Hearty and Satisfying Red Wine Pork Recipe
Greetings food enthusiasts,
Are you searching for a hearty and flavorful dish to warm up your soul on chilly evenings? Look no further! I am here to introduce you to a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings – Red Wine Pork Recipe. This French-style recipe has been passed down through generations, and it is the perfect meal for family dinners, special occasions, or simply when you want a comforting meal.
If you are a fan of pork, you are going to love this recipe. The combination of tender pork shoulder cut braised in red wine and served with caramelized mushrooms and onions is merely divine. The aroma of the red wine cooking down slowly will fill your kitchen with warmth and coziness.
This Red Wine Pork Recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also easy to make. It requires only a few ingredients and minimal effort yet yields an exceptional outcome that will amaze your guests. You can even adjust the recipe to your liking by using different cuts of pork or adding your favorite vegetables.
So if you’re ready to indulge in some serious comfort food, get out your apron and preheat those ovens because we’re about to embark on an incredible culinary journey together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are few things in life as satisfying as a hearty meal only fit for the books. And, this red wine pork recipe is one of them! This French style, wine-braised pork is the perfect combination of tender meat and rich flavors. Trust me; this recipe will knock your socks off!
The pork is cooked in red wine that imparts its flavors and makes the meat fall apart in your mouth. The addition of carrots, fresh mushrooms, and parsley makes sure that you have a balanced meal that hits all the right notes.
The preparation couldn’t be more straightforward. You’ll mix everything together and braise the pork in the oven or on a stove. And let’s not forget the bacon drippings- everything tastes better with bacon!
Now, if you’re wondering why you should choose red wine pork over other options on your menu, then let me tell you: nothing beats the depth of flavor that red wine imparts into your dish. The dry, smoky fruitiness of Pinot Noir works best because it has enough acidity to add brightness to heavier dishes like pork.
Furthermore, this dish is perfect for any occasion – formal dinner parties or family dinners are both great choices. And did I mention how easy and affordable it is to make? So why settle for mediocrity? Step up your cooking game with this amazing red wine pork recipe that will instantly become a staple on your dinner table!
Ingredient List
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious red wine pork recipe:
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder cut into 1-2 inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup bacon drippings
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups Pinot Noir or any dry red wine
- Optional: add Dijon mustard if cooking pork chops.
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking so that you can enjoy a hassle-free cooking experience.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s start with the recipe how-to. This wine-braised pork recipe is perfect for those who enjoy French-style cooking with a bold taste of red wine.
Prep the Pork Shoulder Cut
Begin by prepping the pork shoulder cut. Cut it into 1-2 inch pieces and season them well with kosher salt and black pepper.
Brown the Pork
In a Dutch oven or slow cooker, heat some olive oil over high heat until it’s shimmering. Then, add half of the pork pieces to the pan and let them sear for around 2 minutes until they are brown and caramelized on all sides. Repeat this procedure with the other half of the pork pieces.
Deglaze the Pot
After browning the pork thoroughly, pour in about two cups of red wine, such as Pinot Noir. Use a wooden spoon to scrape off all the browned bits at the bottom of your pot. They are full of rich and flavorful compounds that will make your dish taste even better.
Make a Flavorful Sauce
Next, reduce heat to medium and add in diced onions, carrots, minced garlic cloves, bay leaf, two tablespoons of tomato paste, a pinch of sugar and some fresh ground black pepper to your pot.
Add to your saucepan around one cup of chicken broth or water if needed if you want a lighter flavor or if you don’t have access to broth.
Add butter and sautee mushrooms together until they become tender then add them to your pot sauce.
Cover it up and allow it to simmer for about 3 hours on low heat until everything is cooked through.
Adjust Seasonings
After checking that everything is well cooked, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning as desired using extra kosher salt, black pepper or other herbs like fresh chopped parsley.
Congratulations, your wine-braised pork recipe is ready!
