These Easy Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites are crispy, tasty little treats perfect for any meal! Just season the pork and pan-fry for a quick and satisfying dish.
I love making these bites on busy evenings. They cook up in no time and make a fantastic snack or easy dinner. Trust me, everyone will go for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops work best for this recipe, but you can also use pork tenderloin or pork shoulder if you want a slightly different flavor. Just ensure they’re cut into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Flour & Cornstarch: The mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch gives the bites a perfect crispy texture. If you need a gluten-free option, replace both with a gluten-free flour blend or use just cornstarch.
Spices: Black and white pepper provide a kick, but feel free to adjust their amounts to suit your taste. If you’re spice-averse, just stick with black pepper. Garlic powder is a great addition, but using fresh minced garlic could enhance the flavor even more.
Chili Peppers: Fresh chili peppers add great heat and color. You can substitute them with a pinch of red pepper flakes or leave them out if you prefer milder bites.
Vegetable Oil: Any oil with a high smoke point works well, such as canola or peanut oil. If you want a healthier option, consider using an air fryer!
How Do I Get My Pork Bites Extra Crispy?
Getting the perfect crispy texture involves a few key steps! The important part is the breading and frying process. Make sure the pork pieces are dry before coating them in the flour mixture. Additionally, while frying, avoid adding too many pieces at once to keep the oil hot. A crowded pan can lead to soggy bites!
- Ensure oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before adding pork. You can test a small piece to see if it sizzles.
- After frying, let the bites rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping them crispy.
- Tossing them with aromatics like garlic and scallions just after frying boosts the flavor but also gives them that extra crunch.
Easy Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb pork chops, boneless and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp white pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 2-3 fresh chili peppers (red and green), sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2-3 scallions with flower buds (or green onions), chopped and sliced
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Soy sauce or dipping sauce of choice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 15 minutes to cook. So in just around 25 minutes, you’ll have crispy, flavorful pork chop bites ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Bites:
Start by cutting your boneless pork chops into bite-sized chunks. Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels; this helps the coating stick better and keeps them crispy!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, white pepper (if you’re using it), garlic powder, and baking powder. This blend will make your pork bites super tasty and crispy.
3. Coat the Pork:
Add the pork pieces into the dry mixture and toss them until they’re fully coated. Shake off any excess flour mixture so it doesn’t get too clumpy when frying.
4. Heat the Oil:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or wok until it’s about 1-2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat and wait until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of pork; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
5. Fry the Pork Bites:
Carefully add the coated pork pieces in small batches to the hot oil. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; this helps them fry evenly. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, then remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
6. Fry the Aromatics:
In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic, chili peppers, and chopped scallions. Fry everything for about 2 minutes or until they’re fragrant and slightly crispy.
7. Combine:
Add the fried pork bites to the pan with the aromatics. Toss everything together well to coat the pork bites and let the flavors mingled together!
8. Serve:
Transfer the pork bites to a serving plate. Serve them hot with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious creation!
This recipe creates crispy, savory salt and pepper pork chop bites with delightful heat and aroma. They’re perfect for a quick snack or as an appetizer for gatherings!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Meats for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork chops are great for this, you can use chicken breast or even shrimp for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since different meats take varying times to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use potato starch, tapioca flour, or even more all-purpose flour. Just remember, cornstarch provides that extra crispiness, so if you opt for flour, your bites might be slightly less crunchy.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave them in short bursts if you prefer a quicker method.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! You can increase the amount of chili peppers or add some hot sauce to the flour mixture for an extra kick. For an even more intense heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a spicier variety of chili peppers.
