These crispy salt and pepper pork chop bites are a tasty treat! Perfectly seasoned and easy to make, they are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Honestly, I can’t resist sneaking a few before dinner! 😂 Serve them with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are ideal here. If you need a leaner option, try using chicken breast cut into pieces. It will still taste great but watch the cooking time since chicken may cook faster.
Spices: The mix of black, white, and crushed red pepper adds depth to flavor. If you want less heat, skip the crushed red pepper. For a twist, use some paprika or Cajun seasoning instead.
Flour and Cornstarch: The combination gives a perfect crispy coating. If you have dietary restrictions, you can use gluten-free flour blends instead of all-purpose flour.
Egg and Milk: These help the coating stick to the pork. If you’re avoiding eggs, you can substitute with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water for each egg.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Crispy Coating?
The secret to the crispy outside lies in how you coat and fry the pork bites. First, make sure each piece is well seasoned. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the crust.
- Start by dipping the seasoned pork into the egg mixture. Ensure it’s fully covered so the coating sticks.
- Then, dredge it in the cornstarch-flour mixture. Press it down a bit to ensure a good coat.
- When frying, let the oil heat properly. The right temperature makes all the difference—too cool and they’ll absorb oil, too hot and they’ll burn.
- Fry the pork bites in batches to prevent overcrowding; this helps them cook evenly and get crispy.
Don’t forget to drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Follow these tips, and you’ll have wonderfully crispy pork chop bites!
Crispy Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless pork chops, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp white pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork:
Start by mixing salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl. This will be your seasoning blend. Toss the bite-sized pieces of pork in this mixture until they are well coated and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until combined. This mixture will help the flour and cornstarch stick to the pork. In another dish, mix the cornstarch and all-purpose flour together. This will create a crispy coating for your pork bites.
3. Coat the Pork Bites:
Now it’s time to coat the seasoned pork! Dip each piece into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then dredge it into the cornstarch and flour mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Repeat this until all pork pieces are prepared.
4. Fry the Pork Bites:
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated pork bites into the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are nice and golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pork bites using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Transfer the crispy pork to a serving plate and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Enjoy your delicious, crispy salt and pepper pork chop bites! They make a great appetizer or snack! 🥢
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces works well as a substitute. It might cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on them while frying to prevent overcooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these pork chop bites gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should be fine!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help them regain their crispiness.
Can I Prepare the Coating In Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the seasoned flour mixture ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use it. This will save you time on cooking day!
