Best Pickled Pork Recipe

If you are craving for something tangy and flavorful, this Best Pickled Pork Recipe is perfect for you. The tender pork is marinated in a delicious mixture of vinegar, spices, and herbs, making it a great choice for sandwiches, salads, or as a main dish. This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal preparation, so let’s get started.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of pork tenderloin or pork butt
• 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut the pork into 1 to 2-inch cubes and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine the vinegar, water, salt, sugar, garlic, black pepper, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the pork to the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the pork for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the pork is tender and cooked through.
4. Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the pork cool for 10 minutes.
5. Transfer the pork and the pickling liquid into a glass container or jar. Cover it tightly with a lid and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours before serving.
6. After 24 hours, the pickled pork is ready to eat. Serve it on a sandwich, in a salad, or as a main dish.

Serving Suggestions:

The pickled pork can be served cold or at room temperature. It is perfect for sandwiches and salads, or as a main dish paired with rice or mashed potatoes. You can add some sliced onions or pickled vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture.

Tips and Notes:

• The pickled pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add more sugar to the pickling mixture.
• You can also add other spices and herbs such as red pepper flakes, cumin, or rosemary to the pickling mixture to customize the flavor according to your preference.
• For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the pork in the pickling mixture for up to 48 hours before cooking.
• If you don’t have a glass container or jar, you can use a plastic container or a resealable bag to store the pickled pork.

FAQs:

Q. Can I use pork belly instead of pork tenderloin?

A. Yes, you can use pork belly for this recipe. It will give the pickled pork a richer and fattier flavor.

Q. Can I freeze the pickled pork?

A. Yes, you can freeze the pickled pork for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Q. Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?

A. Yes, you can use white vinegar, but apple cider vinegar will give the pork a milder and fruitier taste.

Q. Can I cook the pickled pork in a slow cooker?

A. Yes, you can cook the pickled pork in a slow cooker on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until tender.

Q. Can I add more garlic to the pickling mixture?

A. Yes, you can add more garlic according to your taste. You can also use minced shallots or onions instead of garlic.

Wrapping up:

This Best Pickled Pork Recipe is a delicious and easy way to add some tanginess and flavor to your meals. You can customize the spices and herbs to your liking and store the pickled pork for up to a week. Whether you serve it cold or at room temperature, it will surely be a hit among your friends and family. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out for you!