Whether you plan to cook the meat yourself or you’d like to have someone else do the cooking for you, knowing how long to boil pork is an important step in the preparation process. Pork can generally be boiled in much the same way as beef. However, it’s essential to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the cooking times for your specific cut of pork. So, keep reading to learn more!
Different pork cuts and their distinct features
Fresh pork is an important and delicious addition to any meal. There are plenty of cuts of pork to choose from, and each one offers its own unique flavor. For instance:
- Pork tenderloin is lean and tender. It is considered high-quality meat with a high price tag.
- Loin is similar but not as expensive and appropriate if you’re cooking for a crowd.
- Ribs have an excellent flavor and are more affordable than beef ribs.
- Shoulder cuts are sometimes chewy or tough, depending on the animal.
- And you also have cuts such as London broil, which is tender and chewy and absorbs the flavor very well if you marinate before cooking.
The time it takes to boil pork may depend on the type of cut, as you will learn next.
How long to boil pork
The answer to that question depends on the cut you’re planning to boil.
Pork tenderloin: If you want the meat to remain tender, we recommend a constant boil for 30 minutes.
Pork loin: This type of meat can be really tender, just like tenderloin. For better results, boil the water, reduce it to simmer, and cook for 90 to 120 minutes.
Pork ribs: They are generally easier to cook, but you must pay attention throughout the boiling time. The idea is to get a soft texture of the meat without letting it fall apart. This is done in around 30 minutes, but we recommend checking your meat frequently with a fork.
Pork shoulder: This is perhaps the type of meat that require the longest preparation time. You want to simmer instead of boiling to soften the meat and make it taste better. With water simmering, you’ll have to wait around two or three hours. Keep checking the texture with your fork, and remove it from simmering when it is soft.
As noted, you could boil or simmer pork, depending on your desired texture. Some cuts are more complex than others, and we recommend simmering for longer to make it tender in those cases. Moreover, you can pre-cook pork by boiling or simmering until you get the texture you want. And then, you can continue grilling or frying in a wok.
Conclusion
When it comes to boiling pork, it’s essential to know the appropriate cooking times for your specific cut. In this article, I’ve discussed the cooking times and temperatures for various types of pork cuts. Sometimes you may need to simmer instead of boiling, especially if you want a softer texture.
