Enjoy the best of soul food any time! When the craving for authentic soul food hits, pork jowl is one of my go-to recipes. Since we’re going for the smoked jowl, there’s no curing or marinating. Just slice, season, and bake. So for busy moms like me, this recipe is fabulous! 👌 While pork jowls are typically ground up for sausage, you can’t miss enjoying them on their own. The crackling sounds of every perfect bite of this crispy delicacy are so enjoyable. The secret to the irresistible crisp texture is the maple syrup and brown sugar.
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Crispy Pork Jowl
Arrange – Lay pork jowl slices in a single layer on the baking rack. (If using whole pork jowl, slice into ½-inch thick slices using a sharp knife, then arrange them).Mix – Mix the syrup, brown sugar, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined and the sugar is slightly melted. (Photo 1-2)Coat – Next, spread a generous amount of the brown sugar mixture on both sides of each jowl slice. (Photo 3)Broil – Set the oven to low broil, place the baking sheet about 4 inches away from the broiler, and broil the pork jowl for 3-4 minutes on each side or until crispy. (Photo 4)Allow to Cool – Take out the crispy pork jowl from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.Serve pork jowls with beans, black-eyed peas, and collard greens. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make ahead, you can marinate the pork with the maple mixture and store it in an airtight container or resealable freezer-safe bag. Refrigerate for a day or two, or freeze it for 4-6 months. Let the jowl come to room temperature before cooking.
Serving and Storage Instructions
This deliciousness is excellent in a sandwich or any other recipe you’d use for bacon. Serve it at room temperature for the crispiest texture. Leftovers will last in a fridge for up to four days. Reheat in a preheated 350℉/177℃ oven for a few minutes or zap it in the microwave at half-power, covered with a paper towel, so it doesn’t spatter.
What to Serve With Crispy Pork Jowl
Enjoy this Black Folks’ crispy pork jowl recipe like a proper Southerner by serving it along these equally satisfying recipes below.
More Mouthwatering Pork Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Crispy pork jowl is wonderfully balanced with smokey sweetness, perfect for a hectic schedule. Would you like to keep up with my new recipes? Then sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date. 😉
