Savor the rich flavor of pork jowls with our easy-to-follow recipes. Pork jowl, also known as hog jowl, is situated below and across the pig’s chin, making it a relatively underutilized yet tender cut of meat when cooked correctly. Its affordable price point adds to its appeal, offering a delicious option for those on a budget. From cured to braised, and even smoked jowl bacon, the versatility of pork jowls is undeniable.
The generous layering of fat and meat makes it simple to prepare a mouth-watering meal regardless of cooking method. In this article, we’ll guide you through 10 uncomplicated yet satisfying pork jowl recipes perfect for trying at home.
Crispy Pork Jowls & Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Versatile meals that incorporate vegetables into every bite are always a winner in our books. This Brussels sprouts with pork jowl recipe is an excellent example of how simple, quick cooking can elevate your mealtime experience. With its straightforward preparation method, it’s perfect for those who lead busy lifestyles and want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Simply roast the pork jowl until crispy, then complement it with tender roasted Brussels sprouts – the perfect combination that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a side or topping for other dishes like salads, pizzas, or even bowls.
Bourbon Cider-Braised Pork Jowl Steaks
Key to unlocking the full potential of pork jowl is finding a creative way to braise it, and that’s exactly what this recipe does. By combining bourbon and cider, we elevate the already rich flavor of the meat into something truly heavenly. The result is a perfectly balanced dish when paired with the earthy sweetness of turnip greens. This braised pork jowl recipe is remarkably easy to make, requiring only a few simple steps.
First, ensure you have enough liquid to cover the bacon – a generous pour of bourbon and cider will do the trick. Next, quickly sauté the turnip greens in a skillet over medium heat, then sear the cut and fully braised bacon. The result is a mouth-watering combination that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Homemade Italian-Style Cured Pork Jowl
Renowned for its rich and unapologetically fatty texture, Guanciale is an Italian cured meat that’s essentially the country’s take on traditional bacon. Rather than using pork belly, as some international variations do, authentic Guanciale is crafted from the prized pork jowl or cheeks area. To embark on this pork jowl recipe, we’ll be curing the meat in a blend of salt and spices to coax out its full depth of flavor.
Before commencing, it’s essential to clean off any excess salt that may have accumulated during the initial curing process, allowing you to hang the meat to continue its cure for at least three weeks. While patience is indeed a virtue in this case, many culinary experts recommend an extended curing period of three to four months for optimal taste. Once your homemade Guanciale has finished curing, it’s remarkably simple to prepare: just give it a quick sear in the pan and it’s ready to enjoy.
This cured meat can be savored on its own or incorporated into various pasta dishes, including classic carbonara recipes. To ensure it remains usable for an extended period, store your homemade Guanciale in the refrigerator, where you’ll have months’ worth of supply at your fingertips!
Sweet Heat Pork Jowl Delight
Needless to say, this sweet and spicy pork jowl recipe is a game-changer for those who crave something bold. The key to achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and heat lies in the combination of chili peppers and honey as main ingredients. Not only does this dish boast incredible flavors, but it’s also surprisingly simple to prepare at home. To begin, gather all your dry and wet ingredients, then combine them with a freshly washed and dried pork jowl in an airtight container or ziplock bag.
Simply seal the container, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day – voila! You’ll be enjoying tender, flavorful meat in no time.
Smoking Jowl Bacon with Sweet Delight
When exploring the world of cured meats, you might be curious about jowl bacon. This recipe takes a unique approach by using pork jowl instead of the traditional pork belly, resulting in a softer, juicier, and sweeter-tasting bacon. The process is surprisingly straightforward: simply cure it, dry it, and smoke it. However, this method does require some preparation and specialized equipment, including curing salt and a smoker to achieve optimal results.
While it demands time and patience for the curing process, the end product is well worth the wait.
Southern Style Pork Jowl Stew with Black Eyed Peas
Creating a delicious and comforting meal at home can be achieved with this easy-to-follow recipe for black eyed peas and pork jowl. This traditional Southern dish is a staple in many households and pairs perfectly with cornbread, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or special occasion. The best part?
It’s incredibly quick to prepare, requiring only 10 minutes of prep time before letting the stew simmer for a couple of hours, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that’s sure to draw in your loved ones. With its simple steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is perfect for those new to cooking or looking for a stress-free meal solution.
Asian-Style Caramelized Pork Char Siew
Understandably, char siew is an Asian Cantonese style of barbequed pork that’s incredibly popular for its sweet and juicy flavor. It can be paired with noodles or rice, although it truly shines on its own! As an Asian dish, you may need to visit your local Asian supermarket if you don’t have some of the staple ingredients like oyster sauce and sesame oil in your pantry. But trust me, once you try cooking char siew, you’ll be hooked and will likely cook it again and again!
The key to achieving a really yummy pork char siew is to sear and caramelize the meat perfectly, which requires some skill but is totally worth the effort. In this recipe, we’re aiming for that perfect balance of flavors and textures to bring out the best in the dish.
Spicy Thai Braised Pork Belly Delight
Elevating your culinary game just got a lot easier with this Thai-style braised pork jowl recipe that’s become one of our go-to favorites. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it’s also surprisingly quick and effortless to prepare, making it the perfect solution for busy days when you need a delicious meal in no time! If you’re a spice lover like us, feel free to kick up the heat by adding more bird’s eye chilies – we recommend going all out if you can handle the intensity.
On the other hand, don’t be shy with the shallots at the end as they add an amazing depth and richness to the dish that complements the meat perfectly. This braised pork jowl is a true umami bomb, and we highly recommend pairing it with steaming hot rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal experience.
Sherry-Braised Pork Jowl
Taking center stage in Spanish cuisine, pork jowl is often overlooked in favor of more familiar cuts. However, with the right recipe, it’s transformed into a truly show-stopping dish. The recipe we’re featuring today uses pork cheeks, but swapping them out for pork jowl is a game-changer – its higher fat content makes it perfectly suited to absorbing all that rich, flavorful sauce.
