How to do Wet Pork Cure Step By Step

A wet pork cure is a simple way to keep your pork fresh and moist. It is a process of submerging the pork in water and then sealing it in an airtight container. This process is used to keep the pork from drying out and becoming tough. It also prevents it from developing bacteria.

During the curing process, the pork is exposed to a high concentration of salt, which helps to preserve the meat. The pork is also cooked in the mixture, which helps to tenderize the meat. After the pork is cooked, it is then cooled and refrigerated.

For the preparation process, you will need the following supplies;

  • A large non-reactive container that can hold the pork and water (such as a plastic bin or bucket)
    • 1 cup of kosher salt
    • 1 gallon of distilled water
    • 1/2 cup of sugar
    • 1/4 cup of pink curing salt
    • 2 tablespoons of black peppercorns
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
    • Ziploc bags or plastic wrap for storage.

To make the wet pork cure,

  1. Mix the salt, sugar, pink curing salt, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and garlic in the container.
  2. Add the distilled water and stir until the ingredients are dissolved.
  3. Submerge the pork in the mixture, making sure that it is completely covered.
  4. Place a lid on the container or seal it with plastic wrap.
  5. Refrigerate the pork for 7-10 days, turning it over every few days to ensure even curing.
  6. After 7-10 days, remove the pork from the brine and rinse it under cold water.
  7. Pat dry with paper towels. The pork is now ready to cook or can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

During the preparation of a wet pork cure, it is crucial to take certain safety measures to avoid any contamination of the food. The safety measure include;

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the pork – This is crucial to avoid any cross-contamination. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after coming into contact with the pork
  2. Use clean utensils and surfaces when handling the pork – When handling the pork, it is important to use clean utensils and surfaces to avoid any contamination. This includes using clean cutting boards, knives, and other cooking tools.
  3. Make sure the pork is completely thawed before beginning the curing process – This will ensure that the pork is cooked evenly. Pork that is not completely thawed can lead to uneven cooking and potentially dangerous bacteria growth.
  4. Keep the pork refrigerated at all times during the curing process – The pork needs to be kept refrigerated to prevent the growth of bacteria. The cure will also help to keep the pork fresh for a longer period.
  5. Follow the recipe closely and do not deviate from it – It is important to follow the recipe closely in order to ensure that the pork is properly cured. Do not add any extra ingredients or alter the proportions of the ingredients in the recipe.

The following are some of the risks you can encounter when preparing a wet pork cure:

  1. The meat may not be properly cooked, leading to food poisoning.
  2. If the pork is not properly cured, it may spoil and cause illness.
  3. If the curing mixture is not prepared correctly, it may be too salty or contain harmful bacteria.
  4. Improperly cured pork may contain high levels of nitrates, which can be harmful to your health.

If you are concerned about any of these risks, it is best to consult with a professional before attempting to wet cure pork at home. With proper precautions and care, however, you can safely enjoy this delicious and traditional method of preserving meat.

In summary, a wet pork cure is a process of preserving pork by submerging it in a mixture of salt, sugar, and curing salt. This mixture helps to keep the pork fresh and free of bacteria. The pork is typically cured for 7-10 days and can be stored for up to 2 months. Wet curing pork at home is safe as long as certain safety measures are taken, such as washing your hands thoroughly and keeping the pork refrigerated. Follow the recipe closely and do not deviate from it to ensure that the pork is properly cured. With proper care, you can safely enjoy this delicious and traditional method of preserving meat.