People post about them on social media, put them on store shelves, and maybe even serve them fresh in restaurants instead of bread or chips. There’s a big trend for pork rinds and cracklins to come back in style, but they never really went away!
The world of food goes through cycles, just like fashion (we know, we’re shocked that low-rise jeans are also back in style). And every so often, old favorites like ingredients and recipes come back into style after being out of style for a while. In the same way, these crispy, crunchy pork products that come in a lot of different shapes and names get crispy.
Whether you’ve been a fan of these foods for years or are just now becoming aware of them, there are probably some things you don’t know about pork rinds, cracklins, and the rest.
Let’s take a closer look at what cracklins and pork rinds have in common and what makes them different. We’ll also talk about some other tasty treats you should know about. Let’s get it poppin’!.
Pork cracklin strips are a beloved snack in many parts of the southern United States. These crispy, salty, porky bites of heaven have a rich history and culinary tradition. While eating pork cracklin strips plain right out of the bag is always an option, there are so many creative and delicious ways to enjoy this iconic snack.
In this ultimate guide, we will explore everything you need to know about pork cracklin strips, from what they are to their history and cultural significance. We’ll share tips on choosing high-quality cracklins and frying up the perfect batch at home. And we’ll dive into all the tantalizing ways to eat pork cracklin strips, from using them as a topping to pairing them with dips and sauces.
Whether you’re a seasoned pork cracklin connoisseur or trying them for the very first time, this guide will help you get the most out of this crispy, crunchy treat. So grab a cold drink and a bag of fresh cracklins, and let’s get crunching!
What Are Pork Cracklin Strips?
Pork cracklin strips, sometimes known as pork rind strips, are a variation on traditional pork rinds made by frying strips of pork skin until they become bubbly and crispy. Unlike standard pork rinds, cracklin strips often have additional bits of fat and meat still attached, which provides a heartier crunch and more flavor. The strips are cut differently too, leaving a chewier, more substantial texture compared to light and airy pork rinds.
Cracklin strips go through a multi-step cooking process that renders out fat while frying the skin until deliciously crispy. They are made by cooking down scraps of pork belly or back skin in large pots to extract the lard. The fatty skins that float to the top are then drained, salted, and fried again at high heat until browned and crispy.
The high heat transforms the pork skins from soft and flabby to incredibly crunchy with the signature blistered and bubbled appearance. Meanwhile, the additional fat keeps them from ballooning up and helps maintain their meaty texture and satisfying bite. The combination of crispiness, seasoning, rich porkiness, and chew make pork cracklin strips a top-tier snacking experience.
A Brief History of Pork Cracklins
Pork cracklins have a long history in Southern cuisine, dating all the way back to the early Cajun settlers in Louisiana. During the rendering process to make cooking lard from pork fat, these cooks discovered the addictively delicious byproduct that is cracklin. The crunchy bits of fried skin were soon being purposefully created and eaten as snacks.
Throughout the American South, cracklins became a staple. They were often used to flavor cornmeal, creating a dish known as crackling bread. The popularity of cracklins exploded as communities would gather together to butcher and cook their hogs. Now, cracklins are beloved across the South and enjoyed by snackers across the country.
How To Choose High-Quality Pork Cracklin Strips
Not all pork cracklins are equal when it comes to taste and texture Here are a few tips for picking out the best pork cracklin strips
-
Look for freshness – Check expiration dates and packaging The strips should look and smell fresh, not stale.
-
Read the ingredient list – The best cracklins have few ingredients beyond pork skin, salt, and spices Avoid fillers and preservatives
-
Consider the oil – Lard or peanut oil make the crispiest cracklins. Vegetable and canola oil won’t get them crunchy enough.
-
Check the texture – Read reviews and select a brand with your ideal texture – light or dense, thin or thick.
-
Find good seasoning – If you like flavored, seek out seasoning blends like Cajun, lemon pepper, or spicy.
