Demystifying Pork Stew Meat: Exploring the Origins and Uses of This Versatile Cut

It’s easy to make pork stew, and it tastes great! Tender pork shoulder, potatoes, and vegetables make a hearty, thick stew that will warm you up from the inside out!

Good news! The best cuts of meat for pork stew also happen to be the most affordable. Pork shoulder is a great cut of meat for cooking slowly. I use it to make pulled pork and green chili.

Choose the cut of pork based on your cooking method. Tougher and tastier meats are good for the “low and slow” treatment. More tender and mild tasting cuts (like pork tenderloin) benefit from a quicker cook (like roasting).

Pork stew meat is a common ingredient found in many classic stew, braise, and soup recipes. But what cut of pork does stew meat come from, and what’s the best way to cook with it? This guide takes a deep dive into the world of pork stew meat.

What Cut Does Pork Stew Meat Come From?

Pork stew meat is not a single defined cut Rather, it refers to small chunks of pork, usually about 1-inch cubes, taken from larger cuts that are well-suited for braising and stewing Here are some of the most common sources of pork stew meat

  • Pork shoulder – The shoulder, often sold as a boneless roast or Boston butt, provides flavorful, well-marbled stew meat.

  • Pork leg – Cuts from the rear leg like ham or fresh picnic ham are leaner but make excellent stew meat.

  • Pork loin – The loin offers tender meat that can be cubed for stews when taken from the sirloin or rib end.

  • Pork belly – Cubed pork belly adds rich, succulent meat full of flavor.

Essentially, stew meat refers to taking larger pork cuts and portioning them into bite-sized pieces perfect for the low, moist heat cooking of braises and stews.

Benefits of Using Pork Stew Meat

There are many advantages to using pork stew meat in your cooking:

  • Value – It provides an affordable way to enjoy tasty pork cuts.

  • Versatility – Pork stew meat works in all types of stews, soups, braises, and more.

  • Flavor – It infuses rich, meaty pork flavor into any dish.

  • Texture – Long, moist cooking makes it fall-apart tender.

  • Convenience – Cubed cuts save prep time versus chopping meat yourself.

No wonder stew meat is a cherished ingredient among home cooks and chefs!

Best Uses for Pork Stew Meat

Pork stew meat brings its signature flavor, tenderness, and versatility to a wide range of dishes:

  • Hearty stews like pork bourguignon or chili verde

  • Braised pork shoulder with peppers and onions

  • Pork and apple stew with cider and thyme

  • Creamy split pea and ham soup

  • Pork pozole packed with hominy

  • Congee or juk porridge with savory pork

  • Japanse pork and potato nikujaga stew

  • Portuguese pork and clams stew

The options are nearly endless! Stew meat excels in any recipe using moist heat.

Cooking Methods for Pork Stew Meat

To turn tough cuts into tender stew meat, cooking low and slow is key. Methods like these work best:

  • Braising – Brown the meat first, then cook gently in a small amount of liquid.

  • Stewing – Simmer chunks in flavorful broth until fully tender.

  • Slow cooker – Let it cook hands-free all day for fall-apart meat.

  • Pressure cooking – Use a pressure cooker to rapidly tenderize the meat.

When stewing meat, aim for gentler simmers, not a rolling boil, for the most tender texture.

Handling and Storing Pork Stew Meat

Follow these tips for safely handling and storing pork stew meat:

  • Refrigerate stew meat within 2 hours of purchasing.

  • Freeze for longer storage up to 4-6 months.

  • Thaw frozen pork stew meat in the refrigerator, not room temp.

  • Cook or freeze within 2 days of thawing.

  • Cook pork thoroughly to an internal temp of at least 160°F.

  • Store cooked stews with pork stew meat for 3-4 days max.

Proper storage preserves freshness and reduces food waste.

Satisfying and Nutritious

In addition to its outstanding flavor and versatility, pork stew meat offers nutritional benefits. It provides high-quality protein, zinc, iron, vitamin B12, and other nutrients. Leaner cuts can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation.

An Endlessly Adaptable Ingredient

At its heart, pork stew meat provides a simple way to infuse rich, meaty flavor into soups, stews, braises, chilies, and any dish that benefits from low, moist cooking. Its adaptability crosses culinary cultures worldwide. No wonder pork stew meat remains such a cherished kitchen staple.

what cut is pork stew meat

How to Make Pork Stew

This recipe is made much like a lamb or beef stew recipe. Besides the obvious ingredient of pork, this recipe calls for broth, white and sweet potatoes and veggies. It’s flavored with savory herbs, including rosemary and oregano.

  • To make the pork taste better, cut it into cubes and brown them in oil.
  • Add the broth and herbs/seasonings and simmer for an hour.
  • Add remaining ingredients and cook until tender.
  • Thicken and serve.

So good that you’ll want something to soak up every last bit in your bowl. Don’t forget the homemade garlic bread or flaky biscuits.

What to Serve with Pork Stew

Pork Stew is a simple and substantial one pot meal that is guaranteed to satisfy your family. It doesn’t need much on the side. Serve it over rice, or with cornbread muffins or rolls and butter, for a filling and satisfying meal.

Pork stew freezes remarkably well. Just place leftovers in freezer containers, leaving an inch of headspace for expansion. It will keep for several days in the refrigerator or up to four months in the freezer.

PORK MEAT RECIPE | EASY PORK TO SERVE WITH RICE ,MASHED POTATOES, VEGGIES | TENDER PORK MEAT

FAQ

What cut is used for stew meat?

What Cut of Beef Is Stew Meat? Stew meat is made from cuts of beef with lots of tough connective tissue, namely chuck and/or round. When you simmer it in a liquid, the connective tissue breaks down and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. That’s why it’s traditionally braised in stock and turned into beef stew.

What is the best cut of pork for casseroles?

➡️ Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt): This is a top choice for casseroles due to the meat’s rich marbling and flavour.

Why is my pork stew meat tough?

Muscle fibers contract and push out moisture as meat cooks. It first starts to happen when the internal temperature reaches 104℉ (40℃) and greatly increases once you hit 140℉ (60℃). This is why ribeyes, chicken breasts, and pork chops turn dry and chewy when you cook them for too long.

What is pork stew meat?

Pork stew meat is a cut of pork that is specifically designed for slow-cooking in stews and soups. It comes from various parts of the pig, such as the shoulder, and is typically cut into small, bite-sized pieces that are perfect for simmering in savory broths and sauces.

What is the best cut of meat for pork stew?

The best cuts of meat for pork stew also happen to be the most affordable. Pork shoulder is a cut of meat that is great for cooking low and slow (it’s the same cut of meat I use for pulled pork or green chili). Choose the cut of pork based on your cooking method. Tougher and tastier meats are good for the “low and slow” treatment.

Is pork stew easy to make?

Pork Stew is not only easy to make, but it’s also delicious! Tender pork shoulder, potatoes and veggies create a hearty and thick stew that will warm your belly from the inside out! This recipe can easily be made on the stovetop or in the slow cooker! Good news! The best cuts of meat for pork stew also happen to be the most affordable.

Can a pork shoulder be used instead of pork stew meat?

Yes, other cuts of pork, such as pork shoulder or pork loin, can be used in place of pork stew meat. However, these cuts may require different cooking times and techniques. 12. What are some international dishes that feature pork stew meat?

Leave a Comment