Diced pork is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in all sorts of recipes from stir-fries to stews But to get the most out of this tasty meat, it’s important to understand how long it takes to cook diced pork properly Undercooked pork can be tough and chewy, while overcooked pork dries out rapidly. So how long should you cook diced pork to achieve tender perfection every time? Read on for a complete guide!
Key Factors That Affect Cooking Time
There are a few key factors that impact how long it takes to cook diced pork:
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Size of the cubes – Smaller 1/2 inch cubes will cook faster than larger 1 inch chunks
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Cut of pork – Tenderloins and chops cook quicker than shoulder or butt.
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Cooking method – Braising, grilling, pan searing all require different cooking times.
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Desired doneness – Pulling pork at 145°F internal temp gives a slightly pink center vs. 170°F for well done.
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Browning – Getting a nice sear adds extra time at the start.
So there’s no one set cooking time for diced pork. Taking these elements into account will help you determine the right timing.
Quick Guide to Cooking Times for Diced Pork
Here’s a quick reference guide to approximate cooking times for 1-inch diced pork using common methods:
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To brown in a pan, cook for 7–10 minutes. Then, cook for another 15–20 minutes to see through.
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Braised or stewed – 45-60 minutes once liquid is simmering.
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Grilled or broiled – 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Baked – 45-60 minutes in a 375°F oven.
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Slow cooker – 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
For smaller 1/2 inch pieces, reduce cooking times by 5-10 minutes. And for tenderloins or pork chops, take off 5-10 minutes.
Keep in mind these times are based on an internal temperature of 145°F for medium doneness. Adjust up or down based on your preferences.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Diced Pork on the Stove
Want to cook diced pork to savory perfection? Follow these simple steps:
1. Choose your cut – Opt for shoulder/butt, loin or boneless chops which become tender when braised. Avoid super lean cuts.
2. Cut into 1-inch cubes – Keep pieces even in size so they cook uniformly. Trim excess fat.
3. Pat pork dry – This helps achieve a nice sear for added flavor.
4. Season the pork – Use salt, pepper and spices like garlic, paprika or cumin.
5. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat – Use an oil with high smoke point like avocado or grapeseed.
6. Brown pork cubes on all sides, 7-10 minutes – Work in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
7. Remove pork, lower heat to medium – Pour off excess grease if needed.
8. Return pork to skillet and add braising liquid – Chicken/veggie broth, canned diced tomatoes, wine, etc.
9. Bring liquid to a simmer then cover skillet – Liquid should barely bubble, not a full rolling boil.
10. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally – Time varies based on size of cubes and desired doneness.
11. Uncover and let liquid reduce to thicken (optional) – Cook another 5-10 minutes to concentrate flavors.
12. Taste and season with salt, pepper, herbs – Add a splash of vinegar or hot sauce for a kick.
And that’s it – perfectly braised and tender diced pork ready to be served or used in recipes!
How to Tell When Diced Pork is Cooked Through
Since pork needs to be cooked thoroughly to avoid food safety issues, it’s important to know when those cubes are ready. Here are some doneness tests to try:
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Temperature test – Use an instant read thermometer to check for 145°F, the FDA recommended minimum internal temperature. The meat will still have a hint of pink inside.
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Fork tender – When fully cooked, a fork should slide easily in and out of the pork without resistance.
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Visual test – Check that the cubes are opaque throughout and slightly browned on the outside.
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Cut test – Make a small slit to peek inside. Pork should be barely a hint of pink.
If in doubt, go ahead and cook the pork a bit longer. Pork cooked beyond 145°F to around 170°F will be fully greyish-brown throughout but may be drier.
Cooking Times for Different Cuts of Diced Pork
To adapt cooking times based on the cut, keep these guidelines in mind:
Pork shoulder/butt – High collagen content means it needs 45-60 minutes of braising time. Delicious pulled or chopped in tacos, chili, etc.
Pork loin – Leaner and more tender, cook 25-35 minutes. Great for stir fries or kabobs.
