Food & Drinks

9 Pork Recipe Ideas That Are More Than Just Bacon And Eggs

Nothing spells hearty more than some pork on your plate! Whether you’re in the mood for a classic comfort food dish or a bold and spicy recipe, pork has got you covered. From succulent barbecue ribs to mouth-watering schnitzel, the possibilities are endless when you’ve got these pork recipe ideas.

Pig out with these pork recipes

1. Pork Chops

(Credit: Norm Hamilton / Flickr)

Pork chop is a dish that has been enjoyed since ancient times. The Romans, for example, were known for their love of pork, and they would often serve it at their feasts. Over time, pork chop has become a staple dish in many cultures, and today it is enjoyed all over the world.

Ingredients:

  • 4 pork chops, bone-in or boneless, 1 inch thick
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Cutlery:

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Frying pan
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer

Instructions:

  1. Take the pork chops (available on Tasty Food Affair Official Store) out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
  4. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork chops, making sure to coat them evenly.
  5. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter and let them melt together.
  6. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  7. Add the pork chops to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned.
  8. Use tongs to transfer the pork chops to a baking tray.
  9. Insert a meat thermometer (available on ORIA Direct Official Store) into the thickest part of one of the pork chops.
  10. Bake the pork chops in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 63°C.
  11. Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
  12. Serve the pork chops with your favourite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.

2. Braised Pork Belly

(Credit: The Second Pancake / Flickr)

Braised pork belly is a popular dish enjoyed in many cultures around the world. This dish is known for its succulent and flavourful meat, which is cooked low and slow until it becomes tender and juicy. If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty meal, braised pork belly is the perfect option.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg pork belly, skin on
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
  • 4 spring onions, sliced
  • 4 tbsp soy sauce
  • 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 4 tbsp Shaoxing wine
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 star anise
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 500ml chicken stock

Cutlery:

  • Large pot with a lid
  • Chopping board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
  2. Cut the pork belly (available on Tasty Food Affair Official Store) into 5 cm cubes.
  3. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and spring onions and cook until fragrant.
  4. Add the pork belly to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
  5. Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, bay leaves, and chicken stock to the pot.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven.
  7. Cook for 2-3 hours or until the pork belly is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  8. Serve the braised pork belly with rice, steamed vegetables, or noodles.

3. Pulled Pork Burger

(Credit: Maréchal Crotmoul / Flickr)

Nothing beats the succulent and flavourful taste of a juicy pulled pork burger recipe. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply in the mood for a delicious burger, this pork recipe is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients:

Pulled Pork

  • 2 kg pork shoulder, bone-in
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce
  • ¼ cup water

Burger

  • 4 burger buns
  • 4 slices of cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup coleslaw
  • ¼ cup barbecue sauce

Cutlery:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Grill or oven
  • Knife and cutting board

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven or grill to 150°C.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder (available on Mmmm! Singapore Official Store), making sure to cover every inch of the meat.
  4. Place the pork shoulder in a baking dish and add the apple cider vinegar, barbecue sauce, and water to the dish. Cover with foil.
  5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven or on the grill and cook for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender and the internal temperature reaches 90°C.
  6. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven or grill and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  7. Using tongs, shred the pork into small pieces and mix it with the cooking juices in the baking dish.
  8. To assemble the burger, place a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom of the burger bun. Top it with a generous amount of pulled pork and coleslaw. Drizzle some barbecue sauce over the top.
  9. Repeat with the remaining buns and serve immediately.

4. Pork Pot Stickers

(Credit: LynnInSingapore / Flickr)

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying pork recipe, look no further than pork pot stickers. These delicious dumplings are packed with flavour, and make a great appetiser or main dish.

Ingredients:

  • 500g ground pork
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • ½ cup chopped scallions
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • ½ cup water
  • Soy sauce and/or chilli sauce

Cutlery:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Rolling pin
  • Large skillet with lid
  • Serving platter

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and water, and stir until a smooth dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, shredded cabbage, chopped scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well to combine.
  4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about ⅛-inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or drinking glass to cut out circles of dough, about 3 inches in diameter.
  5. Place a small spoonful of the pork filling in the centre of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside.
  6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Place the pot stickers in the skillet, flat-side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown. Pour in the water and immediately cover the skillet with a lid.
  8. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, until the filling is cooked through and the dough is tender.
  9. Transfer the pot stickers to a serving platter, and serve hot with soy sauce and/or chilli sauce for dipping.

5. Pork Adobo

(Credit: su-lin / Flickr)

Adobo is a Spanish word that means “marinade,” and it refers to a cooking technique in which meat is marinated in a sauce before being cooked. When the Spanish colonised the Philippines in the 16th century, they introduced this cooking technique to the locals. The Filipinos then adapted the dish to their own tastes, using local ingredients like vinegar and soy sauce, and the dish evolved into the pork adobo recipe we know today.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg pork belly, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 1 head of garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp whole peppercorns
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil

Cutlery: 

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Slotted spoon

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the pork and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and onion to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour in the vinegar, soy sauce, water, bay leaves, and peppercorns, and stir to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pork is tender.
  5. Once the pork is tender, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
  6. Increase the heat to medium-high and continue to simmer the sauce until it has thickened and reduced by about half, about 10-15 minutes.
  7. Once the sauce has thickened, return the pork to the pot and stir to coat it in the sauce. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat the pork through.
  8. Serve the pork adobo hot over rice, garnished with chopped spring onions or sliced chilies, if desired.

