Pork is always a great option when it comes to dinner. But if you want to take your pork dish up a notch, then adding some herbs and spices can really bring out its flavors. But do you ever wonder what spices and herbs go with pork?
Those who love to cook can tell you that the flavor of a dish is greatly enhanced with a touch of herbs and spices. When it comes to pork, the combinations are both timeless and varied. From the sweet smokiness of cumin and paprika to zesty blends of sage, oregano, and thyme – each can add an element of surprise or enhance the subtle, delicious flavor of pork.
Countless combinations of flavors can take pork from everyday dinner fare into memorable epicurean experiences. So get ready to explore the world of culinary adventure – starting with bringing piquant notes to Pork recipes!
What Spices and Herbs Go With Pork: The Top 17 Favorites
1. Thyme
1. Thyme
Thyme is an aromatic herb that tastes earthy and slightly minty. It’s a popular ingredient used in Mediterranean and French cuisine, so it goes perfectly with many cuts of pork! Whether you’re wrapping tenderloin in bacon or preparing a slow-roasted shoulder blade roast, thyme will make it super flavorful.
In fact, the herb enhances much more than just pork; its citrusy undertone makes it fantastic when used to season fish and poultry too! For something special, try a pork tenderloin with thyme sauce – accompany this creamy and fragrant dish with mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus for maximum mouthwatering goodness.
Your taste buds will appreciate you for introducing them to this unusual and delectable mix, so you won’t regret it.
2. Chives
Chives are one of the original herbs used in cooking and have been used to add flavor to savory dishes since ancient times. The subtle onion flavor and hints of garlic in this Allium family member truly bring out the flavors of the pork. Depending on what you require, you can add it either raw or cooked.
When adding chives to pork dishes, it’s best to use them at the end of cooking, as prolonged exposure to heat can compromise their delicate flavor. A pork roast topped off with a sprinkle of fresh chives is one of the favorite meals during the holidays and is sure to please any crowd.
Don’t forget the classic comfort food like meatballs, too! Pork meatballs with sautéed onions and grated Parmesan cheese, accented with fresh chives before serving, would make an excellent dinner option too. Chives are easy to find in any grocery store year-round and can be grown inexpensively, making them an affordable way to enhance classic pork recipes.
3. Basil
Popular and fragrant herbs like basil may give food a lot of flavors. Its taste is herbal, slightly sweet, with hints of pepper. It pairs particularly well with pork, making it a popular choice for many cooks. For an easy dish, you could simply season your pork fillet with salt, pepper, and some chopped fresh basil leaves.
Alternatively, you could use dried basil in your marinade or rub it onto the meat before cooking to get more flavor. Either way is sure to make a succulent dish that will wow your guests! Why not give a dish like Pork and Basil Ragu a go if you’re feeling adventurous? This delicious comfort-food recipe combines slow-cooked pork shoulder with tomato sauce, herbs, and spices, including basil, for an interesting yet comforting dish.
Whatever you choose to add this fragrant herb, you and your taste buds will surely be rewarded!
4. Rosemary
Rosemary has a strong, pungent aroma that is perfect for roasting pork loin or loin chops in the oven. And what’s even better, rosemary freezes really well, so fresh sprigs can last much longer than they would otherwise. Plus, using fresh rosemary adds more flavor than dried ones.
When using fresh rosemary in cooking with pork, it’s best to roughly chop the leaves first before adding them to the dish. This releases their oils more quickly and enhances the flavor significantly. Unsurprisingly, rosemary goes particularly well with other classic pork partners such as garlic and thyme for seasoning or ingredients such as applesauce or orange juice for sauces or stuffings.
5. Oregano
Oregano is a versatile herb that can add lots of delicious flavor to many recipes, especially pork dishes. Its fragrant aroma has an earthy and slightly bitter taste with some sweet undertones. Oregano pairs beautifully with other herbs like thyme, basil, and rosemary, while its slightly sharp flavor works wonders when combined with garlic to give an extra kick to any dish.
When specific flavors in oregano are released during cooking, they combine with fats in the meat to create complexity and depth of flavor – the perfect way to elevate the humble pork chop. Fry up some pork chops in olive oil infused with oregano, perhaps adding a teaspoon or two of dried oregano for a boost of flavor. Then serve them with oven-baked new potatoes or mashed root vegetables for a hearty and aromatic dinner.
6. Dill
Dill has long been used to season pork recipes. It’s one of the oldest and most versatile herbs in the world. Its flavor is unmistakable: a sort-of fennel-lemon combination that works with almost anything! In particular, the oniony-anise taste of dill pairs especially well with the flavors of pork.
Whether you’re making a marinade for delicious roasted pork loin or including it as part of brine for succulent smoked pork chops, dill is sure to add an irresistible aromatic kick. For a special treat, why not combine dill with garlic and honey to create a glaze perfectly suited for crisping pan-seared pork tenderloins?
