This isn’t the first bean recipe that I have posted, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. I grew up eating beans, so I have a lot of recipes for them. This recipe was a way for me to use up some leftover beans I had in my pantry. You know how you don’t want to throw away those half-full bags of beans, so you quickly think of something to do with them? That’s what I did here. Really, you can mix all types of beans. As long as you season them well, and serve them over rice, you should be good to go!.
These beans look completely different before cooked, but once they are done they look the same.
Someone once told me that when you deal with dry beans, you should sort and clean them well! Sometimes packaged dry beans have little pebbles in them, and they look pretty dusty (okay, that’s dirt boo). Be sure to rinse these suckers before you cook them. Simply place them on a flat surface, and take out any little ugly rotten beans, and other objects. First, rinse them under cool water. Then, read the back of the bag to see how to do a quick soak. Some people soak beans overnight, and that works too!.
These beans go great with cornbread and collard greens, or any greens. If you’re not a carb hater, you can serve this with potato salad as well. That extra meat doesn’t really belong because the pot already has enough smoked neck bones. However, if you really want to go all out, I suggest baked chicken.
Smoked pork bones are a hugely underrated cut of meat packed with rich, smoky flavor. When cooked properly, the meat on the bones becomes fall-off-the-bone tender and takes on an irresistible smoky essence. If you’ve never cooked smoked pork bones before don’t worry – this complete guide will teach you everything you need to know.
In this article, I’ll share my proven method for preparing succulent smoked pork bones using a few simple techniques You’ll learn tips on selecting the best bones, infusing smoky flavor, cooking times, serving suggestions, and more Let’s get started!
Why Cook Smoked Pork Bones?
Smoked pork bones are often overlooked but they offer several advantages
- Intense smoky flavor from the smoking process
- More affordable than other pork cuts
- Collagen-rich bones add body to soups, stews, beans
- Super tender, pull-apart meat when cooked low and slow
- Versatile for many cuisines – Southern, BBQ, Mexican, Asian
Once you discover how easily these bones transform into a delicious dish, they’ll become a regular in your cooking rotation.
Picking the Best Bones for Cooking
You can often find smoked pork bones like necks, hocks, knuckles, and feet at butcher shops, Latin markets, or online. Look for bones with plenty of meaty tissue still attached. Avoid bones that look dry or shriveled.
For stews, opt for meatier bones like necks or hocks. Feet and knuckles work well for beans or collard greens. Mix bone types for maximum flavor.
Step 1: Soak the Bones
Before cooking, soak the smoked bones in water for 30 minutes up to 2 hours. This helps:
- Remove excess salt from the smoking process
- Hydrate the bones for tender meat
- Mellow out the smoky flavor if it’s too strong
Change the water halfway through soaking to fully purge salt and bitterness.
Step 2: Brown the Bones
Draining the soaked bones, pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper and other spices like garlic powder or paprika.
In a skillet, brown the bones well on all sides in a bit of oil. This adds deeper, roasted flavor.
Step 3: Simmer in Liquid
Now, place the browned bones in a pot and add your cooking liquid. This can be broth, water, wine, or even just diced tomatoes.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently until meat is fall-apart tender – usually 1 1/2 to 3 hours.
Step 4: Finish With Flavorings
When bones are done, you can finish them with extra flavor. Try adding:
- Hot sauce or chili paste
- Lime juice and cilantro
- Vinegar-based BBQ sauce
- Diced onions and peppers
- Smoked paprika and oregano
The possibilities are endless! Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Smoked pork bones make fantastic:
- Stews – Add carrots, potatoes, peas
- Beans – Mix in pinto, black, or red beans
- Tacos – Top with onions, cilantro, lime
- Ramen bowls – With mushrooms, broth, noodles
- Collards or cabbage – Season with vinegar
- Soups – Use as the flavorful base
Serve bones over grits or rice to soak up the luscious juices.
Handy Cooking Tips
- Add bones to a slow cooker or pressure cook for ultra-tender meat
- Chill broth overnight; the fat solidifies and is easy to remove
- Freeze leftover cooked bones for up to 3 months
- Add a smoked ham hock for more flavor
- Garnish with parsley, scallions, or crumbled bacon
Now let’s go over some commonly asked questions:
How can I get a smoky flavor without smoked bones?
- Use liquid smoke or smoked paprika in the cooking liquid
- Add a piece of smoked turkey or bacon
- Sauté aromatics in a smoked oil, like avocado oil
What if my bones aren’t fully tender after simmering?
- Continue simmering, checking every 30 minutes until fork tender
- Transfer to a pressure cooker on high for 30-40 minutes
- Change cooking liquid to fresh broth or tomatoes
Can I use a slow cooker instead of simmering on the stovetop?
Definitely! Place browned, soaked bones in a slow cooker with cooking liquid. Cook on low for 7-8 hours until meat is pull-apart tender.
Is the fat or collagen from the bones healthy?
Yes! The collagen converts to gelatin, providing gut-healthy amino acids. The fat adds richness and flavor.
Now that you’re armed with all the know-how, it’s time to add smoked pork bones to your dinner plans. Impress your family with soul-warming stews, savory beans, and fall-off-the-bone tacos. Then sit back and relax as the intoxicating aromas from the smoldering bones fill your kitchen. Your new go-to cut of meat awaits!
Mixed Beans and Smoked Pork Neck Bones
- 16 oz of dry pinto beans and red beans
- 2 lbs smoked pork neck bones
- 8 cups water
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 jalapeno peppers chopped and seeds removed
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- It will take 4 hours of slow cooking with 8 cups of water and the neck bones. Transfer the neck bones and liquid to a large pot. Put the pot on medium-high heat and add the peppers and onions. Then stir the ingredients.
- DO a quick soak for the beans, then drain. Add the beans to the pot, and stir.
- Cover the pot, and cook for 45 minutes. Be sure to occasionally stir!.
- After adding the seasonings, cook over medium heat for another 10 minutes with the lid off.
- Stop the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before you serve.
How To Cook Smoked Neck Bones
Can you cook smoked pork bones in the oven?
The dry heat of the oven creates a slightly drier, thicker end product that is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. Remember to cover the tray or baking dish and constantly add a cooking liquid to prevent it from drying out. When it comes to adding flavor to smoked pork bones, there are many options to choose from.
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 smoked pork bones?
Smoked pork bones are pork neck bones that have been cured with a mixture of water, salt, dextrose, sodium phosphate, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite. The smoking process is used to add a specific flavor to the bones, which can then be used in a variety of dishes.
Are smoked pork bones good for BBQ?
BBQ: Smoked pork bones can be used as an alternative to traditional BBQ meats like ribs or pulled pork. Simply smoke the bones until they’re tender and serve them with your favorite BBQ sauce. No matter how you choose to serve them, smoked pork bones are sure to add flavor and depth to any dish.