Simple and Effective Ways to Remove Unpleasant Odors from Pork

If you accidentally buy pork that has an unpleasant smell, don’t rush to throw it away. By applying a few simple kitchen tips, you can effectively eliminate the odor and restore the meat’s natural flavor, making your dishes far more delicious.

Pork that is not completely fresh may develop a strong or unpleasant smell, which directly affects the taste and overall quality of the final dish. For this reason, home cooks should remember the following deodorizing methods and apply them immediately whenever they encounter smelly pork.

How to Deodorize Pork and Pork Bones

If you notice an unpleasant odor in pork or pork bones, start by blanching them in boiling water for about three minutes. Discard the water, then rinse the meat or bones thoroughly before continuing with your recipe. This initial blanching step helps remove impurities and odor-causing substances.

When boiling pork, adding a lightly crushed onion to the pot is highly effective at neutralizing odors. After the meat is fully cooked, you can also add a few drops of white rice wine before removing it from the pot. This simple step enhances aroma and ensures the pork smells clean and appetizing. Skimming off foam during boiling also helps keep the meat clean and odor-free.

If you want the pork to remain white and fresh-looking after boiling, prepare a pot of water with a small amount of vinegar and salt. Once the water reaches a boil, add the pork and blanch it for about three minutes. Discard the water and rinse the meat thoroughly. Then boil the pork again in fresh water until fully cooked.

To check whether the pork is done, simply insert a chopstick through the meat. If no pink liquid flows out, the pork is fully cooked and ready to serve.

Tips for Removing Odors from Frozen Pork

Using Onion and Ginger

To remove unpleasant smells from frozen pork, prepare a pot of water with enough liquid to blanch the meat. Add one to two tablespoons of coarse salt, two large peeled shallots, and a piece of crushed ginger. Bring the water to a strong boil so the essential oils from the onion and ginger are released.

Once boiling, blanch the pork for about two minutes, then remove it and rinse under cold running water to firm up the surface. Allow the meat to drain before cooking as usual. This method not only removes odor but also improves texture.

Using Lemon and Vinegar

Another effective method involves lemon juice and vinegar. First, thaw the pork for at least eight hours. Meanwhile, prepare a mixture of juice from two lemons, two tablespoons of coarse salt, and three tablespoons of vinegar.

Once thawed, wear gloves and rub the mixture evenly over the pork for two to three minutes. Let the meat rest for 10–15 minutes to absorb the solution, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. The pork will be noticeably fresher and ready for cooking.

Removing Odors from Pork Kidneys

Cut the pork kidney lengthwise and carefully remove all internal fat and membranes, as these are the main sources of odor. Rinse the kidney with cold salted water.

Next, soak the cleaned kidney in cold water mixed with salt and crushed ginger for about 10 minutes to enhance crispness and remove lingering smells. You may also substitute ginger and wine with vinegar. Drain well before boiling, stir-frying, or slicing for cooking.

Removing Odors from Wild Boar Meat

First, pour boiling water over the skin to remove hair and surface impurities. Use a knife to scrape the skin clean, then rinse thoroughly. Rub salt over the entire piece of meat and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing again.

Next, blanch the meat in boiling water for about three minutes. Add a small amount of white wine and crushed onions to the blanching water to further neutralize odors. Remove the meat, rinse again, and cook according to your preferred recipe.

Removing Odors from Male Pork (Boar Taint)

Meat from some male pigs may have a stronger odor. If you happen to buy this type of pork, rinse it thoroughly with salt or white wine. Then grill the meat over charcoal until the outer layer is golden and the inside reaches about 60–70% doneness.

After grilling, cook the pork using strongly seasoned recipes such as fermented pork stew. Ingredients like galangal, lemongrass, shrimp paste, fermented rice, and five-spice powder help overpower and balance the strong smell effectively.

Removing Odors from Sow Meat

After purchasing, rinse the pork thoroughly with water, then rub it with lemon and salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing clean. For extra odor removal, blanch the meat in boiling water mixed with a little white wine for three minutes, then rinse again before cooking.
By using these simple yet effective techniques, you can confidently handle pork with unpleasant odors and turn it into flavorful, aromatic dishes every time.