Traditional Salo

2022-07-02

By Yaroslav

Ukranian Cuisine

Appetizer

Mastering Salo: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Air Fryer Techniques for Perfectly Rendered and Crispy Salo

How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Salo in a Slow Cooker: Slow and Steady for Perfect Tenderness

Use the slow cooker to gently cook your salo at low temperatures, which will help render the fat slowly while keeping the meat tender and juicy. You can infuse it with herbs and spices for added flavor, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth salo.

Quick and Crispy Salo in the Instant Pot: Pressure Cooked for Fast, Flavorful Results

Use the Instant Pot’s "pressure cook" function to render the fat quickly and efficiently. The pressure speeds up the process while locking in moisture and flavor, giving you crispy, golden salo without the wait.

Achieve Golden, Crispy Salo with an Air Fryer: Perfect Crunch Without the Deep Frying

After rendering the fat in the Instant Pot or slow cooker, use the air fryer’s "air crisp" function to achieve a perfectly crispy, golden-brown skin. This method allows you to get a crunchy texture on the outside while keeping the fat tender inside.

Tips and Suggestions on Salo

Choosing the right cut

Salo is a type of cured pork fat that is typically made using the fatback or belly. It's important to choose a cut with enough fat, but not too much connective tissue or muscle, as this can cause the salo to be tough or chewy.

Curing the salo

Curing the salo is an important step in the process, as it helps to preserve the fat and develop flavor. The salo can be cured using salt, spices, and herbs, and then hung or placed in a cool, dry place for several weeks.

Slicing the salo

Slicing the salo can be a challenge, as it needs to be cut thin and evenly to create a pleasant texture and mouthfeel. Use a sharp knife and try to remove any uneven pieces or connective tissue from the fat.

Pairing with other flavors

Salo is often served with other flavors to balance out its richness. It's important to pair it with acidic or sour flavors, such as pickles, sauerkraut, or mustard, to cut through the richness of the salo.

Storing the salo

Salo is a perishable food, so it's important to store it properly to prevent spoilage. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for up to several months.

Classic Salo Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb salo
  • 1 garlic bulb
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp vodka

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Cut the salo into thin slices and place them on a baking sheet.
  3. Crush the garlic cloves and sprinkle them over the salo.
  4. Season the salo with black pepper, paprika, and salt. Add bay leaves on top.
  5. Pour vodka over the salo.
  6. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until the salo is golden and crispy.
  7. Allow to cool before serving.
  8. Serve on bread or with vegetables as a snack or appetizer.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 20 min

Cook Time 30 min

Total time 50 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 340
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Protein: 20 g

Variations for Salo

Salo with Peppers and Onions

This version is made with savory slices of salo, sautéed with vibrant peppers and sweet onions, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.

Rebel`s Salo

Salo with garlic

This version is made with rich, cured salo, infused with aromatic garlic, creating a mouthwatering combination that's perfect for spreading or enjoying with bread.

Salo with garlic

Salo Recipe Review

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