What Herbs Go With Pork? 7 Best Herbs For Pork
Aren’t we all tired of eating the same pork dish again and again? This is because we usually follow the same recipes when we’re cooking at home. Time to don your chef hats and enter your kitchen — let’s reinvent the pork you’ve been cooking!
Wondering how is it even possible? The simple answer: herbs. Herbs can change the way your pork tastes. By adding a few herbs, you will be able to make some delicious dishes with minimal effort!
So, what herbs go with pork? Cooking with herbs is an easy way to add extra flavor to any pork dish. There are many herbs that go well with the pork. Some of our favorites include marjoram, thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage, parsley, garlic, caraway seeds, dill, basil, and fennel.
In this post, we will discuss in detail the absolute top seven best herbs for pork, their flavor, and the types of dishes they are best for. So, stay with us till the end of the post!
Do Herbs Go With Pork?
Yes, herbs go with pork. They’re actually the easiest and most convenient ingredients to use when it comes to making pork! Here are three reasons why you should consider using herbs when cooking a pork dish.
Reason 1: Adds Flavor
The major reason why you should consider using herbs in your pork dishes is flavor. Herbs offer a myriad of flavors, so adding herbs is a pleasant experience for your taste buds!
For example, using garlic in the preparation of pork provides it with a very distinct, strong flavor. It enhances the aroma and taste of your final dish. Similarly, caraway seeds provide a mint-like aroma to pork seasonings.
Although these herbs have their individual flavors, combining them for marinades or seasonings provides a lovely, aromatic touch to any dish.
Reason 2: Cuts Fattiness
Although pork is a good source of vitamins and minerals, it contains some saturated fat, which can be unhealthy.
Some herbs, like caraway seeds, help in cutting down the fattiness of the pork while providing flavor to it!
Reason 3: Health Benefits
One of the most interesting things about herbs is the health benefits they can provide. For example, various herbs like sage, basil, and parsley are known to have exciting health benefits.
So, did you know the herbs you use daily when cooking are also maintaining your health? We think this is an excellent reason to use herbs with pork!
7 Best Herbs For Pork
Now, let’s talk about the best herbs you can use to make delicious pork recipes! We think that there are seven best (and most commonly used) herbs for pork. We’ll tell you about each herb and then provide you with some new recipe ideas.
With these amazing herbs, you can easily prepare mouthwatering dishes that will leave everyone speechless! So what are you waiting for?
Try these dishes out and see how the taste of these herbs works with the pork. With so many recipes to try, we’re sure you’re sorted for the next time you plan a get-together or a party!
Thyme
Many of you might recognize dried thyme from your kitchen. For others who do not know what thyme is, read on!
Thyme is a very popular herb from the mint family which is used as seasoning and garnishing in a variety of dishes all over the world.
It is easily available in stores and you can store it for months.
Thyme has a very pungent, minty scent and flavor. For this reason, it is used in a lot of pork recipes.
Such recipes include:
- Lemon Thyme Pork Chops: You can combine thyme with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and garlic to cook delicious pork chops.
- Lemon Thyme Pork Roast: Mix thyme with some lemon zest, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil, then pour the mixture over your pork roast in a baking dish and let it marinate for a few hours in the fridge. Then roast in the oven until your dish is ready!
- Pork Tenderloin: Combine thyme with other herbs like basil, rosemary, garlic, spices, and oil. Rub this mix on pork tenderloin before baking. You will love this simple yet flavorful dish once you’ve had it!
Rosemary
Similar to thyme, rosemary is also a member of the mint family.
It is known for its fragrance and is widely used as a culinary herb.
This aromatic herb provides a minty and savory flavor to all the dishes, including pork.
It is important that you use rosemary in stated quantities as too much of it can ruin your dishes.
Rosemary is used in a lot of pork recipes including:
- Rosemary And Garlic Pork Chops: Craving for some pork chops, but tired of all your old recipes? Try this new and easy recipe. Before baking your pork chops, brush some rosemary, and garlic on them and cook them.
- Lemon And Rosemary Pork Stew: Stir pork pieces in some wine, basil, lemon, and rosemary, and make some amazing pork stew for your dinner.
Fennel
Most of you must be aware of fennel as the most aromatic seasonal herb. However, it also has medicinal benefits.
Fennel is a common ingredient in households and is used in everything from soups, stews, salads to roasted meat.
When added to any dish, it gives a very delicate and mild smell.
It is used in pork recipes because of its sweet, anise-like flavor.
Try using fennel in any of the following recipes:
- Lemon And Fennel Pork Meatballs: Everybody loves meatballs, right? So, add fennel, lemon juice, and some seasoning to your pork mince and roll it to make small balls. Cook them the way you like and serve them.
- Pork Cutlets With Fennel: If you’re planning to cook pork cutlets, pair them with fennel bulbs. Trust me, it will taste amazing. All you have to do is cook fennel and onion in a pan and season it.
Sage
Sage is also a part of the mint family, like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
You can add sage to soups or sprinkle it on your dishes. Experimenting with sage can lead to some awesome recipes!
Sage has a very strong, unique flavor that tastes somewhat bitter.
Its taste remains intact even when cooking. This is why it is commonly used in slow-cooked pork and pork stews.
