What to have with pork

Pork is one of the hardest-working ingredients in the kitchen, with cuts to suit everything from speedy suppers to slow-cooked feasts. Discover the different cuts, learn how to cook pork and explore our favourite pork recipes and serving ideas.

Food Editor

Olivia Ferguson

Cuts of pork

From lean fillet to rich pork belly, there's a cut to suit every recipe. Whether you're planning a quick midweek meal or an epic weekend spread, here's how to make the most of the different types of pork.

Fillet: The leanest and most tender cut, ideal for quick-cook dinners and special occasions.
Chops: Juicy and flavour-packed, perfect for grilling, pan-frying or barbecuing.
Loin: Tender and versatile, great roasted whole or sliced into steaks.
Bacon: A smoky staple that adds instant flavour to breakfasts, pasta dishes and more.
Gammon: A retro favourite that's delicious served with chips and pineapple. Roast it whole for a centrepiece dinner or enjoy as a quick-cook gammon steak.
Sausage: A family favourite that's perfect for traybakes, casseroles and pasta dishes.
Belly: Rich and succulent, it's best slow-cooked until meltingly tender.
Mince: A versatile ingredient for everything from meatballs and burgers to tacos and dumplings.

Browse pork in store

Collection British Outdoor Bred Pork, Parmesan and Truffle Sausages

Collection Boneless Ultimate British Pork Crackling Joint

Heritage Gold British Outdoor Bred Pork Mince 5% Fat

British Heritage Pepper and Lemon Crumb Pork Cutlets

Heritage Gold British Heritage Pepper and Lemon Crumbed Pork Cutlets

How to cook pork

Whether you're roasting, frying, grilling or slow-cooking, pork is a versatile meat that works brilliantly with a range of cooking methods. Leaner cuts, such as fillet and loin chops, are best cooked quickly over a higher heat to keep them tender and juicy, while richer cuts like shoulder and belly benefit from low-and-slow cooking to achieve melt-in-the-mouth results. Always allow larger cuts to rest before carving to lock in the juices and maximise flavour.

More cooking tips

What pairs well with pork?

Pork’s mild flavour makes it a brilliant partner for a wide range of ingredients. Apples are a classic pairing, but pears, grapes and plums work just as well, while mustard, cider and sharp vinegars help balance richer cuts. Herbs such as sage, thyme and rosemary also complement pork beautifully. Try Tom Kerridge's pork fillet recipe with pickled grapes, chicory and blue cheese for a fresh take on a classic pairing.

Pork recipes

What to do with pork loin steaks

Pork loin steaks are a great midweek option, as they're lean and cook quickly in a frying pan or under the grill. Their mild flavour makes them the perfect canvas for bold flavours and sauces. Try our katsu pork steaks recipe for a Japanese-inspired dinner of crispy crumbed pork, rice and pickled slaw. Or, for a speedy Sunday lunch, make Tom Kerridge's pork loin steaks with a rich mushroom and chestnut sauce and crispy herb-roasted potatoes.

Browse pork loin

What to do with pork chops

Pork chops are prized for their juicy texture and rich flavour. The layer of fat helps keep them succulent during cooking, making them ideal for everything from sweet and sticky glazes to warming spice blends. For a quick family dinner that's ready in 30 minutes, try Tom Kerridge's paprika pork chops recipe, served with buttery new potatoes and greens. Or, if you're after something a little different, make our honey-glazed pork chops recipe with fragrant turmeric and ginger butterbean mash.

Browse pork chops

What to do with pork sausages

Pork sausages are a family favourite for a reason. Serve them as part of a hearty weekend breakfast, wrap them in pastry for homemade sausage rolls or throw them on the barbecue when the sun is shining. They're equally good in family-friendly dinners, too. For a cosy one-pan supper, try our sausage, apple and sage traybake with root vegetables and Bramley Apple Sauce. Or turn them into a comforting pasta dish with our sticky onion, sausage and Gouda pasta recipe, packed with rich, savoury flavour.

Sausage recipes

What to do with pork mince

Pork mince is a budget-friendly staple that cooks quickly, making it ideal for speedy weeknight meals. Its rich flavour works brilliantly with bold seasonings and sauces, from zingy Asian-inspired dishes to crowd-pleasing family favourites. Try our pork smash tacos recipe for a fun, hands-on dinner, or serve up Asian-style pork lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Short on time? Our sticky orange pork noodles recipe can be on the table in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings

Mince recipes

What to make with pork belly

Pork belly is loved for its rich flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture. While larger joints are perfect for slow roasting, pork belly strips offer all the same indulgence in a fraction of the time. Try our sticky pineapple pork belly bowls, where tender pork belly strips are paired with sweet and tangy pineapple for an easy weeknight dinner. For a showstopping Sunday lunch, make our one-pan pork roast dinner, where slow-cooked pork develops crispy crackling while the vegetables roast alongside, soaking up all those delicious flavours.

Roast dinner guide

Find endless cooking inspiration with M&S Food

Whether you're looking to learn more about our Heritage Gold pork, carefully selected for its flavour, tenderness and succulence, or searching for inspiration for your next meal, our home of food content has everything you need to live deliciously. From recipe ideas and cooking tips to seasonal inspiration, you'll find plenty of ideas. You can also browse our online food catalogue before heading to your local store to see what's available and explore our full meat range.

More food inspiration

Published 18/08/2026

What to have with pork

Cuts of pork

Collection British Outdoor Bred Pork, Parmesan and Truffle Sausages

Collection Boneless Ultimate British Pork Crackling Joint

Heritage Gold British Outdoor Bred Pork Mince 5% Fat

Heritage Gold British Heritage Pepper and Lemon Crumbed Pork Cutlets

How to cook pork

What pairs well with pork?

What to do with pork loin steaks

What to do with pork chops

What to do with pork sausages

What to do with pork mince

What to make with pork belly

Find endless cooking inspiration with M&S Food

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