When cooking pork jowl, also known as hog jowl, the goal is to bring out its tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This lesser-known cut of pork, located below and across the pig’s chin, offers a unique combination of fat and meat that makes it perfect for a wide range of cooking methods. From cured to braised, and even smoked into a delicious jowl bacon, there are countless ways to prepare this affordable and flavorful ingredient.
With its natural layering of fat and meat, pork jowl is an excellent choice for those looking for a quick and easy meal that’s sure to please. In fact, we’re excited to share 10 simple yet mouthwatering pork jowl recipes with you, each one showcasing the versatility and culinary possibilities of this underrated cut of pork.
Smoked Pork Jowl Bacon
If you’re curious about the concept of jowl bacon, let me introduce you to our first recipe – a game-changer that swaps out pork belly for pork jowl. The outcome is surprisingly tender, packed with juicy flavor, and boasting a sweeter taste profile than traditional bacon! To achieve this mouthwatering result, we’ll walk you through the straightforward process of curing, drying, and smoking the jowl bacon.
While it does demand some prep work and specialized equipment (like a smoker), trust us when we say the payoff is well worth the effort – just be patient and let the magic unfold!
Cozy Pork Jowl Stew With Southern Black Eyed Peas
Indulge in a hearty and comforting black-eyed pea and pork jowl dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With only 10 minutes of prep time, this Southern-style stew is the perfect solution for a cozy night in. Simply soak the peas, cook the meat with aromatic onion, garlic, and butter, then combine it all with chicken broth and water.
Let the flavors meld together as you simmer the stew for a few hours, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that’s sure to attract everyone’s attention. With simple steps and no fuss, this recipe is a must-try!
Sweet And Spicy Pork Jowl
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this mouth-watering sweet and spicy pork jowl recipe! The perfect blend of chili peppers and honey creates a flavor profile that’s sure to become an obsession. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home, requiring minimal effort and time. Simply gather your dry and wet ingredients, combine them with fresh pork jowl in a ziplock bag or container, and let the magic happen overnight.
The next day, cook it up and indulge in the tender, flavorful meat that’s sure to leave you wanting more.
Pork Jowl Char Siew
Char siew, an Asian Cantonese style of barbequed pork, is a culinary delight that will leave you craving for more. Its sweet and juicy flavor profile makes it an excellent pairing with noodles or rice, although it’s equally delicious on its own. As this dish originates from Asia, you may need to visit your local Asian supermarket to source the essential ingredients like oyster sauce and sesame oil.
But be warned: once you try char siew, you’ll be hooked and won’t stop at just one cooking session! The goal of this pork jowl recipe is to perfectly sear and caramelize the meat, resulting in a mouthwatering char siew that will satisfy your taste buds.
Salt Cured Pork Jowl (Italian Guanciale)
Guanciale, an Italian delicacy, is often misunderstood as simply being bacon. However, this rich and fatty pork jowl or cheek-based cured meat is a distinct entity with its own unique character. In this recipe, we will delve into the art of curing Guanciale in salt and spices, allowing its complex flavors to unfold over time.
The process begins by carefully cleaning off excess salt and then suspending the meat to cure for at least three weeks.
While a minimum of 3 weeks is required, the true connoisseurs may choose to wait up to four months to fully appreciate the depth of flavor that Guanciale has to offer.
Once cured, a quick sear in the pan is all that’s needed to bring out its full potential. Enjoy it on its own or use it as a key component in dishes like carbonara – the possibilities are endless!
To ensure a long shelf life and maintain the integrity of your homemade Guanciale, proper storage in the refrigerator is crucial. With this recipe, you’ll have a months’ supply of delicious cured Italian meat at your fingertips.
Thai-Style Braised Pork Jowl
Our go-to Thai-style braised pork jowl recipe is a flavor powerhouse that’s also ridiculously quick and easy to prepare. With its bold flavors, this dish is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. For those who crave an extra kick, simply add more bird’s eye chilies to amplify the heat. On the other hand, don’t be shy with the shallots at the end – they bring a sweet and savory depth that perfectly complements the rich pork.
