How To Grind Your Own Pork at Home (2024)

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Learn how to grind your own fresh, flavorful pork meat at home with this comprehensive guide. Elevate your cooking game today!

WHY DO I GRIND PORK AT HOME?

Grinding your own pork at home can provide numerous benefits. You have complete control over the quality and freshness of the meat, and you can also customize the seasoning and texture to your liking. Grinding meat at home can also save you money in the long run, as buying pre-ground meat from the store often comes with a premium. I will show you how to grind your own pork using a food processor, making it a simple and convenient process.

READ:How To Grind Your Own Beef At Home

How To Grind Your Own Pork at Home (1)

STEP 1: PREPARING THE PORK

Choosing the right cut of meat is crucial for a successful grind. Pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt or pork butt, is the preferred cut for grinding because it has the perfect balance of fat and lean meat. Fat is essential for adding flavor and moisture to the ground pork, but too much fat can make the grind greasy. Trim any visible fat from the pork, then cut it into small pieces that will fit easily into the food processor.

STEP 2: ASSEMBLING THE FOOD PROCESSOR

The next step is to choose the right blade for grinding meat. The standard “S” blade that comes with most food processors is perfect for grinding meat. Make sure to properly install the blade and bowl before you begin grinding.

STEP 3: HOW TO GRIND YOUR OWN PORK

When I realized how to mince pork, I was kind of kicking myself wishing I had done this sooner.

  1. Add the small pieces of pork to the food processor.
  2. Pulse the meat in the food processor until the desired consistency is reached.
  3. If a finer grind is desired, pulse the meat for longer.
  4. If the meat gets stuck in the blade, stop the food processor.
  5. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the food processor.
  6. Continue pulsing the meat until the desired consistency is reached.
  7. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can result in a tough, rubbery texture.

STEP 4: SEASONING AND STORING THE PORK

Once you have achieved the desired grind, it’s time to add any spices or seasonings you desire. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic, and sage. Mix the seasonings thoroughly into the ground pork. The ground pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, or in the freezer for up to three months.

RELATED:Homemade Italian Seasoning

How To Grind Your Own Pork at Home (2)

IS GROUND PORK HEALTHY?

Ground pork can be a healthy source of protein, vitamins, and minerals when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. However, the nutritional value of ground pork can vary depending on factors such as the cut of pork used and the method of preparation.

Ground pork can be high in fat and calories, so it’s important to choose lean cuts of pork and to limit portions. It’s also important to pay attention to added ingredients such as salt and preservatives that may be present in processed ground pork products.

How To Grind Your Own Pork at Home (3)

CAN YOU GRIND PORK AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, you can grind pork ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to use it. However, it’s important to handle ground pork properly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.

If you’re planning to grind pork ahead of time, make sure to use fresh pork and keep it refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below before and after grinding. Ground pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days or in the freezer for up to three months.

CAN YOU FREEZE GROUND PORK?

Yes, you can freeze ground pork. Freezing ground pork is a great way to extend its shelf life and keep it fresh until you’re ready to use it.

To freeze ground pork, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container or bag with the date and contents and store it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

Ground pork can be frozen for up to three months without significant loss of quality. To thaw frozen ground pork, place it in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly. Avoid thawing ground pork at room temperature, as this can allow harmful bacteria to grow.

HOW TO SERVE GROUND PORK?

Now that you have perfected the art of grinding pork with a food processor, it is time to put that new skill of yours to good use! Check out these recipes using ground pork:

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WHAT KITCHEN TOOLS DO I NEED TO MAKE HOMEMADE GROUND PORK?

  1. A food processor
  2. Spatula – for scraping the bowl of the food processor
  3. Sharp knife
  4. Cutting board
  5. Mixing bowl – for combining ground pork and seasonings

MORE FUN STUFF:

  • How To Grind Your Own Lamb at Home
  • How To Grind Your Own Turkey at Home
  • How to Grind Your Own Chicken at Home

How To Grind Your Own Pork at Home (5)

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How To Grind Your Own Pork at Home

Learn how to grind your own fresh, flavorful pork meat at home with this comprehensive guide. Elevate your cooking game today!

