Pork cooking has evolved over time, particularly since the days when it had to be thoroughly cooked to avoid trichinosis infections. Thankfully, modern pork production eliminates this issue by following international safety regulations. The most important thing to remember when cooking pork is to make sure it’s fully cooked, with an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Selecting the right cut of meat, cooking time, and varying the flavor with spices and seasonings are some cooking tips for pork.
Choosing the right pork cut is an essential part of any recipe. Pork loin is a more tender cut of pork, and it is the most commonly used part of the pig in recipes. The pork loin is the source of sirloin roast, loin chop, and tenderloin. Pork loin, like most meats with a low fat content, should be cooked at a high temperature for a short period of time or at a lower temperature for longer periods of time. Pork loins respond well to poaching, braising, and other “moist cooking” techniques.
When purchasing pork, cooks should look for pieces that aren’t discolored, as this could indicate rotting flesh. The cut should be firm and light pink in color. There should be very little fat marbling, with the majority of the fat visible around the pork’s perimeter.
The amount of time needed to cook pork depends on the thickness of the meat and the method of cooking, but a cooking thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat and an internal temperature of 160° can always be used as a guide. In a matter of minutes, tender pork loins can be cooked in thin strips and stir-fried to perfection. Within 10 minutes, thinly sliced pork can be sautéed and cooked to perfection. Grill thicker cuts, about one inch (2.54 cm) thick, until they reach the proper internal temperature. Pork roast will need to be cooked in the oven for several hours or in a slow cooker for a longer period of time.
Pork has a flavor that is relatively mild. This allows the cook to experiment with different seasonings and marinades, which allows for a wide range of recipe variations. Although there are a variety of seasoning mixes available in grocery stores and online, some cooks prefer to create their own flavor profiles. Pork also goes well with sauces and marinades made from scratch.