Guanciale in NYC: Shops and Delivery
Guanciale is cured pork jowl. NYC Italian shops and online sellers carry it.
Updated . Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.
Where to buy
- Search AmazonLive search · amazon.com
- Google ShoppingLive search · google.com
- Search NYC shopsLive search · google.com
Food forums name Salumeria Biellese, Di Palo's and Fairway. Buon Italia in Chelsea Market is another. Stock changes, so call before you go.
Italian delis on Arthur Avenue may slice it to order. Whole Foods stores carry it at times.
Professional insight
Cooks making carbonara or amatriciana buy guanciale by the piece. Fat quality and cure depth matter most.
- Buy a slab and cut thick batons yourself.
- Look for firm, white fat with pink streaks.
- Ask whether it is peppered on the outside.
- Imported Italian and US made versions taste different.
Check the label
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Guanciale versus pancetta
| Point | Guanciale | Pancetta |
|---|---|---|
| Cut | Pork jowl or cheek | Pork belly |
| Fat | Higher, renders sweeter | Leaner |
| Classic dishes | Carbonara, amatriciana, gricia | Wide general use |
| NYC availability | Specialty shops | Most supermarkets |
Storage
- Wrap cut guanciale in butcher paper, then a bag.
- Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge.
- Freeze portions you will not use in a few weeks.
- Trim any dried or dark edges before cooking.
How to use it
- 1Remove the rind and peppered crust if very thick.
- 2Cut into strips about a quarter inch thick.
- 3Start in a cold pan over medium low heat.
- 4Render until the edges turn golden and crisp.
- 5Keep the fat to coat the pasta.
Common questions
- Can I eat guanciale raw?
- It is cured, but most recipes cook it. Follow the producer's label.
- Is La Quercia guanciale Italian?
- No. La Quercia is an Iowa producer. NYC shops have stocked it.
- Can I order guanciale for delivery in NYC?
- Yes. Online cured meat sellers ship it chilled.