These Easy Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites are tasty, crispy, and perfect for any meal. Simply season bite-sized pork pieces with salt and pepper, then pan-fry until golden!
Making these bites is quick and fun! They’re a hit at dinner time or as a snack. I love serving them with a side of veggies for a yummy and simple meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are ideal for this recipe since they’re tender and cook quickly. You can substitute with chicken thighs or beef if you prefer, but keep in mind the cooking time may change.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch gives the pork a deliciously crispy texture. If you don’t have it, you can use all-purpose flour, though the texture might be a bit less crunchy.
Chili Peppers: Fresh chili peppers add a great punch! For a milder option, use bell peppers instead. You can also leave out the dried chilis if you’re sensitive to heat.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides an amazing aroma and taste. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used instead, but use half the amount since it’s more concentrated.
Green Onions: These are optional but add a nice color and flavor. If you don’t have any, just leave them out, or try chives as a substitute.
How Do I Fry Pork Bites Without Getting Them Greasy?
Frying can be tricky, but a few simple tips can help you achieve perfectly crispy pork without excess grease:
- Use enough oil: Make sure there’s about an inch of oil in the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to avoid steaming the pork bites. This helps them become crispy instead of soggy.
- Drain properly: After frying, put the pork on paper towels immediately. This absorbs excess oil, keeping them crispy.
- Monitor the temperature: Keep your oil at medium-high heat. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too low, the pork will absorb more oil.
Following these steps will help you achieve that perfect crunch every time!
Easy Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless pork chops, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2–3 fresh chili peppers, sliced (mix of green and red for color and flavor)
- 3–4 dried chili peppers, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced thinly
- 3–4 green onion stems with flowers (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Soy sauce or dipping sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to make and serve these delicious Pork Chop Bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a bowl, mix together the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This mixture will give your pork chop bites a crunchy and tasty coating. Make sure it’s well combined!
2. Coat the Pork:
Toss the bite-sized pork pieces into the bowl and stir until every piece is evenly coated in the cornstarch mixture. This step is really important for achieving the crispy outer layer!
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of pork in it; if it sizzles, it’s good to go!
4. Fry the Pork Bites:
Carefully add the pork pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry them for about 3–5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
5. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, pour out most of the oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the sliced fresh chili peppers, chopped dried chilis, and sliced garlic. Sauté everything for 1–2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly crispy.
6. Combine Everything:
Add the crispy fried pork bites back into the pan and toss it all together, ensuring the pork is evenly coated with the chili and garlic mixture.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the pork chop bites to a serving platter. You can sprinkle some more fresh green onions on top if you like. Don’t forget to serve with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side!
Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and savory Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites as a delightful snack or meal!
Easy Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites FAQ
Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless pork chops with chicken thighs or tender cuts of beef. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as they may vary based on the meat you choose.
How Do I Make These Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the cornstarch for a gluten-free flour blend. This will still give you that crispy coating without the gluten!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pork bites and coat them in the cornstarch mixture a few hours beforehand. Just fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes to regain their crispiness!
