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Garlic Pork Bites

Garlic pork bites with crispy, golden pork cubes are pan-fried fast, then tossed in a sizzling garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 15 minutes, with fresh thyme, lemon juice, and parsley for a bright finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pork and seasonings
  • 1.5 lb pork tenderloin or chops Cut into 1-inch cubes.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 salt and black pepper To taste (use as needed for seasoning).
Garlic butter sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 6 garlic Cloves, minced.
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley Chopped.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Season the pork
  1. Toss pork cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Let the seasoned pork sit while you heat the skillet.
Pan-fry until golden
  1. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1–2 minutes).
  2. Add pork in a single layer without crowding and cook undisturbed 3–4 minutes until golden.
  3. Flip the pork and cook 2–3 more minutes until browned and cooked through.
Make garlic butter and toss
  1. Push pork to the edges, add butter, garlic, and thyme to the center, and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Toss pork in the garlic butter to coat and cook 1 more minute.
  3. Finish with lemon juice and fresh parsley, then serve immediately.

Notes

For maximum crisping, keep the pork in a single layer and avoid moving it during the first 3–4 minute sear. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet over medium until warmed through (avoid microwaving for best texture). Freezing is not recommended. For a dairy-light option, use olive oil only for the toss and replace butter with an equal amount of olive-oil-based garlic spread, though the flavor will be slightly different.