Beautifully plated pork jowl in three styles—crispy, braised, and grilled—on a rustic wooden table surrounded by fresh ingredients, softly lit in a cozy kitchen setting.
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Recipes with Pork Jowl: Crispy, Savory, and Full of Flavor

Introduction to Pork Jowl

If you’ve never heard of pork jowl, you’re in for a delicious surprise. Sometimes referred to as hog jowl or jowl bacon, this fatty, flavorful cut from the cheek of the pig is beloved in many cuisines around the world. Whether you’re looking to try crispy pork jowl, add depth to soups, or create a comforting pork jowl stew, there are countless recipe ideas to explore.

In this article, we delve deep into the many ways to cook, enjoy, and appreciate pork jowl at home.

What is Pork Jowl?

Pork jowl is a cut from the facial cheek area of the hog. It’s a fattier cut, similar in appearance and flavor to pork belly or bacon, but with a higher fat ratio and marble texture that makes it ideal for achieving crispy perfection.

Cuts of Meat and Why Jowl Matters

The cheek of the pig is a tender and juicy piece, full of rich flavors. While often overshadowed by pork belly or regular bacon, pork jowl holds its own in a wide array of dishes due to its savory flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and versatility. Learn more about pork cuts and their culinary uses

Popular Pork Jowl Preparations

Crispy Pork Jowl

Crispy pork jowl is a game-changer for bacon lovers. Think bacon, but thicker, fattier, and even more crispy. The secret lies in the cooking process. Whether you broil, grill, or smoke it, jowl can reach a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside.

How to Make Crispy Pork Jowl

  1. Buy pork jowl from your local butcher.
  2. Slice thin, like jowl bacon.
  3. Season with herbs and spices (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder).
  4. Place on a wire rack and roast at 375°F until crispy.

Serve with collard greens, grit, or alongside eggs benedict for a Southern-inspired breakfast.

Grilled Pork Jowl

Grilled pork jowl offers a smoky, charred flavor that elevates this fatty meat to new heights. Marinate it in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey for a Japanese pork BBQ twist.

Braised Pork Jowl

To braise pork jowl means slow-cooking it in liquid until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Great for hearty dishes like pork jowl stew, bolognese sauce, or risotto.

Pickled and Smoked Pork Jowl

In the Southern United States, smoked pork jowl is used in classic dishes like black-eyed peas, pinto beans, and split pea soup. The salt and smoke bring deep flavors and textures to the plate. Some even pickle it for a tangy, preserved meat that’s similar to bacon but with a bold twist.

Pork Jowl in Global Cuisine

Japanese Pork Jowl

In Japanese cuisine, jowl is commonly grilled (referred to as tontoro) and served with rice, pickled veggies, or ramen.

Pork Jowl Ramen

A popular fusion dish is pork jowl ramen, where slices of crispy or braised pork jowl top rich broth, soft noodles, onions and garlic, and boiled eggs.

Pork Jowl Ramen Recipe

  • Marinate jowl overnight in soy sauce, mirin, garlic, and ginger.
  • Braise until tender.
  • Slice thin and fry to crispy.
  • Add to hot ramen and garnish with scallions, soft-boiled egg, and sesame seeds.

Guanciale and Italian Dishes

Guanciale is an Italian version of pork jowl, typically cured and used in pasta carbonara, spaghetti carbonara, or pappardelle with a rich tomato bolognese sauce.

Carbonara with Pork Jowl

  1. Dice cured pork jowl or guanciale.
  2. Fry until crispy.
  3. Toss with pasta, eggs, Parmesan, and black pepper for creamy carbonara.

Delicious Pork Jowl Recipes to Try

Pork Jowl Stew

Pork jowl stew is classic comfort food, ideal for chilly nights. It uses braised pork, pea, onions and garlic, and sometimes pinto beans for a rich, hearty meal.

Pork Jowl and Grits

Combine seasoned pork jowl with creamy grit for a Southern staple. Add shrimp for a shrimp and grits twist.

Pork Jowl Stir-Fry

For a quick weeknight meal, stir-fry thinly sliced pork jowl with bell peppers, broccoli, and soy-ginger sauce. Serve with rice or noodles.

Eggs Benedict with Jowl Bacon

Replace Canadian bacon with jowl bacon for a richer, crispier take on eggs benedict. Top with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.

Pork Jowl Risotto

Add some pork jowl to creamy risotto for extra savory flavor and indulgence. Finish with Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.

Pappardelle with Jowl Bacon

Use jowl bacon in a pappardelle pasta with creamy mushroom sauce, or toss with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil for a lighter take.

Pork Jowl as an Appetizer

Slice thin, breadcrumb coat, and fry for crispy pork jowl bites that serve perfectly as a small appetizer with dipping sauce.

Tips for Cooking Pork Jowl

  • Always allow time to marinate the jowl before grilling or roasting.
  • Try to buy pork jowl fresh or cured from a local butcher.
  • Cook the pork jowl slowly for stews or braise, and quickly on high heat for crispy versions.
  • Make guanciale at home by curing with salt, pepper, and herbs for a few weeks.
  • Smoke your jowl for soul food applications like black-eyed peas and collard greens.

Where to Find and Buy Pork Jowl

Not all supermarkets carry this unique cut, so your best bet is to find pork jowl at a specialty store, buy pork from a local farm, or request it through your butcher.

Fresh Jowl vs. Cured or Smoked

  • Fresh jowl is perfect for homemade guanciale, braising, or grilling.
  • Cured or smoked pork jowl is great for traditional Southern dishes and adding savory flavor to soups and beans.

Final Thoughts: Try Pork Jowl Today

If you love bacon, pork belly, or exploring new cuts of meat, it’s time to try pork jowl. Its versatility makes it ideal for various cuisines and side dishes, from crispy pork jowl served with grit to pork jowl ramen that warms the soul. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and robust savory flavor, pork jowl offers an unmatched culinary experience.

So head to your local butcher, pick up some pork jowl, and make this recipe part of your weekly rotation. From crispy bites to braised pork goodness, this cut delivers every time.

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