Iberico Pork comes from the Black Iberian Pig. These pigs are only found on the Iberian Peninsula and mostly come from Portugal and central and southern Spain. Black Iberico Pork is a rare type of meat that is often expensive and delicate.
Black Iberian Pigs are fed a special diet that gives their meat a distinct flavor from other types of pork. Since they mostly eat acorns and other natural food, the pork has a nutty flavor. Their diet also gives them a fattier profile which makes the meat tender and juicy when cooked properly.
Since this meat is expensive and can’t be found everywhere, you always want to make sure you are buying it from a reputable supplier. You also want to make sure you are cooking it correctly so that it keeps its distinct flavors.
Reputable Suppliers
Most average supermarkets will not sell Iberico Pork. You will need to buy it from a trusted butcher or from an online supplier that has good reviews. Make sure you always check the reviews of an online supplier before buying.
You can also check what they fed their pigs. Any Iberico Pig should be allowed to eat natural forest food and they should be able to roam for the majority of the day. Iberico Pigs also need to be raised and fed well for at least two seasons.
Once you have a good source for buying the pork, you need to make sure you know how to cook and serve it.
Serving Options
There are many different ways you can serve Iberico Pork since it’s a versatile type of meat. Here are some of the best cuts you can buy and what they mean. If you aren’t sure what cut to buy, you can always order a variety or try each one to see which one you enjoy the best.
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Iberico Pork Chops |
These are just like regular pork chops you might buy, but they are more tender and have the distinct nutty flavor of Iberico Pork making them very unique. |
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Iberico Pluma |
The Pluma cut comes from the bottom end of the loin. It’s similar to the flank but still unique. It’s very delicate and juicy and has an amazing flavor. |
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Iberian Solomillo |
This is the tenderloin or the fillet. It’s the most tender piece of meat and often the fattiest, giving it a lush and succulent flavor. |
What to Serve with Iberico Pork
What you serve with Iberico Pork depends on what cut you buy and who you are serving it to. Some of your guests may prefer certain side dishes. When trying to find an accompaniment, you also want to make sure you are considering how much time you have to prepare and cook the meal.
Many people choose to serve Iberico Pork with a starchy vegetable such as potatoes. This is one of the best choices because it will bring out the flavor of the pork. They are also easy to prepare and most of your guests will enjoy them as a side dish.
Iberico Pork Fillet with Potatoes
If you’re looking for an example recipe, you can use the one below. It’s simple and uses the Iberico Fillet cut.
You will need the following ingredients:
- Trimmed pork fillet
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- Olive oil
- Peeled and cubed potatoes
- Chopped cabbage
- Pancetta cubes
Gather all your ingredients and make sure you have them handy to make the recipe faster. You can follow these steps to make the fillet and potatoes:
- Marinate the fillet with all the spices and chopped garlic. You can also use 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a little salt. Let it sit in the fridge for two hours or even overnight.
- Cook the potatoes and cabbage in boiling water for 20 minutes. Drain them and mash them.
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a hot pan and then add the potatoes and cabbage.
- Remove the pork from the marinade and sear it in a hot pan in olive oil for about 10 minutes. Transfer to the oven and cook for about 20 minutes. Remove the pan and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Iberico Pork is a special kind of meat from Iberico Black Pigs. It comes in a variety of different cuts and can be served with many different dishes.