-
Support local – Buying from a local producer means you get the freshest cracklins.
Frying Up Your Own Pork Cracklin Strips
For the absolute freshest taste, try making your own pork cracklin strips at home. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
- Pork skin/belly
- Salt
- Seasonings (optional)
- Lard or peanut oil for frying
Instructions:
-
Rinse and pat dry pork skin. Score the skin side in a crosshatch pattern.
-
Cut skin into 1-inch wide strips.
-
Heat 3 inches oil to 400°F in a heavy pot.
-
Fry strips for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until puffed and golden.
-
Drain on paper towels and immediately sprinkle with salt and any extra seasonings.
-
Let cool completely before serving for the crispiest texture. Enjoy!
7 Delicious Ways To Eat Pork Cracklin Strips
Plain pork cracklin strips right out of the bag make a perfect snack, but why stop there? Here are 7 creative and tasty ways to enjoy pork cracklins to the max:
1. On Salad
Top your favorite salad with crumbled pork cracklin strips for the ultimate crunch factor. The saltiness plays off the greens beautifully.
2. On Soup
Garnish a steaming bowl of chili, potato soup, or gumbo with some cracklin strips for fun texture and porky richness.
3. On Sandwiches
Pile crispy pork cracklins onto BBQ pulled pork or Cuban sandwiches to take them to the next level. The crunch factor is so satisfying.
4. As Nachos
Make homemade nachos by topping pork cracklins with melted cheese, salsa, beans, guac, and all your favorite fixings. Next level snacking!
5. As Breadcrumbs
Use ground pork cracklins instead of breadcrumbs to coat chicken, fish, and chops before frying for a deliciously crispy and flavorful crunch.
6. On Pizza
Sprinkle pork cracklins over pizza to add crunch and intense pork flavor that pairs perfectly with sausage and pepperoni.
7. In Cookies
Add finely chopped pork cracklins to cookie doughs for an incredible salty-sweet flavor and crisp texture in each bite.
5 Delicious Dips and Sauces for Pork Cracklins
While pork cracklin strips are delicious on their own, pairing them with a flavorful dip or sauce takes snacking to a whole new level of deliciousness. Here are 5 amazing dip and sauce ideas:
1. Creamy Ranch – Cool and tangy ranch makes the perfect foil for salty, crunchy cracklins.
2. Spicy Salsa – Fresh pico de gallo adds a hit of heat and fresh flavor.
3. Sweet BBQ Sauce – Classic sweet and sticky barbecue sauce complements the porky essence.
4. Cheesy Queso – Warm queso cheese sauce takes the taste over the top. Dip or drizzle for cheesy porky goodness.
5. Mustard Dipping Sauce – Whisk together yellow mustard, maple syrup, and hot sauce for a zesty dipping concoction.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with sauces and dips until you find your ultimate pork cracklin pairings. The possibilities are endless!
Seasoning Your Own Crispy Strips
Instead of buying pre-seasoned pork cracklins, make your own signature seasoned strips! After frying up fresh cracklins, toss them while still warm in your favorite dry seasoning blend. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Cajun seasoning – spicy cayenne and paprika
- Chili lime – zesty chili powder and lime juice/zest
- Italian herbs – oregano, basil, parsley, garlic
- Tex Mex – chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano
- BBQ – brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder
- Bacon and ranch – onion powder, garlic, black pepper
Customizing the seasoning allows you to create pork cracklins tailored to your exact taste preferences. Whether you like it hot, savory, or sweet, a flavorful seasoning blend brings these crispy strips to their full snack potential.
Tips for Making Extra Crunchy Cracklins
Achieving the perfect crispy and crunchy texture is key for the best pork cracklin strip snacking experience. Use these tips for light, crispy, and shatteringly crunchy cracklins every time:
- Start with very fresh, dry pork skin – pat off excess moisture before cooking
- Cut the skin into uniform 1-inch strips for even frying
- Use lard, tallow, or peanut oil – high smoke point is key
- Maintain oil temp between 375-400°F
- Fry small batches – don’t overcrowd
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking
- Drain on paper towels – remove excess grease
- Let cool completely before eating for optimum crunch
It does take some technique, but follow these steps and you’ll be rewarded with pork cracklin strips with a super satisfying crispy, crunchy bite and texture.
