There are a lot of different herbs that go with pork. But there are a few that stand out above the rest. Here’s our pick of the top 10 best herbs for pork, how to use them, and our favorite ideas for flavor pairing.
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There are a few things to consider when choosing the best herbs with pork.
it’s important to consider both the cut of pork and the flavor of the herbs.
The first is the cut of pork you’re using, and what the cooking method will be.
If you are grilling or roasting pork then herbs that can be used in a rub or marinade will be your best choice. If you are braising or slow cooking, you should choose herbs that will retain their flavor during a slow cooking process.
Similarly, some herbs, like rosemary, have a strong flavor that can easily overwhelm a dish. Others, like thyme, have a more delicate flavor that can be easily lost in a dish.
To maximize the flavor of these herbs, it is best to use fresh herbs if possible. However, dried herbs can also be used and will add flavor to the pork.
To start us off, here is our list of the best herbs that go well with the flavor of pork, and below, we outline the best herbs for specific cuts of pork or particular pork dishes.
What herbs go with pork
1. Sage
Sage is an herb that is commonly used in pork dishes. It has a strong, savory flavor that is slightly minty and slightly bitter.
Sage is a good herb to use with a fatty cut of pork, because it helps to cut through the fatty flavor and enhance the flavor of the meat.
There are several ways to use sage when cooking pork. One of the most common ways is to use it to make a seasoning rub for the pork. To do this, simply combine minced sage leaves with other herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, and rub the mixture onto the pork before cooking. This will add flavor and moisture to the meat, and help to create a tasty herb crust on the outside of the pork.
Another way to use sage with pork is to add it to a marinade. Sage goes well with many other flavors, including garlic, onion, and lemon, so you can use it to create a variety of marinades for pork.
Alternatively, you can simply throw some sage leaves into the frying pan with your pork chops, and serve the fried sage leaves as a garnish to your dish.
Sage is also a great herb to use in stuffings for pork dishes.
Pairs well with: rosemary, marjoram, garlic, lemon
>> Related post: How to Use Sage in Cooking
2. Oregano
Oregano is a popular herb with a strong, pungent, and slightly bitter flavor. It’s a good herb to use with pork because it adds a bold and savory flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the richness of the meat.
To use oregano when cooking pork, you can try rubbing it onto the meat before grilling or roasting, or use it to season marinades.
Pairs well with: thyme, basil
3. Thyme
Thyme is an herb that is commonly used in Mediterranean and French cuisine. It has a woody, earthy flavor with a slight minty undertone.
Thyme is a great herb to use with pork because it can help to enhance the natural flavor of the meat, and it pairs well with many other herbs and seasonings.
When using thyme with pork, you can use it in a rub, marinades, or in stuffing. Try using thyme in combination with other herbs to create a delicious and fragrant seasoning for your pork dishes.
Pairs well with: sage, rosemary, garlic, oregano
4. Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic herb with a strong, woody, and slightly pungent flavor.
It’s a good herb to use with pork because its assertive flavor can help to balance out the rich fatty flavor of the meat. However its strong flavor can overpower the flavor of the pork, so its best used sparingly.
To use rosemary with pork, a rub or a marinade is a good option. For a more subtle flavor, you can add sprigs of rosemary to the roasting pan while the pork is cooking.
You can also use this herb to season vegetables or other dishes that you are serving alongside your pork.
Pairs well with: thyme, bay leaf, oregano
5. Bay leaves
Bay leaves are a popular herb that have a subtle, earthy flavor with hints of camphor and eucalyptus. They are a great herb to use when cooking pork because they can help to add depth and complexity to the flavor of the meat.
Bay leaves are typically used in slow-cooked dishes, such as stews and braises, where they have time to release their flavor into the dish.
To use bay leaves when cooking pork, simply add a few leaves to the pot or pan along with the other ingredients. Be sure to remove the bay leaves before serving, as they can be sharp and unpleasant to eat.
Bay leaves are best used in combination with other herbs, so check out the pairing suggestions below for herbs to use with bay.
Pairs well with: rosemary, thyme, oregano
6. Marjoram
Marjoram is a herb with a delicate, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor. It is often used in dishes that feature pork, as its subtle flavor complements the rich taste of the meat.
