1. Thaw the pork secreto:
• Fridge method (recommended):
Place the frozen secreto in the fridge for 24 hours. This slow thaw preserves its texture and flavor.
• Cold water method:
If you’re short on time, submerge the sealed package in cold water for 1-2 hours. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
2. Pat the pork dry:
Once thawed, use a paper towel to gently pat the pork dry. This ensures a good sear and helps develop that crispy, caramelized crust.
3. Season:
Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper, or go for a simple rub with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a little olive oil for extra flavour.
Cooking Methods
Choose your heat source based on your kitchen setup or preference:
1. Grill:
• Preheat the grill to high heat (around 250-300°C).
• Place the pork secreto on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. The pork should have a beautiful caramelized crust and still be pink in the center.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Cast iron skillet:
• Heat the skillet on medium-high heat until it’s hot.
• Add a splash of olive oil and sear the pork for 3-4 minutes per side. The pork should have a nice crust but remain juicy.
• Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Oven broil:
• Preheat your oven’s broiler and position a rack about 6 inches from the top.
• Broil the pork secreto on a baking sheet, cooking each side for 4-5 minutes, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Once nicely browned, rest it before serving.
4. Sous vide (for tender perfection):
• Preheat the sous vide to 57°C.
• Season the pork, vacuum-seal it, and cook it for 1-2 hours.
• Finish by searing it in a hot pan for 1 minute on each side for a crispy finish.
Recipe: Iberico Pork Secreto with Garlic & Herb Butter
This simple recipe enhances the natural flavour of the Iberico pork with a rich garlic and herb butter.
Ingredients:
• 1.1 kg Iberico pork secreto
• Salt and pepper
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or thyme)
• 100g unsalted butter
• Lemon wedges for garnish
Steps:
1. Prepare the pork secreto:
Season it generously with salt and pepper. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the butter.
2. Make the garlic herb butter:
• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the garlic and rosemary and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Cook the secreto:
Choose your cooking method (grill, skillet, or oven) and cook the pork for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but still pink inside.
4. Rest and serve:
After cooking, let the pork rest for 5 minutes. Slice it thinly against the grain.
5. Drizzle with garlic herb butter:
Just before serving, drizzle the garlic herb butter over the sliced pork. Squeeze a little lemon juice on top for a bright finish.
Serve with roasted potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!
