If you go down to your grocery store, you will most likely find packets of pork rinds sitting by the aisle.
But the question is: have you tasted one?
Many people consider pork rinds as a snack you can munch on whenever you feel like it.
While some may find it weird, pork rinds aren’t just tasty snacks.
They are low carb, nutritious food you can add to your keto diet plan.
In this write-up, you will find out what do pork rinds taste like and the different recipes you can try yourself.
We’re hoping you will be munching on a bag of this healthy snack yourself by the time you finish this article.
What are Pork Rinds?
Pork rinds are snacks made of pig skin. You can either fry or roast them.
They are crispy, light, aerated, and you can easily find them in a convenience store.
You can make your own pork rinds at home. Let’s go right ahead and find out the process of making homemade pork rinds.
First of all, you have to get your hands on some pig skin.
Once you’ve acquired that, cut it into small bite sizes, also referred to as pellets. Then, simmer them for an hour in boiling water.
After you do that, drain the pellets and chill them for five to six hours. Go ahead and remove the hardened fat from the skin.
The next step is to dehydrate the pellets in a minimum heat oven for about 8-10 hours. This procedure will get rid of the remaining fat.
The final method is frying the pork skins. Once the skin floats on top of the oil and looks inflated, take them out of the frying pot.
Add the seasonings you like while the pellets are still hot. Let them cool off, and once they are ready, you can munch away.
What do Pork Rinds Taste Like? Do Pork Rinds Taste Good?
Pork rinds, also known as chicharrones, have four similar types with similar tastes.
They may remind you of rice crackers or pretzels while the smell and taste of it are a bit bacon-like.
Although they are fried in oil the same way, the preparation before cooking is what differentiates them from each other.
The first is the standard pork rinds. They are deep-fried after removing all the fat from the pig skin.
The result will not disappoint you as they come out light, puffy, and super crunchy.
Cracklings, on the other hand, are the pig skins fried with some fat remaining.
Unlike pork rinds, they do not inflate much because of the fat present in the skin.
The fourth style is the fatback. Fatbacks, similar to lardon, have most of the fat remaining.
These fried pellets come out thick and juicy, filling you up quickly.
Another classic style of pork rinds is the wash pot style. This style has the ‘it’ factor.
The procedure for making this is by frying a big piece of the pig skin with some fat left.
You will find that the texture of the snack is a mixture of both pork rinds and cracklings.
Packed pork rinds are now available in varieties of flavors from chile lime to hot and spicy to barbeque.
On that basis, their tastes vary according to the flavors. However, many prefer the classic pork rind that’s just pig skin, oil or lard, and salt – no extra additives.
Dr. Robert Atkins, a dietary expert, includes pork rinds as a part of his Atkins diet plan.
Because they do not contain any carbohydrates, these snacks are usually a must for the dieters.
Pork rinds often have similar nutritional value, no matter the brands. According to USDA, they contain 80 calories and 5 grams of fat in 14 grams of serving.
Even though they have zero carbohydrates, these snacks contain 270 micrograms of sodium with 9 grams of protein.
How to Use Pork Rinds in Recipes
Are you longing for a bite into chicken popcorn or fried chicken?
Well, replace breadcrumbs with ground pork rinds and fulfill your yearnings while still on a low–carb diet.
Try pork rinds instead of popcorn while you enjoy your favorite movie and always stay on course.
Chomps refer to pork rinds as keto-friendly, and they have different low-carb pork rinds recipes you can try for yourself.
Maintaining a keto diet is quite tough. No matter how you try, you still long for some tasty snacks.
Here is where you can fulfill your appetite with pork rinds.
Whenever you desire for some snacks, it is essential that you have some low-carb diet to replace them. In this way, you will be able to stay on the ketogenic diet.
A pork rind is the most popular and healthy snack that you can fill your kitchen with. You surely won’t feel guilty about it.
What is more, when we say ‘dessert,’ we imagine something sweet like ice cream or pudding but not pork rinds.
Yes, pork rinds can make a tastier dessert as it is crispy and free of carb.
Now with all that said, there should be a limit to everything. Your consumption of pork rinds includes as well.
The New York Times once published an article on pork rinds, and its pros and cons.
Although pork rinds are a good source of protein and contain zero carbs, they are quite salty.
People with a heart problem and abnormal blood pressure are advised not to consume these salty fried pig skins.
Conclusion
Before people knew what benefits the pork rinds had to offer, pork rinds had a bad reputation.
Back then, you would mostly find them at your nearby gas stations only.
But now you will find varieties of crispy fried pork rinds in top-notch grocery stores around the globe.
At any rate, homemade pork rinds are healthier than the processed ones sold in the stores.
Most companies add MSG and use hydrogenated oils, which cause inflammatory diseases in your body.
Limiting the salt amount in your pork rinds and using healthy cooking oils like peanut oil will definitely make a difference.
What Do Pork Rinds Taste Like? Do Pork Rinds Taste Good?
Ingredients
- Pork rinds
- Ingredients from your favorite recipes
Instructions
- Depending on the recipes you choose, the taste can vastly differ.
- For authentic results, it is important to choose a recipe that will highlight the original flavor.
- Have fun experimenting with different recipes and taste tests!
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