If you look in specialty markets, you can even find turkey tasso, which is a much healthier option than pork tasso. Food historians suggest that the origins of this delectable meat may be rooted in Native American culture. When French soldiers began retiring to the prairies in Louisiana, they discovered some of the area’s delicious foods. One of the places these soldiers stayed was Fort Toulouse, which is located in what is now Alabama. It is widely believed that the world tasso comes from the name of the fort. Other theories suggest that the word comes from “tasajo,” a Spanish word for smoked beef.
Unlike many other types of meat, tasso is typically eaten when added to meals rather than eaten on its own.
It also tends to be added to dishes in smaller quantities or used as a seasoning for soups or other dishes that could benefit from a kick of flavor.
Impressively, tasso only takes around 5 minutes to cook in a skillet and can then be stored inside a refrigerator if you have any left.
Outside of Louisiana, Tasso is particularly hard to come by and so you may often find yourself on the lookout for some great tasting alternatives.
If this is the case, you will be pleased to know that they are many great substitutes that can be used in place of tasso ham, and while they may differ slightly in taste, they share similar qualities when added to a meal.
Key Takeaways
Tasso ham is a unique, smoked meat used to enhance the flavor of Louisiana dishes.
Substitutes can be found for tasso, ensuring you can still make these traditional recipes.
Choosing the right substitute depends on factors such as taste, availability, and dietary preferences.
What is Tasso?
As mentioned Tasso is a smoked, spiced, and cured meat that is sourced from pork shoulder. Although this cut of meat tends to be fattier, it is packed with more flavor.
Because of the seasoning, it has a rather salty but spicy taste that makes it a great addition to meals when added in small amounts.
Typically, Tasso meat is added to gumbo, soups, gravy, and rice but can also be added to dishes that would otherwise be lacking in flavor.
Depending on how you are intending to use tasso it can either be left whole, chunked, or diced. Tasso also comes cooked so it is ready for use right away.
Preparing tasso is straightforward. First, the tasso is marinated, and then it is smoked. Curing then involves adding agents such as cloves, allspice, and onion powder before being left for a few hours.
After this, the joint is then rinsed before spices are rubbed along the surfaces. The meat then requires 48 hours to smoke before it is ready for consumption.
If you are on the lookout for some great tasso alternatives then continue reading to find out our top 5 recommendations of the best substitutes.
Significance of Tasso in Louisiana Dishes
Tasso is a key ingredient in many Louisiana dishes, adding a distinct flavor to the region’s cuisine. This smoked, highly seasoned ham is a staple in Creole cooking and is widely used in dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, soups, stews, and gravies.
In gumbo, tasso imparts a complex flavor profile, which enhances the richness of the dish. Its smoky taste complements the mix of seafood, meat, and vegetables, resulting in a flavorful, hearty gumbo. In jambalaya, tasso adds depth to the rice-based dish by balancing the flavors of the spices, meats, and seafood, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
When it comes to red beans and rice, tasso plays a crucial role in infusing the dish with distinctive flavors. Its spicy, smoky taste melds perfectly with the creamy beans and savory rice, adding complexity and warmth to this traditional Louisiana staple.
Tasso is also an essential ingredient in a variety of soups and stews, where it helps build layers of flavor. Combined with a mixture of vegetables and regional spices, tasso brings an extra dimension to these comforting dishes. Its unique flavor profile is vital in creating the bold, satisfying taste that defines Louisiana cuisine.
In many gravies, the inclusion of tasso can transform a basic sauce into a dish with depth and character. Its combination of spices and smoke adds a punch to the rich, velvety texture of the gravy, elevating the overall dining experience.
To sum up, tasso plays a significant role in Louisiana dishes by adding layers of bold, complex flavors to the region’s Creole cuisine. This indispensable ingredient is what makes dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, soups, stews, and gravies truly distinctive and delicious.
Spicy Chorizo
Chorizo is a type of Spanish sausage that is fermented, cured, or smoked. It can also be sliced and eaten without being cooked beforehand, or chopped up and added to your favorite dish to enhance the flavor.
Although it can be enjoyed uncooked, many recipes will require you to cook it beforehand.
Spicy chorizo provides the best alternative for tasso and this flavorsome version can be achieved by chopping the pork in coarse form and then seasoning it using salt or smoked paprika.
