What Exactly is Pork Soft Bone And Why You Should Use It

Pork soft bone may sound like an unusual ingredient, but it’s actually an incredibly versatile and flavorful cut of meat that no home cook should be without In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about pork soft bones – what they are, where they come from, why they’re so popular, and how to cook with them.

Pork soft bones are exactly what their name implies – bones from pork that are soft and pliable. Also known as pork neck bones or blade bones they come from the shoulder area of the pig.

Unlike other bones that are quite hardy and firm, pork soft bones are, well, soft. They have a good amount of meat, fat, and connective tissue attached to them which results in their bendable nature. The high collagen content in the connective tissues is what makes the bones so flexible.

Pork neck bones are a staple in many global cuisines. They’re extremely popular in Southern American cooking, Chinese dishes, Korean soups and stews, and more. The soft bones become meltingly tender when slowly simmered or braised, while also imparting rich flavor and body to sauces, broths, and braising liquids.

Why Cook With Pork Soft Bones?

There are several excellent reasons why pork soft bones deserve a spot in your regular dinner rotation:

1. Amazing Flavor

Pork soft bones are overflowing with mouthwatering flavor. As they simmer, the meat and fat melt into the surrounding liquid, imparting a rich, porky taste. The collagen also breaks down into gelatin which adds body and luxurious mouthfeel.

2. Nutrient Dense

In addition to being delicious, pork soft bones are nutritionally well rounded. The bone marrow is filled with protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals like iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. The meat also contains a good dose of protein.

3. Budget Friendly

Compared to pricey cuts of pork like tenderloin or chops, soft neck bones are very wallet-friendly. You get excellent bang for your buck with these flavorful bones.

4. Versatile

Don’t let their name fool you – pork soft bones are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. They can be used to make succulent braises, hearty stews, flavorful soups and stocks, warming congee, tender greens, and more. The options are practically endless!

5. Easy to Cook

One of the best things about pork soft bones is how low maintenance they are to prepare. Simply toss them in the pressure cooker, slow cooker, or Dutch oven with your other ingredients and let them simmer away with minimal effort on your part. The bones do all the hard work for you!

How to Select Pork Soft Bones

Not all neck bones are created equal. Here are a few tips for picking the best pork soft bones:

• Look for bones with meat. Bones that have a good ratio of meat and fat will have the most flavor. Avoid any that are mostly bare.

• See flexibility. Give the bones a little bend to make sure they’re nice and pliable, not dried out or overly firm.

• Check for cracks. Bones that are cracked or splintered will leak marrow into the cooking liquid, creating cloudiness. Opt for bones with smooth, unbroken edges.

• Go thick. Thicker bones hold up better during long cooking times. Thin or brittle bones are prone to shattering.

• Watch for cut edges. Clean-cut ends signal the bone was properly butchered, while jagged edges suggest it was haphazardly hacked.

• Consider country ribs. Meatier country-style ribs are a good pork soft bone option as well.

Handling Raw Pork Soft Bones

When working with raw pork products like soft bones, there are some safety measures to keep in mind:

• Always wash hands, utensils, and surfaces that have touched the raw meat.

• Store the bones securely wrapped in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days.

• Thaw frozen bones overnight in the fridge before cooking. Do not thaw at room temperature.

• Use separate cutting boards and knives for the raw bones to avoid cross-contamination.

• Cook the bones to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to destroy any potential bacteria.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat to 165°F before serving again.

Cooking With Pork Soft Bones

When cooked properly, pork neck bones transform from tough and chewy to succulent and tender. Here are some top cooking methods:

Braising

Braising is one of the simplest, most foolproof ways to prepare pork neck bones. Simply brown the bones all over, add aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery, cover with liquid like stock or wine, and simmer for 1-3 hours until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.

Stewing

Incorporating pork soft bones into stews is a no-brainer. Follow your favorite stew recipe, toss in some neck bones, and let them simmer away to lend rich depth. Using a pressure cooker cuts down the cooking time.

Soups and Broths

To make flavorsome broths and stocks, simmer pork soft bones with veggies, herbs, and water for several hours, occasionally skimming fat and impurities. The bones will impart body, collagen, and intense pork flavor.

Congee

For Chinese-style rice porridge, or jook, cook neck bones along with rice, ginger, garlic, and scallions until the rice breaks down and becomes velvety soft. The bones provide incredible taste.

Greens

Braise pork neck bones with hearty greens like collards, kale, or mustard greens until perfectly tender. The nutritious greens soak up all the delicious juices.

Beans

Cooked beans get a major boost of flavor when simmered with pork soft bones. Try neck bones in pintos, cannellini, chickpeas, or your bean of choice.

Useful Substitutions

While pork neck bones have unique qualities, in a pinch you can sub in these alternatives:

• Ham hocks
• Pork butt or shoulder
• Meaty pork ribs
• Chicken wings, legs, or thighs
• Bone-in short ribs
• Oxtails

The recipe may need a few tweaks and a longer cook time, but these subs will work nicely.

Popular Dishes That Use Pork Soft Bones

Here is just a small sampling of classic recipes from around the world that showcase pork soft bones:

• Southern-Style Collard Greens
• Ham and Bean Soup
• Philippine Batchoy
• Portuguese Caldo Verde
• Double-Cooked Pork Belly
• Hungarian Porkolt
• Okinawan Pork Bone Stew
• Chinese Bak Kut Teh
• Italian Ossobuco

Storing and Freezing Pork Soft Bones

• Refrigerate fresh neck bones for 3-5 days.

• Freeze for up to 6 months tightly wrapped. No need to thaw before cooking.

• Cool cooked bones, store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze cooked bones for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight before reusing.

• For longest shelf life, portion bones with sauce into freezer bags.

Get Cooking with Pork Soft Bones!

Pork soft neck bones are inexpensive, widely available, and packed with mouthwatering flavor. Their versatility makes them a smart kitchen staple for soups, braises, stews, greens, beans, and more. With proper handling and cooking, they deliver succulent, fall-apart meat to any dish. Next time you’re browsing the butcher case or skimming the soup bones, be sure to grab a package of these underrated gems. Your tastebuds will thank you!