Substitutions and Variations
I must say that this red wine pork recipe is a pretty flexible one. You can swap some of the ingredients or adjust them to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some noteworthy substitutions and variations you can consider:
– Mushroom Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of fresh mushrooms or they’re not available, you can use dried mushrooms that have been rehydrated, canned mushrooms, or even other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. Feel free to experiment with different textures and flavors.
– Red Wine Variations: While Pinot Noir is the best red wine to use for this recipe since it has low tannins and a fruit-forward flavor profile that complements the pork well, you can also try other types of dry red wine like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, or Chianti. Just make sure it’s not too sweet or oaky.
– Pork Cut Options: This recipe calls for boneless pork shoulder cut into cubes, but you can also use bone-in pork shoulder, pork tenderloin, pork belly, pork chops, pork stew meat, or even pulled pork leftovers. Adjust your cooking time accordingly as different cuts have different levels of tenderness and fat content.
– Bacon Drippings Substitutes: If you don’t have bacon drippings on hand or prefer not to use them, you can substitute them with olive oil, vegetable oil, butter, lard, or coconut oil. The goal is to brown the pork nicely and infuse it with flavor.
– Seasoning Variations: While this recipe uses kosher salt and black pepper for seasoning the pork and sauce base together with sugar for sweetness balance and tomato paste as acidity enhancer you can also add garlic powder, onion powder coriander seeds instead of garlic cloves ading right at he beginning preventing used cloves from burning; dijon mustard; bay leaf; thyme, sage or rosemary. These herbs will add depth and complexity to the dish.
– Cooking Method Variations: This recipe can be cooked in a slow cooker red wine for around 4-6 hours on high or on the stove top in a Dutch oven on medium heat or simmered until the pork is fork-tender. However, you can also grill the pork chops red wine after searing them in high heat for 2 minutes per side and serve them with the wine pan sauce on top. This variation is great for summer BBQs.
Serving and Pairing
The finished dish of Red Wine Pork Recipe is rich in flavor and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For starters, you can add potatoes or rice to the dish to make it heartier. Additionally, mixing some fresh mushrooms into the dish adds a meaty texture that complements the pork nicely.
In terms of wine pairing, the obvious choice would be a full-bodied red wine, like Pinot Noir. The wine’s earthy taste and fruity notes match perfectly with the bold flavors of the dish. If cooking with Pinot Noir in this recipe, I suggest setting aside a glass to drink alongside the meal as well.
Incorporating garlic cloves and coriander seeds in the recipe add an aromatic quality that pairs well with a variety of lighter white wines as well. A Sauvignon Blanc would work comfortably here – it has enough acidity to balance out the richness of the pork while adding herbaceous tones.
Additionally, if you’re looking for something even richer and more complex than red wine, try a dark porter or stout beer instead. It can bring out additional savory flavors in braised pork dishes.
Overall, Red Wine Pork is an incredibly versatile recipe, perfect for serving during dinner parties or family meals alike. Regardless of how you dress it up, it makes one knockout entree when paired correctly!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this red wine pork recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time. After cooking, let it cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
When reheating, gently warm the pork in a saucepan over medium heat. Be sure to add a splash of water or broth to prevent the meat from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave by placing them on a microwave-safe plate and heating for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
If you want to store the cooked pork for even longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To ensure the best results when reheating the pork, don’t overcook it. Overcooked pork can quickly become dry and tough. Instead, gently heat it until it’s just warmed through.
Whether you’re making this red wine pork recipe ahead of time or reheating leftovers, you’ll love how easy and versatile it is. Plus, with its rich wine sauce and tender meat, it’s sure to be just as delicious every time you enjoy it.
Tips for Perfect Results
When cooking this red wine pork recipe, there are a few tips that can make all the difference in achieving a dish with perfect results. Here are some tips that will help you create a meal that is flavorful and succulent:
1. Marinade the pork before cooking: To enhance the flavor of the pork, marinate it in red wine for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the wine flavors to fully infuse into the meat and make it more tender.
