Pork rinds are an increasingly popular and tasty snack, but what exactly are they? Unlike, say, fruit rinds, which are often discarded or fermented, pork rinds are pieces of pork, cooked into bite-sized curls that are crunchy, crispy, airy, and honestly, a little addicting. Comparable to chips, popcorn, or even bacon bits, this meaty, satisfying snack is enjoyed worldwide in slightly different variations. Often sold pre-packaged in the snack aisle of convenience stores and supermarkets, pork rinds can also be homemade or found in restaurants. Here’s everything you need to know about them.
What Are Pork Rinds?
Pork rinds are pork skin that is cooked until it crunches, typically served in bite-sized pieces, like chips.
Similar to chicken skin, which crisps up when cooked, pork rinds rely on the natural fat and texture of the animal skin to create a satisfying and crunchy snack.
Chicharrónes are also a popular style of pork rind in Central and South America. This type of pork rind may also have some pork belly meat attached, and can be served warm or packaged, like American pork rinds. In some parts of the world, pork rinds are also called pork cracklings.
How Are Pork Rinds Made?
Pork rinds are made from pig skin. First, the skin is removed from the meat and then boiled to soften and render out excess fat. Hair will also fall off the skin, because, well, it’s skin. Once the skin is tenderized, it’s cooled, dried, and then fried or baked to puff up like a chip, aka a pork rind. The cooked rind can then be salted or coated in a variety of spices and flavors.
Are Pork Rinds Healthy?
Pork rinds have no carbohydrates or sugars, which makes them a popular pick on the keto diet. They’re also naturally gluten-free. Pork rinds also don’t have any fiber, and can contain a high amount of sodium, making them a less than nutritious snack.
Still, pork rinds are high in protein, and a serving can contain up to 17 grams of protein per ounce. Pork rinds also have about 9 grams of fat, and over 3 grams of saturated fat per ounce, as well as 27 milligrams of cholesterol. Pork rinds have virtually no vitamins or minerals. Are they healthy? Not really, but there’s nothing wrong with consuming them occasionally if they are one of your favorite snacks.
How to Eat Pork Rinds
Pork rinds can be eaten by the handful! Plain pork rinds are a crisp and satisfying snack on their own, but can also be used like any chip for dipping. Pork rinds can also be a fun base to build nachos on, or added to sandwiches for an extra satisfying crunch. Low-carb cooks also grind up pork rinds to use as a crisp coating for meat or veggie cutlets.