7. Parsley
It’s an herb with a slightly peppery, earthy flavor and a hint of green. Though it can be used dried or fresh, most recipes with pork prefer fresh parsley for its bolder taste.
Not sure how to use it? Reach for a classic Mediterranean recipe to enjoy this versatile herb’s full potential. For example, how about a hearty peasant-style pork stew with potatoes and parsley or traditional German schweinebraten served with a crisp green side salad garnished with plenty of chopped parsley? It doesn’t get much easier than this.
Just add parsley, and your warming winter roast is transformed into something truly special. Whether roasted in its own juices or cooked as part of an elaborate main course – pork and parsley are sure to please even discerning diners!
8. Cilantro
Cilantro is a fresh and flavorful herb that is often used to add color and flavor to meals. It has a unique lemony, grassy flavor that pairs perfectly with pork dishes for extra special zest. For recipes that call for cooked pork, cilantro can be added at the end of the cooking time to help keep its vibrant color and distinct taste.
When using fresh cilantro in a salad or salsa, it provides a lovely contrast. To bring out the taste of cilantro in pork dishes, use generous amounts of other herbs, spices, and aromatics such as garlic, lemon juice, chiles, oregano, and cumin. This will add character and fragrance to any dish!
Pork carnitas are especially delicious when they include finely chopped cilantro stirred in at the end. Their smoky flavor profile provides ample room for the light taste of cilantro to shine through.
9. Sage
This aromatic herb has a camphor-like taste, providing an extra layer of flavor and depth to any dish it adds to. Sage is beloved for its savory scent, but it is also considered extremely versatile in cooking as its taste profile can drastically change when roasted or sautéed.
One of the best sage recipes with pork to give your next meal that perfect balance of savory goodness comes in the form of Herb Crusted Pork Chops – ideal for any occasion or season. The combination of fresh sage, parsley, and thyme gives the dish an amazing fragrant aroma and adds that beautiful taste your guests are just going to love!
10. Tarragon
Tarragon is an aromatic herb with a slight licorice taste that is most often associated with French cooking. It has long, delicate green leaves, which provide a mild yet complex flavor. When cooked, tarragon has a sweet flavor and can elevate the flavor of your food significantly. This makes it perfect for accompanying pork dishes, as its flavor complements the fatty richness of the meat.
Perfect recipes for pork and tarragon would be salads with grilled pork, savory crepes filled with pulled pork and gruyere cheese, or pork cutlets braised in white wine sauce with tarragon and lemon juice. No matter how you decide to combine pork and tarragon, it will certainly be an incredibly delectable dish!
11. Garlic
Garlic has a distinct pungent smell and adds tremendous flavor and aroma to meals. When it comes to pork, garlic works its magic by adding robustness and complexity to the dish.
As a member of the allium family, it contains volatile oils that are responsible for the various flavors you experience when you taste garlic, from savory and bitter notes to sweetness and spice. When used in conjunction with other herbs like rosemary and oregano, it can create an extraordinary depth of flavor.
The perfect recipe for showcasing the richness of garlic in pork may be a slow-roasted pork loin marinated with olive oil, trinity herbs (rosemary, parsley, and thyme), plus lots of garlic. This will ensure juicy results every time!
12. Onion
Usually found in white, yellow, or red varieties in the United States, onions have long been a staple of many classic cuisines around the world. Onion has a signature pungency that comes from sulfuric compounds when cut. Otherwise, they have an earthy sweetness that mellows out with cooking.
When it comes to pork recipes, onions make the perfect accompaniment. They can be diced and added to top off roasted pork loin or slow-cooked into pulled pork. It is also common in stir-fries and other Asian-inspired dishes. For home cooks looking for an easy recipe to try, pairing pork chops with caramelized onions is an excellent option.
The sweetening quality of the caramelization process tames the slight bitterness of onion and blends perfectly with savory lean pork for an exquisite dish.
13. Fennel
When using this herb with pork, it imparts a mild licorice flavor that enhances the natural taste of the meat. Fennel also has a pleasant texture when used in cooking, adding an additional layer of texture to dishes. For the best results, it should be used as an ingredient in combination with other spices, such as cloves and garlic, or as part of a marinade or rub.
A classic Italian dish that combines fennel with pork is Spaghetti alla Carbonara—frying pancetta in oil before adding cooked spaghetti, eggs, parmesan cheese, parsley, black pepper, and fennel seeds for extra flavor.
14. Cumin
A ground spice with an earthy, smoky aroma, cumin tastes slightly bitter yet deeply flavorful. The subtle heat it lends to recipes makes it one of the most popular ingredients for marinades, stews, and rubs. When paired with ground beef, cumin brings out the best in those dishes; Pork is no different!