2. Brown the pork before braising: To add depth of flavor to the meat, brown it on high heat for about 2 minutes on each side before braising it in the red wine. This will caramelize the natural sugars in the meat and enhance its flavor.
3. Use a Dutch oven or slow cooker: For best results, use a Dutch oven or slow cooker to cook this dish. These methods allow for even heat distribution and will keep the pork moist and tender.
4. Don’t rush the cooking process: This recipe takes time to prepare, but it is worth it! Make sure to cook it over low heat for several hours to fully develop the flavors and ensure that the meat is tender and juicy.
5. Add fresh herbs and spices: Adding fresh herbs like parsley, bay leaf, and coriander seeds can add depth and complexity to the dish’s flavor profile. Do not shy away from using them!
By following these tips, you can create a truly spectacular red wine pork recipe that your friends and family won’t be able to resist. Enjoy!
FAQ
Now that you have learned about the recipe and various ways to cook the red wine pork, let us turn our attention to some of the frequently asked questions that may arise when it comes to cooking this dish. These answers will help clarify any doubts or concerns so that you can now confidently take on this delicious recipe without any hesitation or confusion.
Is red wine good for cooking pork?
When it comes to pairing red wine with braised French-style pork, you have several options to choose from. A pinot noir, an affordable Bordeaux, or any French-style blend are all great picks. However, don’t limit yourself to French wine as other options like Syrah, Italian blend, or Carmenere can work just as well. These wine choices possess a mellowness, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the rich and tender flavors of the pork.
What is the best red wine to cook pork?
When it comes to pairing wine with food, there are a few rules to follow. For dishes with beef, lamb or stew, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are great options. If you are preparing chicken, duck or pork, Merlot is a safe bet. For seafood lovers, Pinot Noir is the way to go. And, if your dish primarily consists of vegetables or sauce, a light Merlot or Chianti would complement it nicely. These wine pairing tips have been tried and tested for optimal flavor enhancement.
What wine is best for cooking pork?
As a sommelier, I have a wealth of information to share when it comes to different types of wine. From German Riesling to aged Barolo, each wine has its own unique story and flavor profile that make them stand out from the rest. If you’re looking for a crisp white wine, consider trying a Condrieu made with Viognier grapes or a Chenin Blanc. For those who prefer a red wine, Pinot Noir is a great option, as is a red or rosé Grenache (known as Garnacha in Spain). And if you’re really looking to indulge, a glass of aged Barolo or Sicilian Nerello Mascalese is sure to impress. Whatever your preference, there’s a wine out there for everyone to enjoy.
Can you use red wine with pork chops?
When it comes to pairing a red wine with Pork Chops, Pinot Noir would be a great option. Its delicate yet earthy notes make it perfect to accompany the savory flavors of a Loin Pork Chop. With a crisp and smooth taste featuring hints of strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, this wine serves as a great contrast with the slightly sweet and salty pork.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this red wine pork recipe is a must-try for all pork lovers. The flavors and tenderness achieved through braising the meat in a red wine sauce are unbeatable. It’s a French-style recipe that is perfect for special occasions or when you just want to treat yourself to a delicious meal. Plus, with the option to cook it using a slow cooker or dutch oven, it can be made on a busy weeknight.
Don’t be afraid to switch up the recipe with different variations and substitutions that suit your taste buds. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for the ultimate comfort meal.
Lastly, if you’re looking for the best type of red wine to use, Pinot Noir is your answer. Its light and fruity notes pair perfectly with the pork, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Trust me; this red wine pork recipe will impress all of your guests and make them wonder when they can come back for more. So grab a bottle of red wine and get cooking!
Red Wine Pork Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork roast
- 3 tablespoons bacon drippings
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced fine
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 cups red wine
- 1/4 cup butter
- 16 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
Instructions
- Brown pork on all side in bacon fat. Place pork in narrow casserole dish.
- Using skillet pork was browned in, heat remaining ingredients except mushrooms.
- Pour over pork roast.
- Bake at 325° 1 1/2 hours, adding mushrooms to casserole dish the last half hour.