6. Pork Schnitzel

(Credit: Tracey Wilhelmsen / Flickr)

Pork Schnitzel is a classic dish that is popular in many countries around the world. The dish originated in Austria and quickly became popular in other European countries. The word “schnitzel” actually means “slice” in German, and refers to any dish made with thinly sliced meat that is breaded and fried. So if you’re feeling up for some crispy, fried food, this is the perfect pork recipe for you. 

Ingredients:

Schnitzel

  • 4 boneless pork chops, pounded thin
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil

Gravy

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cutlery:

  • Meat mallet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Frying pan
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Plate
  • Paper towels
  • Saucepan

Instructions:

  1. Place the flour, eggs and breadcrumbs in three separate bowls.
  2. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper, then dip them in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip them in the beaten eggs, and then coat them in the breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the pork chops to ensure they stick.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  4. For the gravy, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk until it is smooth. Cook the mixture for a minute or two, stirring constantly.
  5. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Cook the gravy for 3-4 minutes, or until it has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. To serve, place a pork schnitzel on a plate and spoon some of the gravy over it. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad.

7. Chinese Pork Buns

(Credit: inguaribile_viaggiatore / Pixabay)

Chinese pork buns, also known as Char Siu Bao, are a popular staple in Chinese cuisine. These fluffy, steamed buns are filled with sweet and savoury chunks of marinated pork, making them a delicious and satisfying snack or meal.

Ingredients:

Dough

  • 500g plain flour
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 300ml warm water

Filling

  • 500g pork shoulder
  • 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornflour
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 2 spring onions, finely chopped

Cutlery:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Rolling pin
  • Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
  • Large wok or saucepan with a lid
  • Kitchen scale

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and sugar. Add in the vegetable oil and warm water, and mix until it forms a dough.
  2. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for 1 hour.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and cornflour.
  4. Cut the pork shoulder into small, bite-sized pieces. Add the pork to the mixture and stir to coat it evenly.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and spring onions and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the pork mixture and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the pork is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball with a rolling pin, leaving the middle slightly thicker than the edges.
  7. Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the centre of each piece of dough. Bring the edges of the dough up and around the filling, pinching them together to seal the bun.
  8. Place each bun onto a small square of baking paper. Fill a steamer basket or bamboo steamer (available on Kitchen+Ware) with the buns, leaving some space between them.
  9. Bring a large wok or saucepan of water to a boil. Place the steamer basket or bamboo steamer over the water and cover it with a lid. Steam the buns for 10-12 minutes until they are cooked through and fluffy.
  10. Serve the Chinese pork buns hot, garnished with extra spring onions if desired.

8. Thai Basil Pork

(Credit: Joe Collver / Flickr)

If you’re a fan of spicy, aromatic, and flavourful dishes, then you’ll definitely love this Thai Basil Pork recipe. This dish is a staple in Thai cuisine and is commonly served in street food stalls, restaurants, and homes across the country. Made with ground pork, fresh herbs, chillies, and other flavourful ingredients, Thai Basil Pork is a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.

Ingredients:

  • 500g ground pork
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 red chillies, finely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh Thai basil leaves
  • Sliced red chillies

Cutlery:

  • Wok or large frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or a large frying pan over high heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic, chopped shallots, and finely chopped red chillies to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground pork (available on Meat and Seafood By Oceanwaves Official Store) to the wok and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the pork is cooked through and lightly browned.
  4. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper to the wok and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is well combined and the pork is coated evenly.
  5. Add the fresh Thai basil leaves to the wok and stir-fry for another minute until the leaves are wilted and fragrant.
  6. Remove the wok from the heat and transfer the Thai Basil Pork to a serving plate.
  7. Garnish with additional Thai basil leaves and sliced red chillies, if desired.

9. Barbecue Pork Ribs

(Credit: Patrick O’Brien / Flickr)

If you’re a fan of succulent and flavourful pork, you can’t go wrong with this barbecue pork ribs recipe. This popular dish is a favourite at backyard cookouts and barbecues, and it’s no wonder why – juicy and tender meat, a tangy and smoky sauce, and the perfect blend of spices and seasoning make for an unforgettable meal. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 rack pork ribs (approximately 1-2kg)
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 cup of your favourite barbecue sauce
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Cutlery:

  • Baking tray
  • Aluminium foil
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Sharp knife
  • Grill or oven
  • Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 150°C. Line a baking tray with aluminium foil.
  2. Mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Rub the spice mixture onto the rack of pork ribs (available on Tasty Food Affair Official Store), making sure to cover all sides.
  4. Place the rack of ribs onto the prepared baking tray, cover with aluminium foil, and bake in the oven for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
  5. While the ribs are cooking, make the barbecue sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil. Mix well.
  6. Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 220°C.
  7. Brush the barbecue sauce generously onto the ribs, covering all sides.
  8. Return the ribs to the oven and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelised and sticky.
  9. Remove the ribs from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes.
  10. Cut the ribs into individual servings and serve hot, with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

Get bacon’ with these pork recipe ideas

You can’t go without a pork recipe when it comes to hearty meals. And there’s no need to break the bank when you’ve got Shopee Supermarket to rely on. But if you’re still up for more, give these Thai food recipes and Italian food recipes a go too!

Caryn Tan

If you can't find Caryn watching soaps, she's probably binging on some comedy sitcoms or anime series. Otherwise, you'll find her scouring the Net for toys and treatos to spoil her doggo rotten -- she can't say no to that face.

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Published by
Caryn Tan
Tags: easy recipes