If you're a fan of Cajun cuisine, you've probably heard of tasso. This spicy cured meat is a staple in Southern cooking, adding bold flavor to everything from gumbo to jambalaya. While you can buy pre-made tasso at many specialty stores, there's something special about making it from scratch. In this recipe, we'll show you how to create your own tasso at home, so you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
Ingredient
To make tasso, you'll need the following ingredients:
2-3 pounds of pork shoulder or butt
1/2 cup of kosher salt
1/2 cup of brown sugar
2 tablespoons of garlic powder
2 tablespoons of onion powder
2 tablespoons of paprika
2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. Begin by trimming any excess fat from the pork shoulder or butt. You want to remove as much fat as possible, as it will interfere with the curing process. 2. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine. 3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder or butt, making sure to cover it evenly on all sides. 4. Place the pork in a large resealable bag or a covered container. Refrigerate for 3-5 days, turning the meat over every day to ensure even curing. 5. After 3-5 days, remove the pork from the refrigerator and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. 6. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 7. Cut the pork into 1-inch thick slices. Lay the slices out on a wire rack or a baking sheet. 8. Place the pork in the oven and bake for 4-6 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 9. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely. 10. Once the pork is cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 weeks. 11. To use the tasso in recipes, cut it into small cubes or thin slices. It adds a spicy, smoky flavor to any dish.
Nutrition
While tasso is delicious, it's also high in sodium and fat. One serving (1 ounce) of tasso contains approximately:
70 calories
5 grams of fat
2 grams of saturated fat
220 milligrams of sodium
1 gram of carbohydrate
6 grams of protein
Conclusion
Making tasso at home is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the flavors of Cajun cuisine in your own kitchen. While it takes a few days to cure the meat, the end result is well worth the wait. Whether you use it in gumbo, jambalaya, or on its own as a snack, tasso is a spicy Southern delight that's sure to please.
