How Long Does Diced Pork Take to Cook? A Detailed Guide for Perfectly Cooked Pork

Cooking diced pork can seem intimidating for many home cooks. Unlike larger roasts or chops that have more leeway, the small size of diced pork means timing is everything. Undercook it and you’ll end up with tough, chewy pork. Cook it too long and you’ll have dry, stringy cubes. So how long does it actually take to cook diced pork to tender, juicy perfection? Let’s find out.

Key Factors That Affect Cooking Time

Several key factors impact how long it takes to cook diced pork

• Cut of Pork – Tenderloins and loins cook faster than shoulder or belly.

• Size of Dice – Small 1/2″ cubes cook quicker than larger 1″ chunks.

• Cooking Method – Pan frying, braising, grilling etc will all require different cook times.

• Internal Temperature – Pork is safe at 145°F but may need higher for tenderness

• Recipe – Ingredients like liquids and fat affect total cooking time.

Now let’s explore how these factors influence diced pork cook times for various methods.

Pan Frying Diced Pork

Pan frying is one of the quickest ways to cook diced pork. Here are general guidelines based on size:

• For 1/2″ cubes from the loin or tenderloin, cook 6-8 minutes total.

• For 1″ chunks from the shoulder or belly, allow 10-12 minutes.

Pan fry over medium-high heat until well browned, then reduce heat, cover and finish cooking. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for at least 145°F. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

For example, this 20 minute pan fried pork recipe uses tenderloin cut into finger-sized strips. It sears the pork for 3-4 minutes per side then finishes cooking covered for 5 minutes.

Braising Diced Pork

Braising diced pork in liquid will increase the cooking time but results in incredibly tender meat. Follow these guidelines:

• For 1/2″ loin/tenderloin cubes, braise for 15-20 minutes.

• For 1″ shoulder/belly chunks, braise for 25-35 minutes.

Season the pork, then brown well on all sides before adding broth, wine or other braising liquid. Cover and simmer gently until fork tender and cooked through.

For reference, this recipe for pork goulash braises 1″ pork shoulder cubes for about 30 minutes.

Grilling Diced Pork

Grilling imparts delicious smoky flavor but requires care to avoid overcooking. Follow these tips:

• Choose smaller 1/2″ dice to ensure even cooking.

• Grill over medium heat for best control.

• Slice tenderloin/loin cubes need 8-12 minutes total.

• Shoulder/belly chunks need 14-18 minutes.

• Brush with oil or marinade to prevent sticking.

• Move to indirect heat if flaring up.

• Check internal temp and pull off at 145°F.

Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving for juiciest results.

Cooking Diced Pork for Stew

When making pork stew, opt for 1″ shoulder or belly cubes that stand up to longer braising.

• Brown pork first for flavor then braise covered for 45 mins to 1 hour.

• Add veggies during last 20-30 minutes so they don’t overcook.

• Use a thermometer to confirm pork reaches 195°F for fall-apart texture.

This pork and mushroom stew braises 1″ pork shoulder cubes for a full hour before adding carrots and potatoes.

Oven Roasting Diced Pork

Oven roasting at 375°F is a hands-off option. Plan approximately:

• 15-18 minutes for 1/2″ loin/tenderloin cubes.

• 22-28 minutes for 1″ shoulder/belly chunks.

Toss pork in oil and seasonings. Roast in a single layer, stirring occasionally, until internal temperature hits 145°F.

For reference, this pork larb recipe roasts 1/2″ pork tenderloin cubes for 17 minutes.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Diced Pork

Follow these tips for fork-tender, juicy diced pork every time:

• Pat dry before cooking to promote browning.

• Season generously with salt, pepper and spices.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan or cubes will steam.

• Use a meat thermometer and cook to 145°F minimum.

• Rest diced pork 5-10 minutes before serving.

• Avoid overcooking – dice won’t benefit from higher temps.

With the proper technique, you can achieve tender diced pork with any cooking method. Just adjust timing based on size, cut, and recipe. Start checking doneness early and rely on an instant thermometer for perfect results every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about cooking times for diced pork? Here are some common FAQs:

How long does it take to cook 1-inch diced pork in the oven?

In a 375°F oven, 1-inch pork shoulder or belly cubes take 22-28 minutes to reach 145°F internally.

Can I slow cook diced pork in the crockpot?

Yes, diced pork can be cooked in a slow cooker on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until fork tender. Use shoulder or belly for best results.

How long does it take to cook diced pork in the Instant Pot?

Cook 1-inch diced pork shoulder or belly cubes in the Instant Pot for 15-20 minutes at high pressure. Allow for natural release.

What is the minimum internal temperature for safely cooked pork?

Pork is considered safely cooked at a minimum internal temperature of 145°F with a 3 minute rest time.

Should I coat diced pork in flour before searing?

Lightly coating diced pork in flour can help achieve a nice sear but is optional. Pat off excess before cooking.

Got another diced pork cooking question? Ask in the comments!

So there you have it – a complete guide to exactly how long it takes to cook diced pork for various methods, cuts, and recipes. While cooking times vary based on the specifics, you can feel confident following the guidelines provided to end up with tender, juicy, perfectly done diced pork every time. What are you waiting for? Get cooking!