Iberico Secreto is one of a few special cuts from the Iberico pigs of Spain. If you’ve come into possession of this very special meat, and you’ve got a grill that’s just calling that pork’s name, this is the right place to be.
No matter if you’re using charcoal or propane, grilling Secreto Iberico is a fantastic and incredibly delicious way to bring this delicate and tender cut of meat to life. So long as you know what to do with it, and how to prepare it.
What is Secreto Iberico?
Secreto Iberico is a cut of pork that comes from the black Iberico pigs of Spain. They’re raised free-range in the extensive “dehesa” forests in the southwesternmost part of Spain. The diet consists heavily of acorns and natural grasses, and this is partly what gives Iberico pork its distinctive flavor that makes it so popular all over the world.
Such a special diet lends an unbelievably delectable complexity to the flavors of the pork, and because the pigs are allowed so much freedom of movement, the fat marbling in the meat is not only delicious, but also extremely beneficial to your health.
The easiest and best way to describe this cut to someone who's never heard of it is by comparing it directly to Beef Wagyu. Iberico pork is the best of the best.
Can you Eat Secreto Iberico Rare?
In short, yes you can serve this type of pork rare.
As Iberico Secreto is a whole cut of meat, it can be served a little pink. If this were a minced cut, it would be unsafe as bacteria would be introduced into the meat during the butchery process.
People commonly believe that pork can’t be safely eaten rare because of Trichinella. However, this hasn’t been seen in UK herds since the late 1970s.
So long as the meat is whole cut, it’s safe to cook rare. The act of cooking kills or reduces the number of pathogens to a safe level. Searing on both sides reduces this risk even further.
So, to sum it up: Iberico Secreto is safe to eat when cooked rare, so long as it’s at least slightly seared on each side and not introduced to new bacteria or pathogens from cross-contamination.
How to Marinate Secreto Iberico?
With such a high-quality cut of pork, there’s really going to be no real reason to soak it in a marinade. If you’re going to be paying the high price for this special cut, you’ll want to be tasting the unique and distinctive flavors of the pork itself and not the marinade you soaked it in.
However, if you’re dead set on using a marinade it would be best to avoid letting it soak too long. You may find it better to brush on the marinade as you’re cooking the pork instead, that way you’ll get a milder flavor from the marinade while allowing the flavor of the pork to stand on its own.
How to Grill Secreto Iberico?
Preparing the Secreto Iberico
You’ll need to get your pork ready for grilling. The last thing you want to do is pop that bad boy on the grill while damp or outright soaking wet. The water will steam up the pork, and that’s not what you’re after here.
Be sure to pat it dry with a paper towel. Meanwhile, get that grill going. You’ll want to bring it to a temperature around 450F. This is because the key to successfully grilling this tender and delicate meat is to cook it hot and fast.
As mentioned above, you won’t want to apply too much sauce, marinade or spices - the meat can do all its own talking. That distinct flavor should be the main focal point, not your spice blend.
Grilling the Secreto Iberico
Pat your pork dry with a paper towel and season it lightly. Just salt and pepper will do, however, if you like a bit of extra flavor then toss it in. This should be made to your specifications.
Place the pork on the grill and close the lid for 1-2 minutes.
Open the lid and flip your pork. If you want a nice char, or grill marks, you’ll want to flip it less often.
After 3-5 minutes you can take the Iberico off the grill and let it rest on a cutting board or serving plate. If you’re having bread with your meal, now is the time to toast it on the grill.
All that’s left to do now is to serve and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Secreto Iberico is an incredibly delicious cut of pork. It’s flavorful, tender, and comes packed with a unique flavor and a succulent texture. It really isn’t hard to see why Iberico in general is so beloved by pork fans all over the world, and why the Secreto cut is among the best of the best.
A unique flavor profile and juicy succulent texture makes this cut something to truly be enjoyed.
