The Difference Between Salt Pork And Fatback Is So Subtle You’ll Want To Cry

When cooking, people usually have to decide between using salt pork or fatback.
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Salt pork is a cured and smoked cut of pork that is typically in the form of a slab while fatback can be purchased as a slab or side.
The two products are similar but different enough to warrant some discussion about which one is better for what you’re trying to cook.
This post will help compare and contrast these two types of meat.
What is special about salt pork?
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Salt pork is a type of bacon that has been soaked in saltwater and then dried.
It was most popular during the 1800s when it was an important food staple among sailors and people living in colder climates.
Salt pork can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner; but to get the best flavor out of it you need to cook it for at least 10 minutes before eating.
What is special about fatback?
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Fatback is a cut of pork that comes from the back and sides of the pig.
The best thing about this type of bacon is that it’s not as salty as other types and can be eaten without any extra seasoning.
Bacon comes in many different forms, but the most common form you’ll find at your grocery store is regular old-fashioned streaky bacon.
This type of bacon gets its dark color from a curing process with nitrates and sugar; it also has a saltier taste than fatback.
Is salt pork the same as fat back?
Yes and no.
Both salt pork and fat back are types of cured pork, which means that they have been preserved through the use of salt.
Salt pork is a type of ham that has been cured for several weeks and then smoked.
It is typically used in soups and other dishes that call for a smokier version of ham.
Fat back is simply cured pork belly, which has a higher fat content than ordinary meat.
It is often used to make bacon, but it can also be used in similar ways to salt pork.
The reason why these two products are so similar is because both are made from the same cut of meat: the hog’s belly.
The only difference between them is how they’re prepared—and one will always be more expensive than the other because of its longer curing process.
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What are the differences between salt pork and fatback?
Salt pork and fatback are both types of fatty bacon that come from the same animal.
The differences between them will be shown in this table:
Salt pork | Fatback | |
Texture & Flavor | Salt pork is a type of salt-cured meat, often made from the pig’s belly Salt pork tends to have a more salty taste than fatback does | Fatback is another type of cured meat that comes from the pig’s back Fatback has less water content than salt pork |
Cooking method | Salt pork has to be soaked in water before being cooked because it can’t be fried or boiled like other types of meat | Fatback does not need to cure with a high amount of salt such an intense flavor due to its higher content of natural fats. |
Cooking time | Salt pork takes a longer period before they’re ready for cooking | Fatback needs less pickling time than salt pork because it’s fattier; therefore, it can be cooked as soon as you buy or prepare it for use |
Price | Salt pork is more expensive than fatback because it’s less fatty | Fatback is cheaper to buy because it’s fattier, but salt pork tastes better |
What are the similarities between salt pork and fatback?
1. Both types of bacon are used in dishes like chilis, stews, and soups
The bacon that is made from pork and fatback, also called salt pork or back bacon, can be a versatile addition to your dishes.
It has the best of both worlds when it comes to flavor; salty with an earthy undertone thanks to its high-fat content.
You’ll often find this type of bacon in chilis, stews, and soups because they are hearty enough for these robust flavors
2. Both are high in protein and low in calories
If you’re looking for a healthy lunch idea, salt pork and fatback maybe your best option.
These food items are high in protein but low in calories and could help provide some much-needed nutrients like zinc to someone who doesn’t have many other options available
3. They have similar cooking properties, but salt pork is saltier than fatback
Salt pork and fatback are not very different, but saltier.
They both have a lot of protein in them and they’re mostly used as an ingredient for dishes like chili con carne or ham hock soup with dumplings.
4. Both should be cooked slowly to make them tender
Cooking the softer cuts of pork can take some time, and it’s important to keep them from drying out.
Cook slowly over low heat with a little fat for lubrication so they don’t stick or burn.
Cooking meats like salt pork and back bacon is an art form that takes patience but will be worth your while in the end when you sink your teeth into tender meat unlike any other.
Can I substitute fatback for salt pork?
Unfortunately, the answer is no.
Fatback and salt pork are two different cuts of meat.
Fatback is the layer of fat that’s closest to the pig’s skin, while salt pork comes from the belly.
While they’re both cured meats, they’re made using different methods and have different textures.
Fatback is usually used in dishes like bacon and sausage, while salt pork is more often used to flavor soups or stews.
It can also be cubed up and added to recipes that call for chopped bacon.
If you’re looking to get a similar texture in your dishes, though, try substituting pancetta instead!
It’s made from the same cut of meat but has a slightly different flavor profile.
Which one is better?
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One thing is for sure, you should be cooking with both salt pork and fatback.
So which one do you use? It depends on what type of dish you are preparing.
Salt pork is great for dishes that need a little more time on the stove but it’s not as versatile when grilling.
Fatback has less flavor than salt pork and can’t be used in every dish like salt pork can but it does work well with some recipes where there is no cooking involved.
The choice is really yours! Have fun cooking!