One of the easiest ways to use marjoram with pork is to add it to a marinade. Simply combine marjoram with other herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, and mix with olive oil and lemon juice to create a flavorful marinade for pork chops or tenderloin.
You can also use marjoram to season pork directly by rubbing it onto the meat before cooking. Try mixing marjoram with garlic, salt, and pepper to create a simple yet effective dry rub for pork.
Pairs well with: oregano, rosemary, thyme
7. Parsley
Parsley is a fresh and flavorful herb that is often used in cooking to add a burst of bright, herbal flavor to dishes. It has a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that pairs well with many meats, including pork.
There are many ways to use parsley when cooking pork. One of the easiest and most effective ways is to use it as a garnish. Simply chop a handful of parsley leaves and sprinkle them over the cooked pork to add a pop of color and flavor.
You can also try use parsley in sauces or stuffings for pork, add it to a marinade, or mix it into ground pork for flavorful pork meatballs or meatloaf.
Pairs well with: thyme
8. Dill
Dill is an herb with a delicate, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor. It is a great herb to use with pork because it can help to cut through the richness of the meat and add a refreshing flavor.
One of the best ways to use dill with pork is to make a simple marinade. Simply mix together some olive oil, chopped dill, garlic, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Then, coat the pork in the marinade and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Another way to use dill with pork is to add it to a stuffing or dressing for the meat. Mix together some chopped dill, breadcrumbs, and other herbs and seasonings, and then stuff the mixture inside a pork roast or pork tenderloin.
Pairs well with: mint, parsley, tarragon
9. Basil
Basil is a popular herb with a sweet, spicy, and slightly minty flavor. It’s a good herb for pork because it adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish, and its freshness helps to balance out the rich flavor of the meat.
Whether you’re making a classic pork roast or grilling pork chops, basil is a great herb to have on hand to add some delicious flavor to your dishes.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to use basil with pork is to use pesto. You can spread the pesto sauce over the pork before cooking to add flavor and moisture to the meat, or use it as a sauce for the finished dish.
You can also use basil to season the pork directly. Try rubbing a mixture of minced basil and other herbs onto the pork before grilling or roasting.
You can also use basil in marinades for pork, or sprinkle it over the meat after it has been cooked for a burst of fresh flavor.
Pairs well with: oregano, parsley, sage
10. Tarragon
Tarragon is a fragrant herb with a licorice-like flavor and a slightly sweet, anise-like aroma. It’s a popular herb that is often used in French cooking, and it pairs well with many different meats, including pork.
Tarragon is especially good for pork because it can help to enhance the natural flavor of the meat and add a subtle sweetness that complements the rich flavor of the pork.
To use tarragon when cooking pork, try adding it to marinades or rubs for the meat. You can also use tarragon to flavor sauces for pork dishes. Try making a tarragon cream sauce by simmering heavy cream and tarragon leaves in a saucepan, and then pouring the sauce over the cooked pork.
Paris well with: garlic, lemon
Best herbs for pork chops
Some of the best herbs to use when cooking pork chops include rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano. These herbs are all relatively robust and have flavors that pair well with the rich, savory taste of pork.
Pork chops are often grilled, pan-fried, or baked. To use these herbs when cooking pork chops, you can simply sprinkle them over the pork chops before cooking.
Alternatively, you can make a herb rub by mixing together some chopped fresh herbs, along with some olive oil, garlic, and other seasonings. Rub this mixture over the pork chops, and then let them marinate for a few hours before cooking.
Best herbs for pork roast
Some of the best herbs to use when cooking a pork roast include rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano.
To use these herbs, you can simply create a herb rub by mixing the herbs together with some olive oil, garlic, and salt, and then rubbing the mixture onto the pork before roasting. You can also add them to a stuffing for a rolled pork loin.
Best herbs for pork sausages or pork mince
Some of the best herbs to use in pork sausage or mince include sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary. These herbs have a strong, savory flavor that complements the rich, fatty flavor of ground pork.
Additionally, they help to balance out the sweetness of the pork and add complexity to the overall flavor of the meat.
Other herbs that work well with pork sausages include oregano, basil, parsley, and tarragon. These herbs have a more subtle, fragrant flavor.
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