|
Shopping Guide: The Most Popular Pork Cuts For Every Cook
June 14, 2023
Pork is a practical meat to always have on hand. It’s so popular that it even has a dedicated monthly celebration. National Pork Month, or Porktober, offers pork farmers, butchers, and other pork fans to show an appreciation for this tasty meat each October.
Pork comes in a variety of cuts that are perfect for any occasion—from smoky ribs for a family BBQ to juicy tenderloin for date night. Master your pork knowledge and learn about the most popular cuts and cooking methods.
The Six Most Popular Pork Cuts
If you are looking for succulent pork options to serve at home, you can’t go wrong with these six common cuts you can find in your local wholesale grocery store.
1. Pork Chops
Pork chops are a versatile and popular cut of meat that comes from the loin region of the pig, which runs from the shoulder to the hip. This area produces tender, lean cuts of pork that are prized for their mild flavor, making them a favorite among home cooks. You’ll find both loin chops and rib chops at your wholesale grocery store. Loin chops come from the more tender section of the loin, while rib chops include a portion of the rib bone, adding a bit more flavor to the meat.
Cooking pork chops offers plenty of flexibility. Pan-searing, oven-roasting, and slow-cookers are great ways to cook up this cut of pork.
What’s for Dinner? Stir fry and stews are an easy weekday meal. You can also cook the chops whole on the stovetop.
2. Pork Tenderloin
Speaking of the loin region, the tenderloin cut also comes from this area. The tenderloin is the most tender meat found on the pig and is exceptionally versatile. This cut is long, narrow, and entirely boneless, which makes it easy to cook whole or break down into medallions or smaller portions. Its mild flavor and delicate texture make it incredibly versatile, lending itself to a variety of cooking methods and flavor profiles.
Whether marinated, grilled, roasted, or pan-seared, the tenderloin is a favorite for its ability to absorb flavors and stay juicy when cooked correctly. However, tenderloins can overcook easily, so ensure you have your thermometer. Going over 145 or 150 degrees could cause the meat to dry out.
What’s for Dinner? This classic recipe for tenderloin features mustard and herbs and is finished in the oven.
3. Pork Shoulder
The pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt, comes from the upper part of the front leg of the pig. Pork shoulder tends to get more of a workout, so the muscle is tougher. However, it also contains a good amount of fat, so it benefits from low and slow cooking to help it turn nice and juicy. In your grocery store, you’ll often find bone-in and boneless pork shoulder.
Due to its tougher nature, pork shoulder benefits greatly from slow, prolonged cooking methods such as braising, smoking, or slow roasting. These methods allow the fat and connective tissue to break down for a melt-in-your-mouth dish.
What’s for Dinner? Calling all taco lovers. Pork shoulder is the meat to get for juicy carnitas.
4. Pork Loin Roast
Don’t confuse this cut with pork loin chops or tenderloin. Pork loin roast is its own delectable cut and comes from the area between the shoulder and the leg, offering a substantial portion of lean meat. The cut is larger and budget-friendly, making it an excellent option for your family get-together or preparing meals with leftovers.
While the size of a whole loin roast might seem daunting, you can toss it in a roasting pan or crockpot and forget about it for an hour or so allowing the meat to retain its natural juices and tenderness while developing a rich, savory flavor.
What’s for Dinner? A traditional oven roast with garlic sauce is an effortless meal that will provide plenty of leftovers.
5. Pork Belly
Chances are you are already familiar with pork belly. This cut is famously cured and aged to make bacon and pancetta. These cured and aged versions of pork belly are loved worldwide for their rich, salty flavor and crisp texture. However, you can buy uncured portions and cook them as is for a melt-in-your-mouth meal.
When prepared fresh, pork belly delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience due to its layers of fat and meat. Pork belly responds well to braising to remove some fat but keep the texture intact.
What’s for Dinner? Chinese-style braised pork belly is a fun weekend dinner for the whole family.
6. Pork Ribs
When it comes to pork ribs, there are two popular cuts you’re likely to encounter: baby back ribs and spare ribs. Baby back ribs are cut from the area beneath the loin muscle, where the ribs are shorter, more curved, and generally have more meat attached. This cut is known for its tender texture and leaner profile, making it a favorite for grilling and barbecuing.
Spare ribs come from the breastbone area. These ribs are larger, flatter, and typically have more fat and connective tissue, which makes them ideal for slow-cooking methods like smoking or braising.
Both types of ribs can be seasoned with a variety of rubs and sauces to suit your taste preferences. St. Louis ribs are trimmed-down spare ribs and can be treated similarly.
What’s for Dinner? When given proper time, smoked baby back ribs slathered in BBQ sauce can provide the perfect bite that always hits the spot.
More Popular Pork Options
We can’t have a complete pork shopping guide without mentioning some home cooks’ favorites. While these aren’t traditional cuts, you will find them in your restaurant supply store:
Find Exceptional Pork and Other Ingredients This Porktober for Your Next Meal
US Foods CHEF’STORE is your one-stop destination for all your pork needs this Porktober. We offer a fantastic selection of your favorite pork cuts, from tenderloin and loin roasts to baby back and spare ribs, all at budget-friendly prices. We also stock everything you need to complete your at-home menu, including fresh produce, spices, and more.
Stop by one of our convenient locations or get ingredients delivered straight to your door.