A Comprehensive Guide to Cooking Pork Neck: Techniques, Recipes, and Variations

Pork neck, also known as pork collar, is a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer slow-roasting, braising, or grilling, there’s a cooking method to suit your taste and time constraints. In this guide, we will delve into the art of cooking pork neck, providing step-by-step instructions, tips, and mouthwatering recipes to help you create succulent and satisfying pork neck dishes.

Cooking Methods

Slow-Roasting:

• Slow-roasting is an ideal method for tenderizing tough cuts of meat like pork neck.
• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
• Season the pork neck with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
• Place the pork neck in a roasting pan and add some liquid, such as broth or wine, to prevent it from drying out.
• Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and roast for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).
• Baste the pork neck every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent it from burning.

Braising:

• Braising is another excellent method for cooking pork neck, as it allows the meat to become fall-off-the-bone tender.
• Season the pork neck with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
• Brown the pork neck in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add some liquid, such as broth or beer, to the pot and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the pork neck is tender.

Grilling:

• Grilling is a great way to cook pork neck if you want a smoky flavor.
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• Season the pork neck with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
• Grill the pork neck for 10-15 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).
• Let the pork neck rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recipes

Southern-Style Pork Neck Bones:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 pounds pork neck bones
  • 2 onions, roughly chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
  2. Sprinkle 3/4 of the chopped onions and 3/4 of the chopped garlic into the bottom of a roasting pan; pour in water and vinegar.
  3. Season neck bones with salt and pepper and place in the roasting pan. Sprinkle remaining onions and garlic over top and cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes and recovering with the foil every time you baste.
  5. Remove the foil and continue cooking until neck bones are golden brown, about 45 more minutes.

Slow Roasted Pork Neck:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 kg piece pork neck
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chopped sage
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 7 slices prosciutto
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 130 degrees Celsius (266 degrees Fahrenheit).
  2. In a small bowl mix together oil, sage, garlic, and tomato paste.
  3. With a knife, make small incisions into the pork.
  4. Rub in mixture and season well.
  5. Lay prosciutto on the chopping board. Place pork on top, and fold over so the pieces of prosciutto wrap around the pork. Tie and secure with kitchen string.
  6. Heat a medium-sized heavy-based baking dish onto the heat. Add pork and cook, turning, until browned.
  7. Add white wine and let sizzle. Add stock and cover tightly with foil.
  8. Bake for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until tender, checking that liquid isn’t evaporating too quickly.

Tips

• Choose a pork neck with good marbling for a more flavorful dish.
• Don’t overcook the pork neck, as it will become tough.
• Let the pork neck rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Serve pork neck with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Variations

• Spicy Pork Neck: Add chili powder, cumin, and paprika to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Crusted Pork Neck: Create a flavorful crust by coating the pork neck in a mixture of chopped herbs, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Honey-Glazed Pork Neck: Brush the pork neck with a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce for a sweet and savory glaze.
• Apple Cider Braised Pork Neck: Add apple cider to the braising liquid for a tangy and flavorful twist.
• BBQ Pork Neck: Season the pork neck with your favorite BBQ rub and grill until cooked through.

Cooking pork neck is a simple and straightforward process that can yield delicious and satisfying results. By following the techniques, recipes, and tips outlined in this guide, you can master the art of cooking pork neck and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.