Pork chops – Cook 15-20 minutes max or they can dry out. Best grilled or browned then baked gently.
Pork tenderloin – Extremely lean yet tender. Aim for just 10-15 minutes. Perfect for salads or kebabs.
For all cuts, smaller 1/2 inch dices reduce cooking time. And for food safety, use a thermometer to guarantee proper doneness.
Cooking Times for Different Pork Doneness Levels
To control the finished texture of your pork, cook to different internal temperatures:
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Rare – 120-130°F, cooked 5-10 minutes – Red center
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Medium rare – 130-140°F, cooked 15-20 minutes – Pink juicy center
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Medium – 140-150°F, cooked 20-25 minutes – Hint of pink
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Medium well – 150-160°F, cooked 25-30 minutes – Trace of pink
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Well done – 165-170°F, cooked 30-35 minutes – Uniformly grey-brown
Most chefs recommend pulling pork between 140-145°F for a balance of safety and moisture. But adjust the timing to your preferences.
Use a good digital instant read thermometer poked deep into the thickest part of the cubes to monitor the temperature. Ovens and stovetops can have hot spots so checking each piece is key.
Quick Tips for Perfect Results
Follow these handy tips for foolproof diced pork every time:
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Dry the cubes well before searing – this promotes browning.
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Don’t crowd the pan when searing. Cook in batches.
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When braising, use a tight fitting lid and check liquid level periodically.
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For stews or chili, simmer gently once up to temperature.
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Let pork rest 5 minutes before serving. Juices will redistribute.
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Brine lean cubes in salt water for added moisture.
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For grilling, skewer cubes to hold shape. Soak skewers before using.
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Use tape or clips to secure foil over roasting pans to seal in steam.
Mastering the ideal cooking times for diced pork takes some practice. But with the guidelines above you’ll be turning out tender and delicious cubed pork in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook 1-inch diced pork in the oven?
At 375°F, 1-inch pork cubes take 45-60 minutes to become tender in the oven. Use foil to cover the pan which steams the pork as it cooks. Monitor temperature and adjust time as needed.
Can you braise diced pork on the stove?
Yes, braising on the stovetop is a great option for diced pork. Typically, sear cubes first, then simmer gently in broth 15-20 minutes until fork tender. Just be sure the liquid doesn’t boil rapidly.
Is it better to boil, braise or bake diced pork?
Braising and baking are best as boiling can overcook the pork. Both methods gently simmer or surround the pork with steam to gradually tenderize while preserving moisture.
How long does it take to cook diced pork in a slow cooker?
For 1-inch pieces, diced pork takes 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in a slow cooker. The extended time allows the collagen to break down for super tender meat.
Can you grill diced pork skewers to full doneness?
Yes, skewering cubes helps hold pork together for grilling. Cook over direct medium heat 8-12 minutes, turning to char all sides while avoiding flare-ups that can burn.
Get Creative with Diced Pork
Now that you know all about cooking times for diced pork, it’s time to put those perfectly cooked cubes of meat to good use! Here are just a few delicious recipe ideas:
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Tacos – Top tortillas with saucy braised pork, pico, avocado and cotija cheese.
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Lettuce Wraps – Toss tender grilled pork with hoisin, ginger and cabbage for hand-held fun.
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Pork Fried Rice – Stir-fry seared pork cubes with veggies, eggs and soy sauce over rice.
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Pasta Bolognese – Swap the usual ground meat for tender diced pork in this hearty Italian classic.
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Pork Salad – Combine cubed pork with peppery greens, sharp cheese, and a bold vinaigrette.
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Pork Banh Mi – Stuff crusty baguettes with crunchy veggies and an assortment of roasted and raw pork.
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Chili – Use spoon-tender braised pork as the base for your favorite hearty chili recipe.
However you choose to use it, properly cooked diced pork is endlessly adaptable. Cook and enjoy those cubes for happy, healthy and satisfying meals!
