Skip to main content

Grilled Iberico Pork Secreto Recipe

Hannah Abaffy
  |   September 27, 2024   |  

One of the finest portions of Iberico pork available, it’s almost a crime to think it might be a secret to many. As the name implies, Secreto means secret. A hidden cut sourced from the shoulder; this relatively small portion typically weighs around 10-15 ounces. Unbelievably juicy and well-marbled, it’s best served lightly seasoned and quickly grilled.



Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Total Time:
Yield: 2 servings

Grilled Iberico Pork Secreto Recipe

Secreto Recipe Tips

No matter your recipe or the seasonings you choose to use, when preparing Pork Secreto, there are a few fundamental rules you should always follow to ensure you achieve the best flavor and texture:

  • Cook at High Heat. Secreto has a high ratio of fat to meat. Its heavy marbling benefits from quick, high-heat cooking. Use a grill or cast-iron skillet to sear it, creating a nice crust without drying out the meat. 
  • Don’t Overcook. Overcooking can make Pork Secreto tough and chewy. Aim for medium-rare with an internal temperature of 130-140°F. This keeps the meat tender and juicy. Secreto cooks quickly due to its thin cut, so monitor it closely.
  • Rest the Meat. Resting helps the juices redistribute within the meat for better flavor and moisture. After cooking, let the pork rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. 
  • Slice Against the Grain. Slicing against the grain makes the meat easier to chew and enhances its tenderness. After resting, carefully observe the direction of the muscle and slice perpendicular to them for the best texture.
  • Season Simply. Pork Secreto has an inherently rich, nutty flavor that doesn’t need heavy seasoning. Use minimal seasoning like coarse salt, black pepper, and a touch of olive oil or herbs. Avoid overpowering sauces or marinades that mask the natural taste.
  • Handle with Care. Pork secreto is a delicate cut and should be treated gently during cooking. Avoid poking it with forks or pressing down on the meat while cooking, as this can cause loss of juices and dryness.
  • Use High-Quality Pork. The flavor of this special cut is deeply tied to the quality of the meat. Be sure to order from a trusted purveyor like Gourmet Food Store and opt for high-quality Iberian pork for the best texture and flavor. These rules will help you consistently prepare Pork Secreto to perfection, allowing its flavor and tenderness to shine!
Ingredients:

Directions:
  1. Bring the meat to room temperature and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Preheat the grill to 450F.
  3. Season the meat on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place directly onto the grill and cook on each side for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Immediately remove from the grill and place on a cutting board. Cover the meat tightly and allow it to rest for ten minutes.
  5. Slice thinly against the grain and start your chimichurri sauce.
  6. Combine the hot water, oregano, and salt in a bowl and allow it to rest for five minutes.
  7. In a food processor, blitz the parsley, cilantro, garlic, and red pepper flakes until coarsely chopped. Add the water/oregano mixture and the vinegar and pulse to combine.
  8. Transfer to a bowl and whisking all the time, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Serve on top of the Iberico pork secreto.

This recipe is found in:
Recipes by Ingredient: Iberico Pork Recipes, Pork Recipes
Recipes by Course or Meal: Main Courses
Recipes by Cuisine: Italian Recipes
Recipes by Season: Winter Recipes

Recipe Reviews

11/7/2024
okay, this is really good
Sarah from Fort Smith, AR
10/23/2024
Thanks for the recipe, it turned out great!
Nicole from Madison, WI

Author

Hannah Abaffy

Chef-Copywriter-Sultan of Sweets

Working in the hospitality industry for well over a decade, Chef Hannah Abaffy has held every position available in a restaurant kitchen. From line cook to executive pastry chef, she calls on her ten-plus years of work in the field and her culinary degree to write about our gourmet ingredients and craft informational articles and blog posts that will help you elevate everything from a wedge of cheese to a lobe of foie gras.

From working with food every day to writing about it, Hannah is now a contributing author for Gourmet Food Store, along with her work helping restaurants develop recipes and craft menus and running her award-nominated food history blog Milk and Honey.

Read More
My socials:
  • LinkedIn
  • facebook
  • Instagram

Questions and Answers

visit our family of brands
Steaks And Game
For steak and meat lovers.
Gourmet Food World
The chef's ingredient marketplace.