5 Inexpensive Pork Cuts and How to Use Them
Wallets are tightening across the country, especially when it comes to the average grocery budget. But you don’t have to cut out your favorite foods to save money. There are several inexpensive pork cuts that can be creatively cooked to make so many delicious dishes – all without breaking the bank.
1. Pork Loin
If you were to peek between the shoulder and top of the leg on a pig, you’d spot the pork loin. You can buy this with or without a bone (although we generally recommend going with the bone-in options since they are more flavorful and juicy). The most common cooking method for pork loin includes stuffing, rolling and tying. But you can cook loin in a variety of ways – and it makes for some seriously tasty leftovers.
- Grilled and Chilled Pork Loin with Garlic Herb Aioli
- Cider Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Stuffed Pork Loin with Sage Butter
- Sage Honey Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Bacon Roasted Roots
- Pork Loin Roast Recipe
- Pork Loin Summer Rolls with Green Curry Dipping Sauce
See more: Most Affordable Cuts of Chicken and How to Use Them
2. Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt
Pork shoulder and pork butt are two comparable cuts that are worth their weight in gold when it comes to stretching your grocery budget. Heavy, hearty and easy to cook as long as you have a crock pot or Dutch oven, this is hands-down one of our top picks for making the most of your dollars. Once slow-cooked until tender, this cut is as diverse as they come. You can shred or slice the meat and use it for just about anything from protein bowls and barbecue to tacos and sandwiches.
- Slow Cooker Maple Pulled Pork
- Braised Pork Shoulder
- Ultra Crispy Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder
- Cuban Mojo Pork Special
3. Bone-In Pork Chops
Don’t let the phrase bone-in scare you away from this simple but crowd pleasing cut of meat. Pork chops are notorious for drying out, but choosing the bone-in option means you’re more likely to end up with a juicy, flavorful chop than a dry and chewy one. You might see these called any variety of names, such as blade chops or sirloin. But they all benefit from the same general method of cooking, and you can have a wonderful and affordable dinner on your hands – often in less than 30 minutes.
- Maple Mustard Glazed Pork Chops
- Grilled Pork Paninis
- Oven Baked Bone-In Pork Chops
- Smothered Pork Chops
See more: 7 Inexpensive Beef Cuts and How to Use Them
4. Spare Ribs
Spare ribs are a popular dish with a dramatic aesthetic. They are cut from the ends of baby back ribs with one side exposing bone and the other exposing meat and cartilage. They are somewhat flat and contain a good deal of bone, which makes the meat tender and juicy and easily prepared by smoking, grilling, baking or slow-cooking. Most people also enjoy these with a smattering of sauce for good measure.
- Coffee Glazed Pork Ribs
- Oven Baked Pork Ribs
- Slow Cooker Chinese Spare Ribs
- Easy Instant Pot Ribs
- Slow Cooker Ribs
5. Ground Pork
Does it get any simpler than ground pork? You may frequently stock up on ground beef, but ground pork is just as delicious and versatile. It makes for wonderful breakfast sausages, but don’t limit it to the first meal of the day. When properly seasoned, you can use ground pork in a wide variety of dishes, from stir fries and wraps to soups and salads.