What is Pickled Pork?

Pickled pork is a staple ingredient in Cajun and Creole cuisines, adding a unique piquancy to dishes like red beans, smothered vegetables, and greens.

History of Pickled Pork

Before refrigeration, preserving meat was a challenge. Pickling, a method of preserving food in a salty brine or vinegar, emerged as a solution. Herbs and spices were often added for flavor and preservation.

In Acadiana (now Nova Scotia), pork was a dietary cornerstone for French settlers. When the British forced them out, many migrated to French-speaking Louisiana, where wild boar was plentiful. The Acadians incorporated boar into their cuisine, evolving its preparation with local herbs and spices.

Pickled Pork in Cajun and Creole Cuisine

Pickled pork is a staple in Louisiana kitchens, adding flavor and depth to long-simmered dishes. The meat is rendered tender and pre-seasoned from the brine, infusing other ingredients with its delicious flavors.

Making Pickled Pork

Making pickled pork is a simple process:

Ingredients:

• 1 quart distilled white vinegar
• 1/2 cup mustard seed
• 1 tablespoon celery seed
• 2 tablespoons Louisiana-style hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 12 whole black peppercorns
• 2 pounds boneless pork butt or rib tips, cut into 2-inch cubes

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except the pork in a non-reactive saucepan. Bring to a full boil and maintain for 3 minutes.
2. Cool the brine and add it to a stainless steel, glass, or plastic container.
3. Add the pork, stir thoroughly, and push the meat down to fully submerge it in the brine.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least three days before using.
5. Drain, rinse, and drain the meat again before use to remove all traces of seasoning aromatics.

Where to Find Pickled Pork

Pickled pork is readily available in Louisiana grocery stores in various forms (hunks, chunks, slices). Brands like Richard’s, Savoie’s, and Vaucresson’s offer pickled pork. It can also be purchased online or made at home.

Benefits of Pickled Pork

• Adds unique flavor to dishes
• Renders meat tender
• Pre-seasoned, reducing the need for additional salt
• Long shelf life when refrigerated

Pickled pork is a versatile ingredient that enhances the flavors of Cajun and Creole dishes. Its rich history and ease of preparation make it a valuable addition to any kitchen.