Pork is a popular meat option that’s enjoyed by many. The taste and texture of pork are often compared to chicken, though they can be cooked in more ways than chicken. Cooking pork is not as challenging as it seems, as long as one knows how to do it the right way. One can bake, braise, broil, pan-fry, or even smoke the meat as per personal preferences.

The first step to cooking pork is thawing.

The meat can become tough, chewy and remain raw if you don’t do it correctly. When you’re ready to cook, preheat an oven or a grill and place the pork in an oven-safe dish or on a grill rack. Then cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. If you’re cooking whole pieces of meat like ribs or roasts, cover them with foil while they cook, so they don’t dry out quickly.

Tips to keep in mind while cooking pork
Cooking pork requires a combination of techniques and ingredients to ensure the meat is cooked all through but is still tender and flavorful. Here are some tips:

Look for fresh meat
Fresh meat tastes the best. Freshness can often be determined by smell—if it has a pungent, stale smell, it’s probably not fresh enough for your taste. Also, pork meat is generally light blush pink in color, which is a sign of freshness too.

Avoid overcooking
Try not to overcook it. Pork should be cooked at a high temperature for short periods to give you the best results. If you want a tender and juicy meal, keep those cooking times short. The longer you cook pork at high temperatures (like in an oven), the tougher it will get when it finally reaches its end.

Use a thermometer
Make use of a digital meat thermometer to ensure that the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This will help kill any bacteria in the meat, making it safe for cooking.

Use high heat
Use high heat when cooking pork chops or loin roasts so that they cook quickly without drying out; otherwise, use medium heat if you want them to stay tender but not tough. Either way works fine; it depends on the dish you make.

Cutting out fats
Don’t cut off any fat from your roast before cooking because some of these fats will melt during the process, which helps keep meat tender while allowing it to roast when cooked on a stovetop pan.

Cold water

Never wash the meat in cold water; it will leach out all the good juices from it. Instead, use warm water or let it sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before cooking it.

The detailed process of cooking pork

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients needed

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, ground
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted and divided

Method

Wash, clean, and cut the meat and place it in a bowl with one tablespoon of salt, one teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir well to mix the seasoning with the meat. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Heat oil on medium flame and place the meat chunks onto the pan. Fry until it turns golden brown on all sides (about 3-5 minutes per side). Take it out and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil while preparing other ingredients.

Mix all ingredients for the marinade (except oil). Pour marinade over pork ribs and cover with plastic wrap or foil so that no air gets inside. Set them aside for at least 30 minutes before cooking them again (this is an important step as it helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor).

Preheat the oven to 350°F, then bake ribs for 40 minutes until they are fully cooked (stick a fork into one rib and ensure there is no bone in the meat).

Remove the meat from the oven and set it aside on a plate to rest for 10 minutes; this will allow the flavors to redistribute evenly throughout each slice of meat.

You can serve this delicious pork roast however you like—you can slice it up, shred it, or make pork sandwiches with barbecue sauce.

How to cook pork riblets or sausages in an air fryer?
Marinate the riblets or sausages with ginger-garlic paste, salt and seasonings. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Place the meat in the basket and cook it for 20 minutes. Once done, flip the riblets/sausages over and let it cook for another 10 minutes. Remove the meat and place it on a serving plate. Add different seasonings and sauces to enhance the flavor.