Active Time20 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Author: House Hunk

Instructions

  • Add the small pieces of pork to the food processor.

  • Pulse the meat in the food processor until the desired consistency is reached.

  • If a finer grind is desired, pulse the meat for longer.

  • If the meat gets stuck in the blade, stop the food processor.

  • Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the food processor.

  • Continue pulsing the meat until the desired consistency is reached.

  • Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can result in a tough, rubbery texture.

How To Grind Your Own Pork at Home (6)

How To Grind Your Own Pork at Home (2024)

FAQs

How To Grind Your Own Pork at Home? ›

Grind the meat in batches: Place the chilled blade in the food processor. Fill the food processor no more than half full with cubes of meat (leave the rest of the meat in the freezer). Cover and pulse the meat 8 to 10 times with 1-second pulses. The meat should look coarsely ground and hold together when pinched.

How do you grind pork at home? ›

Grind the meat in batches: Place the chilled blade in the food processor. Fill the food processor no more than half full with cubes of meat (leave the rest of the meat in the freezer). Cover and pulse the meat 8 to 10 times with 1-second pulses. The meat should look coarsely ground and hold together when pinched.

What is the best cut of pork for grinding? ›

Ground Pork and Sausage

It's often made from pork shoulder, which gives it an average lean to fat ratio of 70:30.

Can I grind pork in a food processor? ›

A food processor can handle nearly any cut of meat, so long as it's boneless and skinless. Any boneless cut of beef or bison can be ground into hamburger meat, while pork and poultry, including chicken, turkey and duck, can be ground for other preparations, including homemade sausage.

How many times do you grind pork? ›

There's no magic answer for how many times you should grind meat for sausages. It's really up to personal preference. If you like a coarse, chunky sausage then once should be enough. If you prefer a smoother sausage, then you probably want to grind it twice.

Why add baking soda to ground pork? ›

Baking soda works its magic as a source of succulence since it helps change the physical composition of the fibers in meat. It raises the pH level on the surface where the baking soda comes into contact and makes it more alkaline.

How long to leave meat in the freezer before grinding? ›

To prep the meat, cut into 1-2 inch chunks, place in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan, and freeze for 15-20 minutes prior to grinding. The cold meat will be very firm and cut cleanly during grinding. Pull the meat from the freezer after all of the equipment is ready to go.

Can you ground pork in a blender? ›

Though using a meat grinder is the traditional way of creating those perfect patties, you can also use another common household appliance: the blender.

Can I use a food processor instead of a grinder? ›

A food processor will do the trick in a pinch. However, you'll notice a difference in the texture and consistency, which can cause uneven cooking and an unappetizing consistency.

How do I know when ground pork is done? ›

Information. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends cooking ground pork patties and ground pork mixtures such as meat loaf to 160 °F (71.1 °C) as measured with a food thermometer. Cook all organ and variety meats (such as heart, kidney, liver, tongue, and chitterlings) to 160 °F (71.1 °C).

What is the best pork to grind for sausage? ›

Pork. Butt/Shoulder: Boneless pork butt is very common for making sausages. It contains 20-30% fat so is perfect for sausages as this is the perfect fat to meat ratio (or you can add another 5% fat for extra tenderness and juiciness). If buying from the butcher, request 'boneless shoulder/butt'.

Can you grind pork in a blender? ›

Though using a meat grinder is the traditional way of creating those perfect patties, you can also use another common household appliance: the blender.

How to grind food without a grinder? ›

While the experts agree that the best way to grind meat is with an actual meat grinder, a food processor can definitely get the job done. The only thing they say you'll want to keep in mind is that the motor can heat up the meat if you let it run too long.

How do you grind pork for sausage? ›

Grind your very cold strips of pork through the largest plate (biggest holes) first to initially break down the meat. Then you'll pass the coarsely ground meat through the smallest plate (smallest holes) for that classic ground meat texture.

How long does it take to ground pork? ›

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Add the seasoned ground pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully cooked and nicely browned. Use the cooked ground pork in various dishes or enjoy it on its own!

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