side pork

[leechlake]

Wife went to Costco yesterday.  She is an excellent shopper but when it comes to meat is a lost little lamb.  First thing is she couldn't find pork blade steaks.  She texted me a picture of a 12 pound pork shoulder and asked if that was what I was looking for...Second thing is she bought a 5 pound pack of "bacon" which ended up being side pork.  I've always said many mistakes in the kitchen end up being new inventions that taste great.  

I haven't had side pork for years but last night fried some up for my son.  The stuff is a bit over 1/2" thick so I browned it and let it cook for about 25 minutes.  At the end I salted and added some brown sugar.  He loved it and I tasted some and it brought back great memories.

Today for half time we're going to replicate RH1  or Coffee's dumplings and have side pork and dumplings.

FYI- since it had been a while I looked up bacon vs side pork.  Side pork has more meat than bacon so even though it looks and tastes like it could kill you I figure I've got enough information on it to justify a meal or two.  Lesser of two evils kind of thing.

[RebelSS]

Umm num yum!!!! Lean side bacon!   Side pork and dumplings...might as well make a white cream gravy outta the drippings  to pour over the dumplings and knock the cholesterol out into orbit...at least for the day!  Save some chopped bits to mix in mashed 'taters, and the grease to congeal and mix some bird seed in for our feathered friends.  (NO, don't eat that!)

Edited November 29, 2015 by RebelSS

[Jim Almquist]

As a kid growing up we would have side pork with taters and Mom would have a bowl of the grease from the side pork to put on the taters. Good stuff but might not be the most healthy way to eat.

[leechlake]

As a kid growing up we would have side pork with taters and Mom would have a bowl of the grease from the side pork to put on the taters. Good stuff but might not be the most healthy way to eat.

I have a theory on many restaurants.  I think it's correct based on the fact that my gastrointestinal system seems to be in 5th gear many times soon after consuming a meal at some of these establishments.  They make food that tastes good with no regard for the health of the consumer, it's easiest that way.  So, if I do it at home every once in a while vs eating out frequently I'm ahead of the game.  If that isn't justifying what I make I don't know what is.  

[reinhard1]

For some reason side pork is more expensive than bacon.  Side pork is just pork belly sliced.  Not salted, cured, or smoked.  So it has the great taste of pork it doesn't have that smokey cured flavor.  Still taste's great though.  good luck.

[Jim Almquist]

I have a theory on many restaurants.  I think it's correct based on the fact that my gastrointestinal system seems to be in 5th gear many times soon after consuming a meal at some of these establishments.  They make food that tastes good with no regard for the health of the consumer, it's easiest that way.  So, if I do it at home every once in a while vs eating out frequently I'm ahead of the game.  If that isn't justifying what I make I don't know what is.  

Take away the fat and you will always have less flavor. I like flavor !!!!  My perfect steak has a decent portion that has marbling.

[RebelSS]

Ever try to make something out of "fat-free" products?  They look and taste like dump! Gotta have some fat!!

[reinhard1]

When I worked down in the Lake street area we sold out on pork fat daily.  Folks from Mexico use it to cook with.  Lot cheaper than side pork but no meat.  good luck.

[smurfy]

When I worked down in the Lake street area we sold out on pork fat daily.  Folks from Mexico use it to cook with.  Lot cheaper than side pork but no meat.  good luck.

Lake street?????????? that wouldn't be Everetts would it????????? my wife grew up in that neighborhood and when we get in that area she always stops for the hard salami and country sausage. the country sausage use to be her families Christmas eve tradition!!!!! 

[reinhard1]

No, I worked at Cub's on Lake Street and then at Nicollet Cub.  Many years ago I worked in a meat market in St. Athony Villiage called WwJohnson's Meat Market.  I do know Everetts.  They make some great Swedish sausage.  good luck.

[leechlake]

Lake street?????????? that wouldn't be Everetts would it????????? my wife grew up in that neighborhood and when we get in that area she always stops for the hard salami and country sausage. the country sausage use to be her families Christmas eve tradition!!!!! 

Mr Everett 's daughter lives right by me and owns the candy shop next to it.  Great people with awesome products.   A small grocery store with a big meat and sausage section.  Service next to none.  My dad lived by there and every time he went in he basically had a personal shopper help him the whole time.  

[smurfy]

yea the few times I went in there service at the meat counter was awesome!!!!!!! and there ribs were really nice!!!!!!!!!! my wife said the guys behind the counter have been there for a long time!