Do you want to add a touch of savory indulgence to your favorite dishes? Look no further than this classic recipe for Salted Pork Fat Back. Used for centuries to add richness and depth to dishes, salted pork fat back is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the flavors of stews, soups, and sauces. With its crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth texture, salted pork fat back is sure to become a staple in your kitchen arsenal. Let’s explore how to make this flavorful ingredient at home.
Title: Salted Pork Fat Back
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork fat back
– 1/2 cup kosher salt
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 bay leaves
– 4 cloves garlic, smashed
– 1 tsp black peppercorns
– 1 sprig fresh rosemary
– 1 sprig fresh thyme
Instructions:
1. Begin by cutting the pork fat back into manageable pieces, around 1-inch thick. This will help the salt cure penetrate the meat evenly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the kosher salt and sugar. Mix thoroughly to create the curing mixture.
3. Rub the curing mixture all over the pieces of pork fat back, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place the pieces in a resealable plastic bag.
4. Add the bay leaves, smashed garlic cloves, black peppercorns, rosemary, and thyme sprigs to the bag. Seal the bag and massage the ingredients into the pork fat back to distribute the flavors.
5. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the pork fat back cure for 7-10 days. Turn the bag over every other day to redistribute the curing mixture.
6. After the curing period is complete, remove the pork fat back from the bag and rinse off the excess salt mixture under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
7. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the pork fat back pieces on a wire rack on a baking sheet.
8. Roast the pork fat back in the oven for 2-3 hours, or until the fat back is golden brown and crispy. The fat back should render its fat and develop a crunchy exterior.
9. Remove the pork fat back from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing or chopping as desired.
10. Use the salted pork fat back in your favorite recipes to add depth and richness. It can be diced and sautéed to add flavor to vegetables, beans, or soups. You can also crisp it up and crumble it over salads for a burst of savory goodness.
Salted pork fat back is a delicious ingredient that adds a unique flavor profile to a wide range of dishes. Once you master the art of making your own salted pork fat back at home, you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and time again to enhance the taste of your culinary creations. Enjoy the process of experimenting with this versatile ingredient and discovering new ways to incorporate it into your cooking repertoire.
