It’s breakfast. But also lunch. And don’t forget dinner. Oh, and it’s brunch. It’s a sandwich, a pizza topping, a side dish or a main course. It’s pork roll — and it’s our NJ Vocabulary word of the week. Were you ever in a New Jersey diner (and you weren’t? You’re missing out), you would have seen it on the menu and smelled the smoke.
You can find it in restaurants and grocery stores all over the tri-state area, but Trenton is where the world’s best pork rolls are made. And its popularity is growing.
Pork Roll — Noun. A pork-based processed meat best described as if sausage, bacon and bologna had a baby.
“It’s more popular now than ever,” says Scott Miller, founder of the Pork Roll Festival in Trenton. “I’m not sure why, but over the past few years you see it more and more. It’s making a big comeback. ”.
Pork roll was created in Trenton in 1856 by John Taylor. And in 1870, George Washington Case created his own recipe. So, Taylor and Case became the two most famous and feared names in the world of pork rolls.
“They taste different,” Miller says of the two big brands. “And they cook a little differently too. I think Case has a smokier flavor and is a little less greasy. ”.
Taylor ham, also known as pork roll, is a thin sliced breakfast meat beloved in New Jersey. With its rich, smoky flavor, this processed pork delicacy is a staple in diners and homes across the state. But when time is short, is it possible to microwave Taylor ham instead of frying it up? I decided to find out.
As a busy Jersey girl and food blogger, I rely on quick shortcuts like the microwave sometimes. But I don’t want to sacrifice that signature Taylor ham taste and texture just for convenience. After testing different techniques, I developed an easy method for microwaving juicy, delicious pork roll in just 60 seconds.
What is Taylor Ham?
First, let’s start with what exactly Taylor ham is. Developed in 1856, Taylor ham is made from cured and ground pork shoulder. It’s formed into loaves, smoked, thinly sliced, and packaged for sale. The ingredients include salt, spices, and preservatives for longevity.
Taylor ham has a rich smoky pork flavor with hints of saltiness and spice. And when pan fried it gets irresistibly crispy edges. While you may see it called “pork roll” outside of NJ, true Taylor ham can only come from Taylor Provisions in Trenton. It’s a Garden State icon!
Is Microwaving Taylor Ham Possible?
Now onto the question at hand – can you zap Taylor ham in the microwave? The answer is yes, absolutely! However, there are some important things to keep in mind:
- The texture will be softer rather than crispy when pan fried.
- Take care not to overcook. aim for 30 secs to 1 minute at high power.
- Heat thoroughly until steaming hot for food safety.
- Watch closely to prevent curling. Slice notches in edges first if needed.
While the microwave won’t replicate the diner-style crispy edges, it can quickly heat Taylor ham for a fast breakfast sandwich at home. Follow my tips for tender, delicious pork roll from the microwave.
How to Microwave Taylor Ham Perfectly
Here are some useful guidelines for microwaving Taylor ham:
- Use a microwave-safe plate. Don’t use metal or foil.
- Cover the plate with a paper towel or vented lid to prevent splatters.
- Microwave just 1-2 slices at a time. Overcrowding causes uneven cooking.
- Heat on HIGH in 30 second intervals until steaming hot. About 1 minute for 1 slice.
- Check internal temperature with a thermometer. Should reach 165°F.
- Let stand 1-2 minutes before eating to allow juices to distribute.
Following these steps helps ensure your Taylor ham cooks evenly, heats through, and stays juicy when microwaved.
Handy Taylor Ham Microwaving Tips
Here are some extra pointers for microwaving success:
- Add a splash of water to the plate to prevent drying out.
- Fold over the edges to prevent curling.
- Top with cheese, then microwave to melt into a quick ham and cheese snack.
- You can microwave from refrigerated or frozen. But frozen may take longer.
- Customize your sandwich with hot sauce, egg, or slider rolls for a breakfast sandwich.
With the right techniques, the microwave can deliver tasty Taylor ham in a fraction of the time it takes to fry.
How to Make The Perfect Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese
No Taylor ham discussion is complete without mentioning the classic Jersey breakfast sandwich. Here’s how to assemble this regional favorite at home:
Ingredients:
- Taylor ham
- Eggs
- Cheese slices
- English muffin, bagel, or roll
- Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Microwave or pan fry Taylor ham until hot.
- Fry or scramble eggs to preference.
- Toast muffin or roll halves.
- Top muffin half with ham, egg, and cheese.
- Bring sandwich halves together and enjoy!
Customize your TEC sandwich with extras like ketchup, hot sauce, or hash browns. However you make it, this sandwich is a delicious way to start your day Jersey-style.
FAQs on Microwaving Taylor Ham
Here are quick answers to some common pork roll microwaving questions:
Is microwaved Taylor ham safe to eat? Yes, as long as it reaches 165°F internally. Check with a food thermometer.
