Pork is a versatile meat that can be cooked in many different ways. Depending on the cut of meat and how you cook it, there will be a slightly different flavor.
Pork is a meat that’s nutritious and usually lower in fat than beef. People assume that pork is a super fatty meat, but most cuts of pork are no higher in fat than beef, and often less fatty. But how did pork get an undeserved bad reputation? It has a lot to do with religion.
Yes, seriously. In the Old Testament of the Bible, pork meat is forbidden because it’s considered to be impure. There is a common misunderstanding that pigs are dirty and that they carried diseases. The fact is that pigs are no dirtier than cows or sheep.
There are so many ways to cook pork but some of our favorites include pulled pork, pork tenderloin, roast pork, and pork chops.
Have you ever got stuck on what side to pair with your pork dish? People usually stick to the meat and two veg option but that does get boring if you choose that day in and day out.
Side dishes are a highly important part of your meal. Not only do they bulk out your meal but they also bring out the flavors of the pork.
If you need a little inspiration, you need not look any further! We have put together the top side dishes for the most popular pork dishes.
These sides will make your meal taste a lot better and keep you feeling full long after you have finished the dish.
Pulled Pork Sides
This pork dish is one of the most popular created in North Carolina. It is sweet, tangy and delicious! When you go to a restaurant, you will most likely see a pulled pork sandwich on the menu and any of the below sides will perfect your dish!
I love pulled pork in a slow cooker served as pulled pork nachos. Shredded pork with homemade barbecue sauce is my favorite pulled pork recipe. Serve it with a little cole slaw or shredded cabbage and you’re in South Carolina heaven.
We have to say that the only sauce which works with pulled pork is BBQ sauce. It is the perfect combination. You get the flavor of the smoked meat mixed with the sweetness of the sauce. The best of both worlds! The side dishes for pulled pork are many.
This cut of pork is one of the most popular choices. When cooked correctly, this meat is tender and oozes flavor. This is usually a large cut of meat so it is another great choice to prepare for a dinner party.
To compliment pork tenderloin, there are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to side dishes.
This dish is hugely popular during special occasions. You can get a large cut of meat and serve it to your family and friends.
It is traditionally served with applesauce on the side so we highly recommend checking out our recipe for the best apple sauce at the end of this article!
This cut of pork is a great option for someone who likes to prepare meals quickly. The pork chops can be accompanied with some stuffing which brings out the flavor of the meat even further.
If you want to make the dish even better, take a look at some of our recommended side dishes for porch chops below. Figuring out what to serve with pork chops has never been easier.
To help you prepare the best pork side dishes, we thought it would be a good idea to share with you the top three recipes. These three sides are all absolutely scrumptious and will make your meal one of the best you’ve ever tasted!Mac and Cheese RecipeApple SauceRoasted Garlic Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 390°F. Cut up the baguette into chunks and spread over a baking tray. Add 1 tbsp of melted butter on top and season. Bake for 6 minutes until crispy.
Boil pasta in a saucepan. Remove from heat before fully cooked and drain.
In another saucepan add the mustard, butter and garlic. Cook until combined and then slowly add in the plain flour. Add in the milk and stir until you have a smooth consistency. Leave the mixture to simmer until thickened. Then remove from heat and begin stirring in both of the cheddar and parmesan cheeses.
Once you are happy with the consistency of the cheese, you can begin to stir in the pasta. When fully coated, place into an ovenproof dish. Add the baguette chunks to the top of the mixture and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
Apple Sauce
Peel and cut the apples into chunks. Put them into a pan with the lemon juice, 2 tbsp of water and the caster sugar. Heat on a low temperature until the apples become soft. Then you can squash the apples down to create a thick sauce.
Add butter and salt to your taste to serve.
Roasted Garlic Potatoes
Bring a large saucepan of water to boil and then add potatoes, salt and baking soda. Return potatoes to boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. When potatoes are fully cooked, drain and sit them aside for a few minutes.
Mix the olive oil, garlic, pepper and rosemary in a small saucepan. Heat gently for 3 minutes. Place the mixture over the potatoes and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Ensure the potatoes are all coated with the mixture. Place the potatoes onto a roasting tray and roast in the oven for 30 minutes at 425°F.
Flip the potatoes and place back into the oven for a further 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and season further to serve if desired.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
