Pork is one of the proteins that can be tricky to cook. If it's underdone it could make you sick, but if you overcook it, even slightly, it dries out and doesn't taste great. It's bland nature is perfectly matched for the right seasoning, so when it's cooked properly it's an amazing meal.
Whether you prefer pork chops, a pork tenderloin or want to give pork shoulder a try, avoid these common mistakes people make when they choose and cook their meat.
Choosing Meat Without Fat
While we don't want to bite into a chunk of fat in our pork, you need a certain amount of marbling for your meat to turn out tender and juicy. Without fat on your pork, the meat will dry out while cooking. Don't trim too much of the fat off your cuts of pork, so that you will have the right amount of moisture during cooking.
Skipping the Marinade
Most marinades contain and an acid component which helps to break down the meat and make it more tender. These oils will give you juicy meat and of course filled with flavor. A marinade can mean the different between bland pork and a juicy flavorful dinner.
Not Looking for a Great Recipe
Not great at throwing together a recipe? Don't try to wing it, find a recipe that everyone knows is great!
Here are a few of our favorites:
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Pork Loin
Take your pork loin to the next level with this combination of stuffing flavors wrapped in bacon to give you a dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Slow Cooker Parmesan Honey Pork Roast
Want to walk into to dinner already made? Set your crockpot and enjoy this delicious combination of flavors on your pork.
Slow Cooker Roasted Pork with Pork Jus & Chipotle-Glazed Apples
For another take on an easy slow cooker recipe, try this pork recipe paired with apples.
Continue to the next page to see the other mistakes you're making with your meat.
Put pork back on the menu with these tips that will give you a delicious piece of meat that everyone will love to sink their teeth into.
Pork has a very mild flavor, which means it's open to great seasoning and experimenting with flavors. Whether you love the subtle taste of sage with salt and pepper, or you want to enjoy the sweet and tart flavors of apple and cranberries, you will be able to get it right every time when you follow these tips.
Overcooking Your Meat
While undercooked pork carries risk of food-borne illness, overcooked pork is dried-out, touch and chewy.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure you get your cut of pork to the right internal temperature of between 145 degrees and 160 degrees without over cooking it.
Cooking It Straight From the Fridge
Pulling your pork right from the fridge and throwing it on a hot grill or pan is considered a no-no. When you do this your meat won't evenly cook and often it will be overcooked on the outside and under-cooked on the inside.
Instead, take your meat out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before you plan to cook it. This will help bring the meat up to room temperature and help it cook evenly though.
Not Letting Your Meat Rest Before Serving
While it's tempting to want to dive right into your dinner as soon as it comes off the grill, or out of the oven, it's best to wait. Give your pork a few minutes so that the meat fibers can relax. This means more tender bites of your delicious dinner.
Which of these mistakes have you been making? Share you favorite pork recipes with us!