Austin, Texas, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and its love for cured meats is no exception. From classic Italian salumi to innovative Texas twists, the city offers a diverse range of delicious cured meats. This guide explores the top 10 cured meats you can find in Austin, highlighting their unique characteristics and where to savor them.
Understanding Cured Meats
Before diving into Austin's best offerings, let's briefly understand what constitutes cured meat. Curing is a preservation method that uses salt, nitrates/nitrites (often from celery powder or other natural sources), and sometimes sugar and other spices to inhibit microbial growth and enhance flavor. Different curing methods – dry curing, wet curing, and smoking – result in vastly different textures and taste profiles. The curing process transforms fresh meat into something more complex and flavorful.
Top 10 Cured Meats in Austin: A Delicious Journey
This list isn't ranked, as each cured meat offers a unique and enjoyable experience.
1. Bresaola: The Air-Dried Delight
- What it is: A thinly sliced, air-dried beef cured with salt, pepper, and sometimes herbs. Its characteristically lean texture and intense, savory flavor make it a favorite among cured meat connoisseurs.
- Where to find it: Many upscale delis and charcuterie boards in Austin feature Bresaola. Look for restaurants with a strong Italian influence.
- Pair it with: Fig jam, arugula, parmesan cheese, and a crisp white wine.
2. Prosciutto di Parma: The King of Ham
- What it is: A world-renowned Italian dry-cured ham from Parma, known for its delicate texture and sweet, nutty flavor. The production process is strictly regulated, ensuring high quality.
- Where to find it: High-end grocery stores and Italian restaurants in Austin often stock Prosciutto di Parma.
- Pair it with: Melon, mozzarella, crusty bread, and a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir.
3. Soppressata: The Spicy Italian Sausage
- What it is: A spicy Italian dry-cured sausage, typically made with pork and seasoned with red pepper flakes, garlic, and other herbs. Its firm texture and bold flavor make it a great addition to charcuterie boards.
- Where to find it: Many Italian delis and specialty food stores in Austin carry Soppressata.
- Pair it with: Provolone cheese, olives, crusty bread, and a robust red wine.
4. Chorizo: The Bold Spanish Sausage
- What it is: A Spanish sausage that comes in various forms, but often features pork seasoned with paprika, garlic, and other spices. Its vibrant red color and smoky, spicy flavor are unmistakable.
- Where to find it: Many butcher shops and Latin American markets in Austin offer a variety of Chorizo.
- Pair it with: Manchego cheese, olives, crusty bread, and a Spanish Rioja.
5. Capicola: The Classic Italian Ham
- What it is: A dry-cured ham with a firm texture and a subtly sweet and salty flavor. Its mild taste makes it versatile and perfect for sandwiches or charcuterie boards.
- Where to find it: Many Italian delis and specialty grocery stores in Austin sell Capicola.
- Pair it with: Sharp provolone, olives, and a robust red wine.
6. Salami: The Versatile Italian Sausage
- What it is: A broad category encompassing many different types of cured sausages, varying in flavor, texture, and spice level. Italian salami often features pork, beef, or a combination, seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Where to find it: Numerous delis and grocery stores in Austin offer a wide range of salamis.
- Pair it with: Many cheeses, olives, and crusty bread work well with various salami types.
7. Lomo: The Spanish Delight
- What it is: Lomo, referring to loin, can encompass several cured pork loins with unique flavor profiles depending on the curing methods and spices. Often leaner and slightly less intensely flavored than some other cured options.
- Where to find it: Look for Spanish-style butchers or delis in Austin.
- Pair it with: Manchego cheese, olives, crusty bread.
8. Texas-Style Smoked Sausage: A Local Favorite
- What it is: A bolder, spicier take on traditional sausage, often using a blend of beef and pork. The smoking process adds a distinctive smoky flavor.
- Where to find it: Local butcher shops and BBQ joints in Austin are the best places to find this regional specialty.
- Pair it with: Coleslaw, potato salad, and a cold beer.
9. Pâté: A French Classic
- What it is: A spreadable meat paste typically made from ground meats, often pork and liver, along with seasonings and fat. The flavor is rich and savory.
- Where to find it: Upscale delis, gourmet grocery stores and French-inspired restaurants often include various pâtés.
- Pair it with: Baguette, cornichons (small pickles), and a full-bodied white wine.
10. Coppa: The Italian Neck Delight
- What it is: A dry-cured pork shoulder that boasts a rich, savory flavor and firm texture, offering a great balance of lean and fat.
- Where to find it: Seek out Italian-focused delis and charcuterie shops for the best Coppa selection.
- Pair it with: Aged cheeses, figs, crusty bread and a robust red wine.
Exploring Austin's Cured Meat Scene
This list provides a starting point for your cured meat journey in Austin. Don’t hesitate to explore local butcher shops, delis, and restaurants to discover even more delicious options. Remember to ask questions and learn about the curing processes to further appreciate the craftsmanship behind these culinary treasures. Enjoy the flavors!