Why People Love Cracklins and Rinds
The first part might have left you with a lot of questions. You might need a proper introduction to the world of pork rinds, cracklins, and their crunchy friends.
Before you go any further, you should know that all of these are pork products, along with ribs, chops, and yes, bacon.
If you’re someone who loves stuff like jerky and mini-meat bites, you’ve got a reason to celebrate. Cracklins and pork rinds are known for their savory flavors, tasty textures, and highly snackable form.
Believe it or not, these foods are also no slouch when it comes to nutrition. When it comes to protein and saturated animal fat, they tend to be high. This is great for people on a low-carb or keto diet.
You should add pork rinds and cracklins to your grocery list or ask about them when you go out to eat if you’re looking for a new snack to replace chips, puffs, or crackers.
What Makes Cracklins Unique
When it comes to crunchy pork dishes, cracklins are likely the oldest and most traditional. They come from traditional Cajun cooking and other Southern styles of cooking.
This substance is naturally made when pork fat is rendered in a pan, which is how many classic recipes begin. The little crunchy bits that stay in the pan after the fat has been rendered are strained out and lightly salted to make cracklins.
Some restaurants serve cracklins in a basket just like they would fries or tortilla chips, while others toss them into tacos or sandwiches for extra flavor and crunch. They are not puffy – but rather hard and require some tough teeth. Never bite into cracklins unless you’re ready to take on some serious crunch!
Cracklins don’t “poof” into the big, curly shapes we see with regular pork rinds because they have fat in them, but we’ll talk more about that in a minute.
For now, those are just the basics of how cracklins have traditionally been prepared and served. If you’re interested, as they become more popular, lots of fun and interesting new versions come out. So let’s start tasting them, guys!
After being cooled down and cut into even-sized strips, some cracklins go through a second round of cooking in the fryer. At this point, the cracklins’ makers also add some tasty flavors and give them an extra kick of spice or tang.
To get the best cracklins, get them right out of the fryer. If you happen to be somewhere that serves them this way, get a basket (or five).
Do it Yourself Pork Rinds that IMPRESS!!
FAQ
How do you eat cracklin strips?
What do you do with pork cracklings?
How to soften pork cracklins?
Is it safe to eat pork crackling?
Can you use pork cracklins in the kitchen?
Here’s how you can use pork cracklins around your kitchen: 1. Cracklin Biscuits Cracklins can sometimes be used interchangeably with bacon. You’ll notice this recipe calls for cracklins or bacon. Why not use pork cracklins to make delicious homemade biscuits? They’d make a great breakfast or a delicious side for your dinner. 2.
How do you eat cracklins?
Grind cracklins up in a food processor or blender. Add a few tablespoons of the powdered pork cracklins into your soups or salads for a nice addition. 14. Dress Up Your Green Beans When I make green beans, they taste anything but ordinary. I won’t make them unless I can add some minced onion to them. I also add beef stock or bullion to them.
What to eat with pork cracklins?
Toss pork cracklins inside a soft taco shell, add shredded cheese, fresh sour cream, and homemade pico de gallo. 16. Cracklin Grilled Cheese My kids love grilled cheese sandwiches. They don’t get any better than sharp white cheddar cheese on fresh homemade bread.
What is a Cracklin & how do you make a Cracklin?
Cracklins are pieces of pork fat with layers of meat and skin where the fat has been rendered away from for several hours at a low temperature and then flash fried to cracklin’ perfection and seasoned with a Cajun spice. Cracklins can be found in Cajun country, like Louisianian meat markets. Crackins are actually cousins of chicharrons.