You can also use Portuguese chorizo which has fat, garlic, salt, wine, and a paprika flavor. Another option is Mexican chorizo which is made with native chili peppers however it is not smoked.
Because of this, you will likely find that the Spanish variation is the best option to choose should you decide to substitute the tasso for chorizo.
Smoked Ham
What better way of substituting tasso ham than replacing it with smoked ham. This ham is cut from the pork leg and is then cured with salt and spices which give it the smokey flavor.
It is then cooked steadily and a kiln is used to give it the smokey taste. Smoked ham is a convenient alternative that can be purchased in all supermarkets.
Some may not find it as spicy as tasso, however, you can solve this problem by adding seasonings to enhance the flavor. There are different variations of smoked ham that can be used depending on your taste preferences.
German smoked ham is said to combine a combination of sweet and smoky flavors closely resembling the taste of tasso.
Bacon is a cut of meat that is taken from the back, loin, or belly and it very much resembles the flavor and texture of ham.
Coming from a lean piece of meat it is very similar to tasso and it is a healthy alternative. Canadian bacon is cured and smoked hence the flavor.
This bacon is usually pre-cooked and pre-sliced into cylindrical medallions. Although the taste is smoky rather than spicy, you may wish to season it using ingredients such as garlic and pepper before, depending on the taste that you want to achieve.
Andouillette
Andouillette is a unique smelling sausage that is made from pork, onions, pepper, chitterlings, and wine with seasoning for more flavor.
It is a coarse-grained sausage that is typically pre-cooked, simply needing to be reheated before serving.
Some would suggest that andouillette has a distinct smoky but sharp taste. Because of this, it provides a great replacement for smoky and spicy tasso.
Andouille Sausage
A coarse-grained sausage that is made from pork with garlic, wine, peppers, onion, and seasonings, Andouille sausage has a smokey taste and it is often associated with Louisiana Cuisine, very much like tasso itself.
This sausage is double smoked and is often quite spicy hence why it offers a good replacement for tasso, however, there are less spicy options available if you would prefer.
Should you wish to enhance the flavor of andouille sausage you can do so by adding your own flavorings and seasonings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of tasso meat?
If you cannot find tasso meat, you can use alternatives like andouille sausage, smoked ham hocks, or chorizo. Each substitute has its distinct flavor, but they all provide a similar smoky, spicy taste that complements many dishes.
What is the closest alternative to tasso sausage?
The closest alternative to tasso sausage is andouille sausage. Andouille is also a smoked, spicy Cajun meat that closely resembles the taste and texture of tasso. You can use it in equal amounts as a substitute for tasso in your recipes.
Which meats can replace tasso in a recipe?
Several meats can replace tasso in a recipe. These include andouille sausage, smoked ham hocks, chorizo, and even smoked turkey or bacon. The key to an effective substitute is to look for meats with a robust, smoky flavor to mimic tasso’s unique taste.
How does andouille compare to tasso?
Andouille and tasso are both Cajun meats with bold, smoky flavors. However, andouille is a sausage, while tasso is a cured and smoked meat made from the pork shoulder. They both impart a similar taste in dishes, making andouille a suitable tasso substitute.
What is the taste difference between tasso and its substitutes?
Tasso has a distinct spicy, smoky, and peppery flavor. While its substitutes, like andouille, smoked ham hocks, and chorizo, may not exactly replicate its taste, they do provide a similar flavor profile. Depending on the substitute, you might find slight variations in spice levels or smokiness, but they will all contribute to creating a delicious dish.
Which ingredients create a similar flavor to tasso?
To create a similar flavor to tasso in your dishes, try incorporating ingredients like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These ingredients will add a smoky, spicy, and peppery flavor that mimics tasso’s taste.
Final Thoughts
Finding a good substitute for tasso ham isn’t likely to be too difficult. Many different types of hams or sausages share a similar smoky and spicy taste to tasso.
If you find that the substitute that you select lacks flavor or is milder than you were expecting, you can use your own flavorings and seasonings to make it smokier or spicier.
Although tasso availability is rather sparse outside of Louisiana, the substitutes that we have mentioned above are fairly easy to come by.
Our Best Tasso Substitutes
These options are sure to be a hit. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
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.
