There are a lot of different herbs that go with pork. But there are a few that stand out above the rest. Click on any of the 10 herbs below to see how to use them and some of our favorite ways to pair them with other foods.
The first is the cut of pork you’re using, and what the cooking method will be.
When you grill or roast pork, the best herbs to use are those that can be mixed with a rub or meat sauce. Choose herbs that will keep their flavor while cooking slowly if you are braising or slow cooking.
Similarly, some herbs, like rosemary, have a strong flavor that can easily overwhelm a dish. Others, like thyme, have a more delicate flavor that can be easily lost in a dish.
To maximize the flavor of these herbs, it is best to use fresh herbs if possible. However, dried herbs can also be used and will add flavor to the pork.
First, here is our list of the best herbs that go well with pork. Next, we’ll talk about the best herbs for different cuts of pork or different pork dishes.
Pork mince is a versatile and budget-friendly staple that takes well to bold herbs and spices. The mild flavor and fat content allow the herbs to infuse the meat with maximum flavor. When mixed into raw pork mince or ground together, herbs distribute evenly and permeate the meat fully.
But with so many herbs and spices to choose from it can get overwhelming deciding what will complement pork mince best. Here are the top 10 herbs and spices that will bring out the very best in your pork mince recipes
1. Sage
Sage is a perfect match for pork It has a savory, slightly peppery flavor that pairs wonderfully in sausage, stuffing, meatballs or meatloaf The distinctive sage flavor shines through when mixed into raw pork mince. Use it along with thyme and marjoram for the classic sage sausage flavor.
2. Thyme
The earthy, woodsy notes of thyme add dimension to pork mince dishes. Use it in marinades, braises, sauces, and stuffings. Thyme plays well with other herbs like sage, rosemary, and parsley. Add it early in cooking so the flavor infuses the meat.
3. Rosemary
The pine and citrus aroma of rosemary is excellent with rich meats like pork. A little bit goes a long way, so use rosemary sparingly. It works well in marinades or can be mixed right into pork mince mixtures. Combine it with garlic and black pepper for a perfect balance.
4. Oregano
Bright and zesty oregano adds an Italian flair to pork mince recipes. It’s a perfect match in Bolognese sauce, meatballs, or sausage. Mixing oregano with basil, parsley, and garlic gives an amazing flavor blend. Add it early in cooking to allow the flavors to develop.
5. Basil
The sweet yet peppery taste of basil balances the fattiness of pork mince wonderfully It adds a freshness that lifts any pork dish, Basil shines in Italian recipes like Bolognese sauce and meatballs Add torn basil leaves just before serving to preserve the flavor,
6. Parsley
Parsley’s fresh, grassy flavor serves as a nice counterpoint to rich pork. Use it as a flavorful garnish or mix into raw pork mixtures for an even distribution. Combining parsley with thyme, sage, and lemon zest makes a flavorsome blend.
7. Marjoram
Similar to oregano, marjoram has a delicate, woodsy flavor that accents pork well. Use it dried or fresh in rubs, marinades, sausages, and meat mixtures. It combines nicely with savory flavors like garlic and black pepper.
8. Caraway Seeds
The anise-like flavor of caraway seeds complements pork perfectly. The seeds infuse sausages, roasts, and cabbage rolls with their distinct flavor. They pair deliciously with tart apples and rich sauerkraut too. Use whole or ground seeds for the best flavor punch.
9. Fennel Seeds
The licorice notes of fennel seeds accent pork with a sweet yet savory anise flavor. Use fennel seeds to add authentic Italian flavor to sausages and meatballs. Add them to marinara sauce or use as a rub on roasts. Their intensity mellows with cooking.
10. Garlic
No spice blend is complete without the punch and aroma of garlic. Its pungent flavor mellows when cooked into pork mince mixtures. Garlic adds layers of flavor when combined with herbs like sage, oregano, thyme or parsley. Use fresh or powdered garlic depending on the application.
Herbs like cilantro, dill, mint, and tarragon also pair well with pork mince depending on the dish. Don’t limit yourself to just one herb at a time—combining flavors creates amazing layers of taste.
Some winning combos include parsley, sage, thyme and lemon zest for stuffing, or basil, oregano, and garlic for Italian meatballs. Get creative with spices like cumin, paprika, cayenne, cinnamon and cloves too.
When cooking with herbs, use fresh over dried whenever possible for the truest flavor. Add delicate herbs like cilantro and parsley at the end to retain their vibrancy. Heartier herbs can be added earlier to infuse the pork as it cooks.
With the right blend of herbs and spices, the flavor possibilities are endless for taking your pork mince to new taste heights.
Best herbs for pork chops
Some of the best herbs to use when cooking pork chops include rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano. Each of these herbs has a strong flavor that goes well with the rich, savory taste of pork.
Pork chops are often grilled, pan-fried, or baked. To cook pork chops with these herbs, just sprinkle them on top of the chops before cooking.
You could also make a herb rub by combining finely chopped fresh herbs with garlic, olive oil, and other spices. Rub this mixture over the pork chops, and then let them marinate for a few hours before cooking.
What herbs go with pork
Sage is an herb that is commonly used in pork dishes. It has a strong, savory flavor that is slightly minty and slightly bitter.
Sage is a good herb to use with pork that is fatty because it helps to cut through the fat and bring out the meat’s flavor.
There are several ways to use sage when cooking pork. One of the most common ways is to use it to make a seasoning rub for the pork. Just chop up some sage leaves and other herbs, like thyme and rosemary, and rub the pork with the mixture before cooking. This will make the meat taste better and stay moist, and it will also help make a tasty herb crust on the outside of the pork.