This umami bomb is best enjoyed with a side of rice or noodles for a truly unforgettable meal experience.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts With Smoked Pork Jowls
Indulge in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures with this straightforward Brussels sprouts with pork jowl recipe. This effortless yet satisfying dish is ideal for those seeking a quick and easy meal option that won’t compromise on taste or presentation. The star of the show, pork jowl, becomes incredibly simple to cook – simply roast it in the oven until crispy. Meanwhile, the Brussels sprouts are roasted to tender perfection, then combined with the crunchy pork jowl.
Enjoy this dish as a standalone meal, or elevate your salads and pizzas with its rich flavors.
Bourbon And Cider-Braised Jowl Bacon Steaks
Experience the unparalleled indulgence of Bourbon and Cider-Braised Jowl Bacon Steaks, where the tender pork jowl is elevated by the rich flavors of bourbon and cider. This harmonious combination is perfectly balanced by a simple yet vibrant preparation of turnip greens. With minimal effort required, simply ensure you have sufficient bourbon and cider to cover the bacon, then savor every bite of this heavenly dish alongside the crispy greens.
Sherry-Braised Pork Jowl
Indulge in the rich flavors of Spain with this delectable pork jowl recipe. By swapping out pork cheeks for pork jowl, you’ll experience a deeper, more complex flavor profile as the tender meat absorbs the bold sauce. The combination of sweet sherry, smoky paprika, and warm cumin creates a harmonious balance that’s sure to delight. To take it to the next level, garnish with toasted almond flakes for added crunch and visual appeal.
This tapas-perfect dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.
Thai Grilled Pork Jowl
Pork jowl, an often overlooked cut of meat, boasts a unique advantage when it comes to grilling: its generous fatty streak. This natural moat of flavor helps keep the meat tender and juicy. For a healthier option, some trimming can be done to reduce the fat content. However, a moderate amount is essential for maintaining that all-important moisture. To unlock the full potential of this cut, marination is crucial.
Aim for at least 2 hours, but ideally, leave it to soak overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat and its surrounding fats. This dish can be further elevated with a customized dipping sauce, perfect for tailoring the taste to your personal palate. We’re particularly fond of adding an extra squeeze of lime for added zest. Serve this culinary masterpiece with a side of rice for a satisfying meal.
And if you’re looking for inspiration, our very own secret pork jowl recipe is not to be missed: a mouthwatering red wine-infused stew that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Instructions
Cut the pork jowl into roughly 1-inch pieces. Heat oil in a cast-iron pan over medium heat, then add the bacon and sauté until crispy. Add the onion and cook for a few minutes until it starts to soften. Next, add paprika powder, marjoram, thyme sprigs, and the pork jowl, allowing the meat to brown slightly while stirring occasionally. Pour in red wine and approximately 17 oz of water, ensuring the liquid almost covers the meat.
Bring the mixture to a simmer with the lid on, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it cook for about 40 minutes. While the stew is cooking, prepare the vegetables by chopping the carrots into small cubes. Add them to the pot once the initial cooking time has elapsed. After another 15 minutes, check the pork jowl’s tenderness; if necessary, add a bit more water. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until the meat is tender.
Finally, stir in tapioca flour and adjust the gravy’s consistency as needed using water. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of side options, including bread, potato, or rice. As for the nutritional value, here’s what you can expect: with each serving yielding six portions, you’ll get approximately 1822 calories per portion. The fat content is significant, comprising 187g in total, with 65g being saturated and 112g being unsaturated. Additionally, there are 240mg of cholesterol and 1488mg of sodium present.
On the carbohydrate side, expect 8g with 2g being fiber and 2g being sugar. Protein content amounts to 23g per serving. Please note that these nutrition details are estimates based on typical ingredients used, and actual values may vary depending on specific preparation methods.
