How to Cook Hog Backstrap | Livestrong.com (2024)

How to Cook Hog Backstrap | Livestrong.com (1)

Oven knob

Image Credit: DAJ/amana images/Getty Images

Wild hogs are found in 39 states, as of 2011, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and these populations are considered invasive species, providing numerous hunting opportunities. The hogs can reach 400 lbs., resulting in a significant amount of meat for the freezer. One of the best cuts from a hog is the backstrap, or tenderloin. Wild hogs have less fat than domestic pork with dark meat and a tight grain. As a result, you must cook the backstrap properly to ensure a delicious result.

Advertisem*nt

Step 1

Cut off any fat on the outside of the backstrap. The soft fat on hog meat doesn't add flavor like the hard fat on domestic pork.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with four cups ice water in a large bowl.

Step 3

Submerge the backstrap in the water solution and place it in the refrigerator for two to three days. During this time, the meat will turn white as the blood is bleached out.

Advertisem*nt

Step 4

Remove the backstrap from the water solution and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6

Place the backstrap in a baking dish and put it in the oven.

Step 7

Cook the meat for 45 to 60 minutes.

Step 8

Remove the backstrap from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Things You'll Need

  • 4- to 6-lb. hog backstrap

  • Knife

  • Cutting board

  • 1/2 cup vinegar

  • 4 cups water

  • Mixing bowl

  • Paper towels

  • Baking dish

  • Timer

  • Meat thermometer

Tip

You can also grill the hog backstrap for 12 to 15 minutes per side. Actual cooking times may vary according to your oven and the thickness of the backstrap.

Warning

Hogs may carry various swine diseases such as swine brucellosis or pseudorabies. Always cook thoroughly to destroy any bacteria.

Video of the Day

Advertisem*nt

Advertisem*nt

How to Cook Hog Backstrap | Livestrong.com (2024)

FAQs

How to Cook Hog Backstrap | Livestrong.com? ›

Preheat grill to 375 degrees F. Mix the jam, soy sauce, and rosemary to make a thin paste. Rinse the pig and lightly coat in the blackberry mixture. Put pig in grill and cook, basting with blackberry mixture every 10 minutes, until the internal temp reaches 145 degrees F, about 45-50 minutes total.

How to cook hog backstraps? ›

Preheat grill to 375 degrees F. Mix the jam, soy sauce, and rosemary to make a thin paste. Rinse the pig and lightly coat in the blackberry mixture. Put pig in grill and cook, basting with blackberry mixture every 10 minutes, until the internal temp reaches 145 degrees F, about 45-50 minutes total.

What temperature is wild boar backstrap done? ›

According to the FDA, the internal temperature at the center should be 145°F: Cook beef, pork, veal, and lamb roasts, steaks, and chops to at least 145° F (63° C), with a 3 minute rest time.

Is hog backstrap good? ›

Even the oldest boars can be used for making sausage and the backstraps on older hogs are usually very tasty when smoked or chicken fried. If the hog you harvest happens to be a young boar or fat sow of any age, you are in for some excellent eating.

What's the best way to cook a wild hog? ›

Lean feral swine are best cooked slowly, at lower temperatures than domestic pork, in order to break down the muscle into tender morsels of porky goodness. One-inch thick steaks and chops can be grilled, sautéed or pan-seared over medium-high heat.

How should backstrap be cooked? ›

Place the tenderloin in the hot pan and sear each side until browned, about 1–2 minutes per side. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the internal temperature of the backstrap reaches around 140 degrees Fahrenheit, about 10 minutes.

What's the best way to cook a hog? ›

Place the pig on the grill, skin side down, and cook at 250 degrees for about 3 hours. Increase the heat to 275. Cook for another ~5 hours until the internal temp reaches at least 190 degrees. Optional – mop with a vinegar-based sauce after 6 hours.

What is the backstrap on a hog called? ›

One of the best cuts from a hog is the backstrap, or tenderloin. Wild hogs have less fat than domestic pork with dark meat and a tight grain. As a result, you must cook the backstrap properly to ensure a delicious result.

What temp should pork backstrap be? ›

The safe internal pork cooking temperature for fresh cuts is 145° F. To check doneness properly, use a digital cooking thermometer.

How do you know when venison backstrap is done? ›

I aim for just 120°F in the very center. What if I like my meat more well done? I definitely don't recommend going past medium, which is closer to 130°F. Keep in mind the temp will continue to rise as it rests, so don't go too far while in the oven.

What is the most expensive cut of meat from a hog? ›

What is the most expensive cut of pork? It's usually the pork tenderloin (also called pork tender or fillet). A lot of the other loin cuts tend to err on the more expensive side since it has some high-quality meat to offer.

How to smoke hog backstrap? ›

Place backstrap on a well-lubricated, hot grill. Keep the lid closed as much as possible to keep the smoke inside. Cook backstrap 3-5 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 140º. Turn off heat and allow the backstrap to rest 10 minutes with the Smokehouse Smoker Box still smoking.

How to tell if boar meat is bad? ›

Remember that there are signs that you've bagged some bad meat as well -- strong, rotten odors should indicate that you ought not to consume the animal. Look for strange colors or odd consistencies in the meat as well -- blues, greens, yellows...these don't belong anywhere on hog meat that you plan to consume.

How do you get the wild taste out of wild hog? ›

The distinct game flavor of either birds or animals will be milder after soaking the meat overnight in the refrigerator in either a salt or vinegar solution. 2. Vinegar solution - 1 cup per quart of cold water. Use enough solution to cover the game completely.

How do you make wild boar taste better? ›

Usually, a pork tenderloin goes well with a Southern rub containing a lot of spices, but to make the most of the flavorful wild boar meat, you're much better off keeping the seasoning simple. Just a little pepper, garlic, and paprika is all you need to make this wild boar shine!

Is wild hog healthier than pig? ›

Our wild boar meat contains zero sodium, while farmed pork contains extremely high levels. For this reason wild boar is a much healthier choice for heart health.

What is the backstrap of a pig called? ›

Loin - The loin muscle is located along the pigs back, on each side of its spine. The loin is located in front of the rump and behind the rib cage. Shoulder - The shoulder is located behind the neck and in front of the ribs.

What temp is pork backstrap done? ›

The safe internal pork cooking temperature for fresh cuts is 145° F. To check doneness properly, use a digital cooking thermometer.

How long does it take to cook a hog shoulder? ›

Set the meat on a rack set into a roasting pan. Roast for 20 minutes, and then reduce the heat to 325 degrees F. Continue to cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the shoulder reads 185 degrees F, about 4 hours. Remove the pork from the oven and let stand until cool enough to handle, about 30 minutes.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Errol Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 6068

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Errol Quitzon

Birthday: 1993-04-02

Address: 70604 Haley Lane, Port Weldonside, TN 99233-0942

Phone: +9665282866296

Job: Product Retail Agent

Hobby: Computer programming, Horseback riding, Hooping, Dance, Ice skating, Backpacking, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.