Pork, ground, 72% lean / 28% fat, cooked, crumbles

Cooked and crumbled ground pork browns into loose, savory bits that work well in tacos, chili, fried rice, pasta sauces or as a base for a breakfast scramble, taking on whatever spices are added, from cumin and chili powder to fennel and sage for a homemade sausage flavor. Its crumbled form makes it easy to fold into other dishes rather than serve as a standalone patty, so it's often the protein layer stirred through rice, beans or a simmering sauce. Breaking it up further with a spatula as it browns keeps the pieces small and even, so they distribute through a dish instead of clumping.

Store cooked crumbles in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze them in portions for quick additions to future meals, and drain off excess rendered fat in the pan if a leaner result is wanted. Per 100 grams the crumbles carry 393 calories and 22.8 grams of protein, with protein reaching 46% of the Daily Value for a 113 gram serving, making this a strong protein component to build a taco night or grain bowl around, balanced with vegetables or a starch since the fat content runs high at nearly 33 grams per 100 grams. Cooling and freezing the crumbles flat in a bag also makes it easy to break off just the amount needed for a single meal.