Pork is a versatile meat that can be paired with a variety of herbs and spices. The key to choosing the right spices is understanding the qualities of the different cuts of pork, as well as the cooking method. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide quick answers on how to best season pork chops, pork tenderloin, pulled pork, sausage, bacon, ham, and more.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to common questions about seasoning pork:
- For pork chops, use thyme, sage, garlic, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- For pork tenderloin, use garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
- For pulled pork, use paprika, garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- For sausage, use sage, garlic, salt, pepper, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes.
- For bacon, use brown sugar, garlic, pepper, maple syrup, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne.
- For ham, use brown sugar, honey, cloves, ginger, mustard, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
The key spices like garlic, salt, and pepper appear commonly for good reason – they pair extremely well with pork’s mild yet meaty flavor. But other spices can complement pork’s qualities in unique ways. Let’s explore some of the best spice combinations in more detail.
Herbs for Enhancing Pork’s Flavor
Fresh or dried, herbs are an easy way to add flavor complexity to pork dishes. Here are some top herb options:
- Thyme – This earthy, lemony herb brightens up pork’s flavor. Use with chops, tenderloin, stew, or ground pork.
- Sage – The soft pine notes of sage pair wonderfully with pork. Use with pork chops, sausage, meatballs, or stuffing.
- Oregano – The zesty, peppery flavor of oregano makes it a perfect match for boldly flavored pulled pork, chili, sausage, or ham.
- Parsley – Fresh parsley’s mild grassy flavor freshens up pork dishes. Use as a finishing garnish for chops or roast pork.
- Cilantro – The bright, citrusy notes of cilantro complement spicy Mexican pork dishes like carnitas or chorizo.
- Rosemary – Rosemary’s pine-like aroma and flavor are ideal for pork roast, grillades, or sausage.
Aim for 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs or 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs for every 1 pound of pork. You can add them directly to a marinade or rub, sprinkle them over pork as a seasoning, or even tuck whole fresh herb sprigs into a roast.
Spices for Warmth and Depth of Flavor
Spices add warmth, smokiness, and sweetness that all accent pork’s flavor. These are some of the best spices to use with different pork dishes:
| Spice | Key Flavor Notes | Best With |
|---|---|---|
| Paprika | Smoky, earthy | Chops, pulled pork, sausage |
| Cumin | Warm, nutty | Pulled pork, chili, tacos |
| Chili powder | Smoky, spicy | Pulled pork, ribs, carnitas |
| Cinnamon | Warm, sweet | Ham, ground pork, curry |
| Ginger | Zesty, spicy | Ham, stir fries, curry |
| Mustard powder | Spicy, tangy | Ham, barbecue sauce, brats |
Use about 1 teaspoon of ground spice per 1 pound of pork. Play around with combining different spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and oregano to create signature rubs or marinades.
The Best Herbs and Spices for Pork Chops
Pork chops do well with herbs and spices that complement the chops’ mild flavor without overpowering them. Here are some tasty combos:
- Thyme, sage, garlic, salt, pepper
- Oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper
- Chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, garlic, salt, pepper
- Rosemary, garlic, mustard powder, salt, pepper
Combine the dried herbs and spices to create a dry rub. Coat the pork chops all over with about 1 teaspoon of the rub per chop. Brown the coated chops in an oiled skillet, then finish cooking in a 375°F oven until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Perfect Herbs and Spices for Pork Tenderloin
The lean and tender qualities of pork tenderloin pair well with aromatic spices and herbs. Here are some combinations that complement pork tenderloin beautifully:
- Garlic powder, onion powder, sage, salt, pepper
- Garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper
- Thyme, sage, marjoram, salt, pepper
- Cumin, chili powder, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper
Rub the pork tenderloin all over with about 1 tablespoon of the spice blend. Brown the tenderloin in an oiled pan for 2-3 minutes per side, then finish roasting in a 425°F oven until it reaches an internal temp of 145°F, 15-25 minutes.
Seasonings for Infusing Flavor into Pulled Pork
For pulled pork, use spices and herbs that can hold up to long cooking times and impart delicious flavor throughout the meat. Some excellent options include:
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper
- Chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, salt, pepper, cayenne
- Smoked paprika, garlic, onion, mustard, salt, pepper
- Cumin, oregano, chili powder, garlic, salt, pepper
Rub the spice blend all over the pork shoulder before roasting or smoking it slowly “low and slow” for 8-12 hours until fork tender. Pull and shred the pork and mix with barbecue sauce to serve.
Spice Blends for Seasoning Sausage
Sausages pair well with spice blends that complement and accentuate the other ingredients in the sausage. Here are some tasty combinations:
- Breakfast sausage – Sage, black pepper, salt, cayenne, brown sugar
- Italian sausage – Fennel seed, parsley, red pepper flakes, garlic, paprika
- Andouille sausage – Onion, garlic, thyme, cayenne, black pepper
- Chorizo – Paprika, garlic, oregano, cumin, chili powder, cayenne
For fresh sausage, mix 1-2 teaspoons of the spice blend per pound of ground pork. For cured sausages, add the seasonings when mixing and emulsifying the meat. Sausages can then be cooked by pan frying, grilling, or smoking.
Flavorful Rubs for Pork Bacon
Bacon can handle bolder seasonings since the smoke and salt help balance out strong flavors. Get creative with rub combinations like:
- Brown sugar, cracked black pepper, cayenne
- Brown sugar, chili powder, chipotle powder, garlic
- Maple syrup, cinnamon, cayenne pepper
- Coffee, brown sugar, chili powder, cayenne
Rub about 1 teaspoon of the seasoning blend evenly over each strip of pork belly before smoking or baking. The rubs will form a lovely caramelized crust as the bacon cooks.
Seasonings for Enhancing the Flavor of Ham
For baked or smoked ham, look for warm spices and sweeteners that complement the saltiness. Festive combinations include:
- Brown sugar, cloves, ginger, mustard
- Pineapple juice, brown sugar, rum, cloves
- Honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper
- Maple syrup, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves
Score the ham and rub about 2 tablespoons of the blend over the surface before baking. The spices will infuse the ham with delicious flavor.
Conclusion
Pork’s versatility when it comes to herb and spice pairings makes it a fantastic meat to cook with. Rubs, seasonings, and marinades all allow you to add incredible flavor. Just match the spice intensity to the particular cut of pork. Let your imagination run wild and explore different herb and spice combinations!