
Microwaving offers several advantages when cooking pork roll:
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It’s incredibly fast – You can have hot, fully cooked pork roll in just a few minutes. No more waiting for a pan to heat up.
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Simple cleanup – Microwaving pork roll produces no splatter mess like frying Just wipe down your microwave and you’re done
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Healthier – Microwaving requires no added oils or butter, resulting in a lower fat preparation compared to frying.
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Cooks evenly – The microwave distributes heat evenly throughout the pork roll so no cold spots.
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Ideal for small batches – Perfect option when you just need a few quick slices of pork roll.
While pan-frying can crisp up the exterior, microwaving produces tender, juicy pork roll in a fraction of the time.
How to Buy Pork Roll for Microwaving
When selecting pork roll for microwaving, opt for thinner sliced packs around 1/8 inch thick. Thinner slices will heat up quicker and more evenly.
You can find high-quality pre-sliced pork roll in most grocery store deli sections. Brands like Taylor and Trenton Pork Roll work great. Or, purchase a pork roll log and slice it yourself for the freshest results.
Avoid extremely thick cuts, as they may end up overcooked on the outside but underdone in the middle when microwaved. For food safety, only microwave pork roll that has been previously refrigerated.
Prepare the Pork Roll
Before cooking, remove any packaging and plastic from the pork roll. Separate slices if they are sticking together.
For more even cooking, layer 2-3 paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Arrange pork roll slices in a single layer on top. The towels will absorb excess grease during cooking.
You don’t need to add any oil or butter to the pork roll prior to microwaving. The high fat content means it will cook up just fine on its own.
Cook Times for Microwaved Pork Roll
Microwave cooking times depend on your appliance wattage, how many slices you’re cooking, and how thick they are. For 1-4 thinner sliced pork roll pieces, try starting with 45 seconds on high heat. Then check the slices and microwave in 10 second increments until heated through.
For a single thicker sliced piece, start with 1 minute on high then add additional minutes as needed. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking. Internal temperature after microwaving should reach at least 145°F for food safety.
Let the pork roll rest 1-2 minutes after microwaving. The temperature will rise slightly and juices will redistribute for moist, hot results.
Microwaving Tips
Follow these tips to successfully microwave pork roll:
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Rotate slices and rearrange halfway through – Ensures even heating.
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Always use a microwave-safe plate – No metal or plastic wraps.
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Adjust time based on microwave wattage – Lower watts need longer.
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Cover with a lid or paper towel – Traps in heat and moisture.
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Allow standing time after cooking – Allows juices to settle.
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Check temperature with a food thermometer – Ensures safety and doneness.
Flavoring Your Microwaved Pork Roll
One benefit of microwaving is that you can customize the flavor of the pork roll by adding spices, sauces, or other ingredients right to the plate.
Try mixing in any of the following before microwaving:
- Minced garlic
- Chili powder or hot sauce
- Ketchup, mustard, or mayo
- Diced onions
- Grated cheese
- Fried eggs
- Salt and pepper
Stir everything together after microwaving to evenly coat the pork roll slices. Feel free to get creative and add your own spin.
Serving Suggestions
Hot, ready-to-eat microwaved pork roll can be enjoyed in many different ways:
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Breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese on a roll or bagel
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Chopped in hash browns or home fries
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Wrapped in a flour tortilla for a breakfast burrito
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On a pizza as a fun protein topping
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Crisped up in the air fryer after microwaving
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Added to macaroni and cheese or baked beans
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Served slider-style on mini buns with condiments
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On a platter with crackers and cheese for a quick appetizer
Microwaved pork roll also stores well in the fridge for a few days, so you can meal prep sandwiches or breakfasts in advance.
With its speed and convenience, microwaving is an easy way to cook up hot, delicious pork roll any time. Adjust cook times based on your microwave wattage and slice thickness for ideal results. Feel free to get creative and add flavors before or after heating. Serve your microwaved pork roll in everything from sliders to scrambles.
How To Cook Taylor Pork Roll
Are you ready to step up your breakfast game? Look no further than Taylor Pork Roll! This tasty and versatile pork product has been a New Jersey favorite for more than one hundred years. We’ll show you how to make the perfect Taylor Pork Roll in this blog post.
What is Taylor Pork Roll?
The unique deli meat Taylor Pork Roll, which is also called Taylor Ham, is made from ground pork, salt, sugar, and spices. It has a distinct flavor and texture that sets it apart from other breakfast meats. Whether you prefer it crispy or slightly chewy, Taylor Pork Roll is a delightful addition to any meal.
- 1 package of Taylor Pork Roll
- Butter or oil for frying
- Start by slicing the Taylor Pork Roll into thin slices. You can make the slices as thick or thin as you like, but aim for about 1/4 inch.
- Put a small amount of butter or oil in a pan and heat it over medium heat.
- Slowly add the Taylor Pork Roll slices to the hot pan once it’s hot. Make sure the pan doesn’t get too full; depending on the size of your pan, you may need to cook them one at a time.
- The slices should be cooked for two to three minutes on each side, or until they are golden and crispy.
- Place the Taylor Pork Rolls on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra grease after they are done cooking.
- You can put the cooked Taylor Pork Roll on top of your favorite breakfast sandwich, with scrambled eggs, or by itself.
Tip: To make your Taylor Pork Roll sandwich more interesting, add a slice of cheese and a fried egg. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible!.
Taylor Pork Roll is a breakfast staple that has stood the test of time. Its unique flavor and versatility make it a beloved choice for many. You can cook the perfect Taylor Pork Roll in just a few easy steps and enjoy it in a number of tasty ways. So, what are you waiting for? Get some Taylor Pork Roll and start cooking! Please share your experiences, tips, and tricks with cooking Taylor Pork Roll in the
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FAQ
Can Taylor pork roll be microwaved?
How do you cook pork in the microwave?
Is pork roll already cooked?
Can You microwave a pork roll?
Customize your microwaved pork roll by topping with a slice of cheese, fried egg, or avocado. Crispy, salty and oh so satisfying, perfectly cooked pork roll is right at home on a breakfast sandwich or served alongside eggs any style. Now you can achieve diner-quality results easily using 4 different kitchen appliances.
How to cook pork roll in oven?
1. How To Cook Pork Roll in Oven Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly coat with nonstick spray. Lay the sliced pork roll evenly in a single layer across the sheet. Make sure the slices don’t overlap. Bake for 6 minutes then gently flip each slice.
How long do you cook Taylor Pork Roll?
Once the pan is hot, carefully place the slices of Taylor Pork Roll into the pan. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your pan. Cook the slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and crispy.
How do you cook a pork roll in a frying pan?
Some people like it paper thin, and cook it in a frying pan till it’s crispy. Some people cut it thick, and barely warm it up. (Kate of www.jerseyporkroll.com, prefers paper thin slices of well-cooked pork roll.) Cut little notches, or slices around the edges; 4 cuts should do it. This keeps the slice from curling up when you cook it.