Mix ground cumin with olive oil and roasted garlic to create the perfect marinade for a roast pork shoulder or loin. The result is tremendously tender meat that practically melts in your mouth. For something a little creamier, try making pork curry with coconut milk, ground cumin, and lots of diced vegetables – you won’t be disappointed!
15. Paprika
Many people might not know this, but pork roast is actually the ideal dish for paprika. Paprika is a spice made from ground red peppers, which can vary in flavor and color depending on the type of pepper it’s made from. It is ideal for pork because it has a mellow flavor and scent with notes of smokiness and sweetness. What’s more, paprika adds boldness to any pork recipe.
It doesn’t take much to turn an ordinary pork roast into something extraordinary! Not sure how much paprika to use? It really varies depending on the recipe, but you typically don’t want to add too much as the subtle smokiness can easily overwhelm pork’s delicate flavor.
Instead, try rubbing it over your pork roast before putting it in the oven to give it a full-bodied taste without overpowering the pork itself. You’re sure to end up with an unbeatable pork dish every time!
16. Chili Powder
Chili powder is an essential pork seasoning. It can turn ordinary pork into a deliciously juicy and aromatic dish. Chili powder is composed of several spices, including chili peppers, cumin, garlic, oregano, paprika, and other seasonings. Its flavor is unmistakable – it has both a smoky edge and a depth of warmth coming from the chili peppers.
As the perfect complement to pork dishes, chili powder adds a vibrant spice that makes pork come to life. Chili pork tacos are a great way to enjoy this seasoning; it brings out the pork’s sweet juices, and bright flavor pops from onion and tomatoes.
With just the right amount of heat, chili powder also perfectly seasons pork roasts and stir-fries for big family meals or everyday home-cooked dinners.
17. Cayenne Pepper
The cayenne pepper is a hot chili pepper indigenous to Central and South America. It is rated between 30,000 and 50,000 on the Scoville Heat Unit Scale. Not so great for those who prefer milder flavors. Its flavor challenges your taste buds and adds charming heat, which makes it an immensely popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine.
If you’re cooking with pork, why not create something unique like Citrus Roast Pork Shoulder with Cayenne-Garlic Sauce? The combination of vinegar, garlic, and roasted orange paired with fresh herbs like juniper or oregano and cayenne pepper will leave your dinner guests coming back for second helpings!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What spices go with pork and apple?
Whole cloves pair wonderfully with apples, so adding a generous sprinkle of those is always a good idea. Thyme works well, too, but if you really want to make it unique, why not try using Chinese five-spice powder? It has ground star anise and fennel, which work excellently with the sweet and savory flavors of the pork and apple combination. Keep in mind that Chinese five spice can be a bit strong, so go easy until you figure out the perfect amount for your taste buds.
Q: Are dried herbs for pork chops the same as fresh ones?
Fresh herbs are one of the simplest and most aromatic ingredients to add flavor and seasoning to a dish like pork. With dried herbs, it isn’t quite the same experience. While both are important in adding deliciousness to dishes, the flavor is quite different. Many chefs disagree on which is better – fresh or dried herbs – because it can depend on variables such as availability and the desired intensity of taste. In general, however, fresh herbs have more color, aroma, and stronger flavor than their dried counterparts for dishes like pork.
Q: What herbs go with pork and apple?
Sage, rosemary, and thyme all pair wonderfully with both the sweetness of the apples and the richness of the pork. And if you really want to level up your next meal, you could also go for savory oregano or tarragon for an even more unique flavor that will definitely have your guests talking.
Q: How do you season pork?
A great place to start is by rubbing your cut of pork with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. When making your unique blend, consider adding classic ingredients like garlic powder or onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder for heat. Don’t forget to season under the skin or fat layer too! A pinch of salt here and there never hurt anything, either. Lastly, don’t forget the power of acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar – these can add both flavor and tenderize the meat.
Q: When should I season pork?
Season your pork right before it goes on the heat – whether in the frying pan, oven, or barbecue. This way, you can really get creative with adding herbs and spices for maximum flavor and adjust them according to what kind of dish you’re serving. The great thing about pork is that it takes so well to different flavor combinations, so don’t be afraid to experiment! Several minutes before putting it on the heat is perfect timing for seasoning, but remember though – season lightly! Over-seasoning will ruin dishes just as much as no seasoning at all.
Final Words
Herbs and spices have a way of making any dish sing, but when it comes to pork, the combination of even the most simple ingredients can take your taste buds on a flavorful journey. Basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary are all great options for enhancing pork dishes. Paprika adds a kick, while sage provides an earthy flavor. To really spice things up, try some cayenne pepper or ginger too! Ultimately, what herbs or spices you choose with your pork will depend on personal preference and the flavors you want to create in the finished dish.