If you are not sure about how to use sage in your dishes, check out these recipes:
- Sage Pork Chops: Mix salt, pepper, and sage in a bowl and apply it over your pork chops. Saute the chops and it is ready! This is a very simple recipe. You can try it on your lazy days when you do not want to do any elaborate cooking.
- Rosemary And Sage Pork Stew: Whenever you are trying to make stew, it is best to try different combinations of herbs. And this time it is rosemary and sage! Just add it to your stew and discover a new dish.
Dill
Dill belongs to the celery family where its leaves are used as a herb for culinary purposes. It is widely used in fish, dips, and cooking vegetables.
Dill has a very distinctive flavor and thus boosts the flavor of the dish multifold times. This is the prime reason why it is used in pork dishes!
If you want to know what recipes you can try with dill, give these a try:
- Pork In Creamy Dill Sauce: Make a gravy from sour cream, dill, garlic, pepper, and salt, and add cooked pork tenderloin into it. You can also garnish your final dish with some dill leaves.
- Pork Scaloppini: Sprinkle some dill leaves on your pork scaloppini or add it to the sauce. Once you taste it, you will definitely want more.
Parsley
Parsley is one of the most versatile herbs; it goes well with thyme, rosemary, sage, and marjoram.
It is used in all kinds of dishes around the world, such as creamy dips, sandwiches, grilled chicken, or omelets.
Parsley has a very pungent flavor and is used in many pork dishes as well as being a popular garnish.
Here are a few dishes you can check out that include parsley and pork:
- Parsley And Cheese Crusted Pork: Coat the pork with mustard and garlic, then apply a mixture of cheese, parsley, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper —then cook it! You can pair it up with some rice and enjoy your meal.
- Lemon And Parsley Pork Chops: Add parsley, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and keep it aside till the pork is cooked. Once cooked, pour this mixture on it and you have a new dish!
Marjoram
Marjoram is another herb that belongs to the mint family. Many people confuse it with oregano, but they are not the same!
Although marjoram tastes like oregano, its flavors are not as strong as oregano.
Marjoram is generally used in vegetable soups, stews, chicken, beef, and (of course) pork dishes.
If you have never tried working with this herb, now is the time for you to change your game! Try these mouth-watering recipes and see what you were missing for so long:
- Slow Roasted Pork: Add some apple cider vinegar, thyme, marjoram, and other spices to your pork and coat it well. Then, roast the pork in your oven. You will get a nice taste as marjoram works really well with thyme.
- Braised Pork: This is one of the best recipes to cook with pork shoulders. Adding thyme and marjoram to a sauce gives an enriching flavor to the dish. As you can see again, thyme and marjoram are a no-fail combination.
Bonus Section: Since We Already Mentioned Oregano…
If you are skeptical about adding oregano to pork, don’t be! Oregano belongs to the mint family (like thyme) and works well with pork.
Oregano is used all over the world in dishes like pizzas, salads, and sauces thanks to its zesty, savory flavor.
Definitely try adding oregano to pork chops to level up your cooking game. Just marinade the pork chops with some oil, spices, lemon juice, and oregano before frying them in a pan!
Once you taste this dish, you’ll realize what you were missing out on. Pair this dish with mashed potatoes, a salad, and some wine to enjoy a relaxing, flavorful evening.
Related Questions
What’s the difference between dried and fresh herbs?
While many people prefer fresh herbs over dried herbs for cooking, there are some benefits of using dried herbs.
Dried herbs have a longer shelf life. You can store them for up to 6 months while fresh herbs have to be used within 2-3 days. They also have a more concentrated flavor than fresh herbs, therefore you require less quantity than with fresh herbs.
Here’s a hot tip. Whenever you are cooking with herbs, use the dried herbs to add to the cooking process. Then, use the fresh herbs for garnishing in the end. This will not only enhance the taste, but also improve your presentation!
What herbs go with pork stew?
Pork stew is one of the best and most satisfying recipes ever. It is perfect for a chilly winter night because of its aroma and comforting flavors. But did you know pork stew is all about herbs?
There are so many dried herbs you can add to it which will enrich its taste. These herbs include dried oregano, dried thyme, sage, rosemary, and dried mint.
Add your choice of herbs to your stew and let it simmer. These herbs will add a flavorful and aromatic touch to your pork stew. Once you have a bowl, you’ll crave more!
Note that you can also go for fresh herbs, if available near you. So, make a list of herbs, buy them from a supermarket, and treat yourself to some appetizing pork stew!
What spices go with pork?
Whether you are cooking pork loin, shoulders, belly, or ribs, spices will always enhance the meat’s flavor. Therefore, it is important to know your spices well! Let’s take a look at some of our favorite spices that go well with pork:
- Allspice: It is a warm spice that includes the flavor of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper. If you are planning to cook pork using braising or open flaming methods, you should try it. It gives the perfect savory flavor to your pork.
- Cumin: The best part about cumin is that it works really well with all other spices and herbs in your dish. Talking about pork, it adds a nutty flavor to it. You can add it to your pork stew or roast, and can even use it with barbecue!
- Paprika: Paprika is a spice made from red peppers. Adding paprika to your pork will give it a spicy and smoky flavor. However, paprika is not for the faint-hearted, so use it wisely. Add only a bit of paprika and seasoning with the herbs.
So, the next time you decide to cook pork, add these spices and see how delicious it turns out!
