What Are The Common Cuts of Pork?

Pork is a versatile meat that offers various cuts, each with its own unique characteristics and best cooking methods. At Halenda’s Meats, we offer high-quality pork, at an affordable price. We pride ourselves on supplying you with locally sourced meats, superb customer service and consistency.

There are so many cuts of pork that have their own characteristics and best cooking methods for each. We wanted to give you a quick overview of some of the common cuts of pork.

Here are some of the common cuts of pork:

1. - Pork Loin: This is a tender and lean cut of meat that comes from the back of the pig. It can be sold bone-in or boneless. Pork loin is great for roasting, grilling, or slicing into chops.
- - Pork Chop: Pork chops are cuts taken from the loin, typically including a portion of the bone. They can be thick or thin and are suitable for grilling, pan-frying, or baking. They are often marinated or seasoned before cooking.We have a delicious smoked pork chop that is versatile, delicious and cooks in under 15 minutes! Here are some recipes you can try as well!
- - Pork Tenderloin: Considered one of the most tender cuts, the pork tenderloin is a long, thin muscle located alongside the backbone. It is lean and mild in flavour. It can be roasted whole, sliced into medallions, or used in stir-fries.
- - Pork Rib Rack: Also known as baby back ribs, these are small and tender ribs located along the pig’s spine, close to the loin. They are commonly cooked by grilling, smoking, or baking, often with a flavourful barbecue sauce.
- - Pork Spare Ribs: These are larger and meatier than baby back ribs, with more fat and connective tissue. Spare ribs are often cooked low and slow, such as in barbecuing or braising methods, to achieve tender and flavourful results.
- - Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt: This cut comes from the upper part of the pig’s shoulder. It is well-marbled and suitable for slow cooking methods like roasting, braising, or smoking. It is commonly used for pulled pork.
- - Pork Belly: Known for its richness and tenderness, pork belly is the cut from which bacon is made. It has a high-fat content and is typically roasted, braised, or used in dishes like pork belly sliders or crispy pork belly.
- - Pork Ham: Ham is a popular cut that comes from the hind leg of the pig. It can be sold bone-in, boneless, or partially deboned. Hams can be smoked, cured, or roasted. They are often served as a centrepiece for special occasions. Give our Award-Winning Mini-Ham a try – it is perfect for an everyday dinner!
1. - Pork Hock: Also known as pork knuckle or shank, pork hock is the lower portion of the pig’s leg. It has a lot of connective tissue and is often used in slow-cooked dishes like stews, soups, or braises to impart flavour and gelatinous texture.

These are just a few examples of the various cuts of pork available. Each cut has its own characteristics and cooking methods that can result in delicious and flavourful dishes.

We have the experience and knowledge to ensure you get the best experience when visiting Halenda’s Meats! Come by and drop in, we promise you won’t regret it. Feel free to ask our highly-qualified butchers any questions you may have, they will be happy to help!