Another way to use sage with pork is to add it to a marinade. Sage goes well with a lot of different flavors, like garlic, onion, and lemon, so you can use it to make a lot of different marinades for pork.
You could also just add some sage leaves to the pan with the pork chops and fry them. Then, you could serve the fried sage leaves on top of your dish.
Sage is also a great herb to use in stuffings for pork dishes.
Pairs well with: rosemary, marjoram, garlic, lemon
>> Related post: How to Use Sage in Cooking
Oregano is a popular herb with a strong, pungent, and slightly bitter flavor. It goes well with pork because it gives the dish a strong, savory flavor and helps balance out the meat’s richness.
You can rub oregano on pork before grilling or roasting it, or you can add it to marinades to make them taste better.
Pairs well with: thyme, basil
Thyme is an herb that is commonly used in Mediterranean and French cuisine. It has a woody, earthy flavor with a slight minty undertone.
Thyme is a great herb to use with pork because it can bring out the meat’s natural flavor and goes well with a lot of other herbs and spices.
When using thyme with pork, you can use it in a rub, marinades, or in stuffing. You can make a tasty and fragrant seasoning for your pork dishes by mixing thyme with other herbs.
Pairs well with: sage, rosemary, garlic, oregano
Rosemary is an aromatic herb with a strong, woody, and slightly pungent flavor.
It tastes strong, which is good with pork because it can balance out the rich, fatty taste of the meat. However its strong flavor can overpower the flavor of the pork, so its best used sparingly.
To use rosemary with pork, a rub or a marinade is a good option. For a milder taste, you can add rosemary sprigs to the roasting pan while the pork is cooking.
For added flavor, you can also use this herb on vegetables or other foods that you serve with pork.
Pairs well with: thyme, bay leaf, oregano
Bay leaves are a popular herb that have a subtle, earthy flavor with hints of camphor and eucalyptus. They are great herbs to use when cooking pork because they can help the meat taste more complex and full.
Many times, bay leaves are added to stews and braises that are cooked slowly so that the leaves can release their flavor.
To cook pork with bay leaves, just put a few leaves in the pot or pan with the other ingredients. Be sure to remove the bay leaves before serving, as they can be sharp and unpleasant to eat.
Bay leaves taste best when used with other herbs. Here are some ideas for herbs that go well with bay leaves.
Pairs well with: rosemary, thyme, oregano
Marjoram is a herb with a delicate, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor. It’s often used in pork dishes because its mild flavor goes well with the meat’s rich flavor.
One of the easiest ways to use marjoram with pork is to add it to a marinade. To make a tasty marinade for pork chops or tenderloin, just mix marjoram with other herbs like thyme and rosemary and add olive oil and lemon juice.
You can also use marjoram to season pork directly by rubbing it onto the meat before cooking. Try mixing marjoram with garlic, salt, and pepper to create a simple yet effective dry rub for pork.
Pairs well with: oregano, rosemary, thyme
A fresh and tasty herb, parsley is often used in cooking to give foods a burst of bright, herbal flavor. It has a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that pairs well with many meats, including pork.
There are many ways to use parsley when cooking pork. One of the easiest and most effective ways is to use it as a garnish. Just chop up some parsley leaves and sprinkle them on top of the cooked pork to make it look and taste better.
Parsley can also be added to marinades or used in pork sauces or stuffings. It can also be mixed into ground pork to make tasty meatballs or meatloaf.
Pairs well with: thyme
Dill is an herb with a delicate, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor. This herb goes well with pork because it can help cut through the richness of the meat and give it a fresh taste.
One of the best ways to use dill with pork is to make a simple marinade. Simply mix together some olive oil, chopped dill, garlic, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Then, coat the pork in the marinade and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
You can also stuff or dress pork with dill. Chop up some dill and mix it with breadcrumbs, other herbs and spices. Then, stuff the mixture into a pork roast or pork tenderloin.
Pairs well with: mint, parsley, tarragon
Basil is a popular herb with a sweet, spicy, and slightly minty flavor. It goes well with pork because it gives the dish a nice depth of flavor and the freshness of the herb balances out the meat’s rich flavor.
Basil is a great herb to have on hand because it can add a lot of flavor to your food, whether you’re making a traditional pork roast or grilling pork chops.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to use basil with pork is to use pesto. Spread the pesto sauce on the pork before cooking to make it taste better and keep it moist, or you can use it as a sauce for the finished dish.
You can also use basil to season the pork directly. Try rubbing a mixture of minced basil and other herbs onto the pork before grilling or roasting.
You can also flavor pork with basil before cooking it or sprinkle it on top afterward for a fresh taste.
Pairs well with: oregano, parsley, sage
Tarragon is a fragrant herb with a licorice-like flavor and a slightly sweet, anise-like aroma. This herb is popular and is often used in French cooking. It goes well with a lot of different meats, even pork.
Tarragon is great for pork because it can bring out the natural flavor of the meat and add a light sweetness that goes well with the pork’s rich flavor.
To use tarragon when cooking pork, try adding it to marinades or rubs for the meat. You can also use tarragon to flavor sauces for pork dishes. Heavy cream and tarragon leaves should be simmered together in a saucepan to make a tarragon cream sauce. Pour the sauce over the cooked pork.
Paris well with: garlic, lemon
This pork mince recipe is my kid’s favourite, quick and easy!
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