Cooking pork and turkey together is definitely possible, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The main consideration is that pork and turkey have different cooking times and temperatures. Pork is best cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, while turkey should be cooked to 165°F. This means if you cook them together, you’ll need to find a middle ground so they are both properly cooked without drying out.
Can You Cook Pork and Turkey in the Oven Together?
Yes, you can absolutely cook pork and turkey together in the oven. The key is using different preparation methods for each and being strategic with their placement. Here are some tips:
- Brine the turkey and rub the pork shoulder or loin with seasoning. The brine will help keep the turkey moist.
- Place the turkey on a lower oven rack since it needs to cook to a higher temperature. Place the pork on a higher rack.
- Use a meat thermometer and check each meat’s internal temp periodically. Pull the pork when it hits 140-145°F and the turkey when it hits 160-165°F.
- Let both meats rest before slicing and serving. The turkey needs 20-30 minutes; pork can rest for 5-10 minutes.
As long as you monitor the temperature and doneness of each meat, cooking them together in the oven works well. The pork essentially roasts while the turkey cooks.
Can You Cook Pork and Turkey in a Slow Cooker Together?
You can cook pork and turkey in a slow cooker together, but it requires a few extra steps.
- Brown the pork first. This helps render fat and develop flavor.
- Place the pork in the slow cooker insert. Add desired seasonings and liquid.
- After a few hours, add the turkey on top of the pork. You want to offset the cooking times.
- Use a meat thermometer to check temps. Remove pork around 145°F; turkey around 165°F.
- Let meats rest before slicing and serving.
The key with using a slow cooker is to stagger the meats, since pork cooks faster than turkey. Let the pork get a head start, then add the turkey later. They can finish cooking together.
Can You Cook Ground Pork and Ground Turkey Together?
Ground pork and ground turkey can definitely be cooked together. Here are some tips:
- Use a ratio of 2 parts turkey to 1 part pork. This compensates for pork’s higher fat content.
- Season the meat well and mix together gently but thoroughly.
- Cook as you would ground beef or turkey for dishes like meatloaf, burgers, meatballs, etc.
- Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F since ground meats need to reach a food-safe level.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Browning the ground meat mixture first helps develop more flavor. Mixing the two meats together evenly lets you achieve a nice blended texture and juiciness.
Should You Brine Pork and Turkey Together?
It’s best not to brine pork and turkey together. Turkey benefits greatly from brining, as it helps keep the meat moist and seasoned throughout. Pork does not need the same level of moisture retention.
Here are a few reasons to brine them separately:
- The brine ratio and ingredients can be tailored to each meat.
- You can control the brining time based on the meat size. Turkey may need 12-24 hours; pork 2-4 hours.
- Separate brining eliminates cross-contamination risks from raw meats.
- Brined meats can be rinsed and dried properly before cooking.
With some planning, you can brine pork and turkey in advance before cooking them together. But for food safety and quality, it’s best to keep the brines separate.
What are the Best Methods for Cooking Pork and Turkey Together?
These methods yield delicious results when cooking pork and turkey together:
- Roasting – Use a rack setup in the oven so meats can cook at different levels. Monitor temperature.
- Grilling – Quickly sear and cook meats on medium heat. Flavor with a spice rub or glaze.
- Smoking – Low, indirect heat infuses smoker flavor. Baste to help retain moisture.
- Stewing – Tough cuts become fall-off-the-bone tender. Cook in flavorful broth.
- Braising – Brown meat first, then cook in small amount of liquid. Keeps meat moist.
The right method depends on the cut of meat and the dish you want to create. Combining pork and turkey can add delicious flavor and texture contrast.
What are Good Temperature and Cook Times When Cooking Pork and Turkey Together?
When cooking pork and turkey together, aim for these target temperatures and cook times:
| Meat | Target Internal Temp | Approx. Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pork loin or chops | 145°F | 8-12 minutes per 1/2 inch thickness |
| Pork shoulder or leg | 145°F | 1-1.5 hours per pound |
| Boneless turkey breast | 165°F | 1.5-3 hours |
| Bone-in turkey pieces | 165°F | 15-20 minutes per pound |
| Whole turkey | 165°F in thickest part of breast | 10-15 minutes per pound |
Always use a meat thermometer to check temperature instead of relying on cook time alone. Let meat rest before carving.
What are Some Flavor Combos That Go Well with Pork and Turkey?
Here are some tasty flavor combinations to try when cooking pork and turkey together:
- Apple – Sweet tartness pairs perfectly with pork and turkey. Use apple juice or cider in braises or pan sauces.
- Cranberry – Bright, tangy cranberries complement the richness. Make a sauce or chutney.
- Sage – Earthy sage brings out the savory qualities. Rub on a sage butter before roasting.
- Thyme – Lemony thyme accentuates the flavors. Use sprigs to season while cooking.
- Rosemary – Woodsy rosemary adds interest. Roast meats with whole garlic and rosemary.
- Maple – Sweet maple syrup lends mild sweetness. Glaze on meats toward the end of cooking.
Spice blends like poultry seasoning, garlic powder, paprika and cayenne can also add bold flavor. Get creative with rubs, marinades and basting sauces.
What Sides Go Well with Pork and Turkey Entrees?
These versatile side dishes complement pork and turkey entrees beautifully:
- Mashed potatoes – Comforting, creamy potatoes are a perfect match.
- Stuffing or dressing – A holiday classic, made with bread, veggies, herbs.
- Green bean casserole – Fun twist on green beans, with crispy fried onions.
- Roasted vegetables – Hearty roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash.
- Mac and cheese – Cheesy, gooey macaroni is a crowd pleaser.
- Rice pilaf – Herb-flecked rice pilaf provides a neutral base.
- Biscuits or rolls – Flaky, buttery biscuits sop up the delicious pan sauces.
- Cranberry sauce – Tart, fruity cranberry sauce balances the richness.
Playing with contrasts in flavor and texture helps the meal come together. A starchy side paired with a vegetable and bread makes a satisfying plate.
What are Some Recipe Ideas for Cooking Pork and Turkey Together?
Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started with cooking pork and turkey together:
- Pork Chili Verde – Spicy stew with green chilies, tomatillos, cumin, turkey, pork shoulder.
- Porchetta-Style Turkey – Turkey breast stuffed with pork belly, garlic, rosemary.
- Carnitas – Braised pork and turkey thighs with onion, garlic, citrus.
- Hawaiian Kebabs – Pork tenderloin and turkey breast with pineapple and peppers.
- Maple Dijon Roast – Pork loin and turkey breast coated in maple-Dijon glaze.
- Thai Coconut Curry – Spiced curry with pork, turkey, veggies and coconut milk.
Mix up your weeknight dinners or impress at a holiday meal. Combining pork and turkey opens up many possibilities!
Conclusion
Cooking pork and turkey together is totally doable with proper planning. Choosing complementary cuts, monitoring cook times and temperatures, and using flavorful seasonings and sauces results in delicious fusion dishes. With the right preparation methods and a bit of finesse in the kitchen, you can enjoy moist, tender pork and turkey entrees at home. Have fun experimenting with new recipe ideas featuring this tasty protein pair.