Can you microwave frozen Taylor ham? Best to thaw overnight first. Microwaving frozen may cause uneven cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat Taylor ham? The microwave or skillet work well. Heat through until steaming.
How long does cooked Taylor ham last in the fridge? About 3-5 days refrigerated. Toss if you see mold or smell spoilage.
Is Taylor ham considered pre-cooked? Yes, it’s fully cured and cooked during processing. No cooking required, just thorough heating.
Savor the Convenience of Microwaved Taylor Ham
With the right techniques, the microwave can quickly deliver hot, tasty Taylor ham for breakfast sandwiches, snacks, and more. While pan-frying gives the most authentic crispy texture, the microwave is perfect when you need pork roll in a hurry.
The Most Versatile Meat in the World
So how do you eat pork roll? Quick answer: Anyway you’d like.
“I like to pan fry it,” says Miller. “It takes longer to cook than most people think, but it”s easy to just fry it. There are four cuts along the edges of a pork roll slice to keep the meat from curling up while it’s being fried. This gives pork roll the distinctive shape of a big, meat flower or wind mill.
Miller says not to use the microwave, but you can grill or steam the pork roll.
“Don’t microwave it,” advised Miller. “It doesn’t work out so well. You can microwave some bacon, and it’s fine, but pork roll is different. I’d definitely recommend frying it. ” After the meat has been fried, the next step is all up to you.
If you’re brave, you can eat it as a breakfast sandwich in Trenton. It has two fried eggs, two slices of the meat, and cheese. But this sort of sandwich is like art; it can be anything you want it to be.
Miller himself forgoes the egg altogether. “I like it without egg. I like two very thin slices of fried pork roll that are on the tough side on a lightly toasted Kaiser roll with hot sauce and cheddar cheese. That’s my sandwich. ”.
And for those skipping breakfast and going straight to belly-busting lunch, there’s the pork roll cheeseburger. “The best place to get it is Checkers Food and Spirits here in Trenton,” Miller says of the local eatery (which is not to be confused with the fast-food chain). “They make a cheeseburger with a slice of pork roll on top and it’s unbelievable.” Miller jokes that those counting calories and gluten can go the healthy route and get the burger on a pita. (The kitchen at Checkers closes at 2:30, so get there early!)
For people who live in North Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, the meat is served as a side dish instead of on the sandwiches. “Some people will get it instead of bacon when they order eggs,” says Miller. “It’s a great substitute for bacon. And I think it tastes better. ”.
If sandwiches, sides and burgers aren’t your thing, you can also add the pork to, well, anything. “We topped a Trenton tomato pie with pork roll for New Years Eve. It was pretty great,” says Miller, who sometimes conducts experiments in his own kitchen. “The wackiest thing we did was make a pork roll sandwich with a French cruller donut as the bun.” That was rich. That wasn’t too healthy. ”.
For those with a refined palate who still want to try Jersey’s most beloved meat product, there’s the Pork Roll Cookbook by Jenna Pizzi, which includes recipes for using it in soup, deviled eggs, and alfredo — which sounds as delicious as it does deadly.
Is It Pork Roll — or Taylor Ham?
But what’s in a name? John Taylor tried calling his meat “Taylor’s Prepared Ham,” but he had to change it because pork roll isn’t really ham. The name was changed to Taylor Pork Roll, but the nickname Taylor Ham has stuck around for more than 150 years, even though it is not scientifically correct.
“It’s the same thing,” says Miller. Folks in North Jersey and other places call all pork rolls Taylor Ham, even though Taylor Ham is just a brand name. But it’s all the same, really. ”.
While Taylor and Case are the big names in the game, other brands such as Hatfield have begun making the meat, and it’s even sneaking its way into chain restaurants. “Last summer, even Dunkin Donuts began selling pork roll sandwiches,” says Miller of the sandwich offered at select Dunkin Donuts locations down the shore. “That shows you how popular it is.”
It’s also pretty simple: Its ingredients are pork, salt, sugar, spices and sodium nitrate. It’s hardly a health food, but it is a tasty one. “People remember having it for breakfast in their homes,” says Miller. “It’s a comfort food, a uniquely New Jersey comfort food. It brings back good memories. Everyone around here remembers eating pork roll at some point as a kid. It was on everyone’s table. ”.
Of course, nostalgia and the fact that the meat tastes great are two reasons why it’s becoming popular again. “The display for Case at the store has doubled,” says Miller. “More and more people are eating it and talking about. I like to think our festival has something to do with it. ”.
In fact, the Pork Roll Festival happens every year in downtown Trenton over Memorial Day weekend. It has become famous across the country for the wide range of food and entertainment it offers. “We have music and recipe contests, and we crown a Pork Roll Queen,” says Miller. “It’s a lot of fun and everyone has a good time. We’re trying to boost the of Trenton and show the positive side of this city. And we want everyone to know that this is the home of pork roll. That’s our goal. ”.