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Secretos de porco preto
Grilled black pork
Secretos de porco preto: the 'secret' cut of Alentejo black pork, grilled fast and seasoned simply
The secreto is a thin, marbled cut hidden between the shoulder fat and the loin of the Alentejo black pig, the free-ranging breed that fattens on acorns under the cork oaks. Butchers once kept it for themselves; now it is on every Alentejo grill menu, served with fried potatoes, migas or a salad of orange and onion. This contains pork. It needs only salt, garlic and a hot grill, since the fat inside bastes it as it cooks. A common mistake is moving the meat around: leave it on the grill so it builds a crisp, browned crust. Chef's tip: let the meat come to room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking, so it browns evenly and stays juicy.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ lb Iberian or black pork secretoor pork shoulder steaks, about 1.5 cm thick
- 1 ½ tsp coarse salt
- 2 cloves garliccrushed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon (optional)in wedges
- 4 portions orange and red onion salad (optional)
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Rub 1 ¾ lb Iberian or black pork secreto with 2 cloves garlic and 1 tbsp olive oil and leave at room temperature for 20 minutes.
20 minStep 2: Heat a barbecue, griddle pan or heavy frying pan until very hot, so a drop of water skitters across it.
5 minStep 3: Season the pork with 1 ½ tsp coarse salt and lay it on the grill. Cook for 3–4 minutes a side without moving it, until deeply browned and crisp at the edges.
8 minStep 4: Check the thickest part: it should reach 145°F. Rest on a warm board for 3–5 minutes, loosely covered.
4 minStep 5: Slice across the grain into strips and serve with 1 lemon and 4 portions orange and red onion salad salad if you like.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 450 kcal
- Protein
- 36 g
- Carbs
- 1 g
- Fat
- 34 g
- Fibre
- 0 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does secretos de porco preto take?
- About 20 minutes in total: 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of garlic?
- ½ tsp garlic paste or ⅛ tsp garlic powder per clove.
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