Description
These Irresistibly Savory Garlic Pork Bites are an easy and flavorful dish featuring tender pork tenderloin marinated in a garlicky, smoky, and slightly sweet blend. Perfectly grilled or skillet-cooked, they offer a juicy explosion of taste, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a bright finish. Ideal as a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb Pork Tenderloin – Lean meat for best flavor and texture
Marinade
- 4 cloves Garlic – Minced
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil – Extra virgin recommended
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce – For umami flavor
- 1 tbsp Honey – Balances savory with sweetness
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika – For warmth and smokiness
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt – Adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme – Fresh herbs preferred
Garnish & Serving
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley – Chopped
- 2 wedges Lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and fresh thyme. Stir well to create a fragrant marinade that will infuse the pork with bold flavors.
- Marinate the pork: Cut the pork tenderloin into bite-sized cubes and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Toss to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Heat cooking surface: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking and promote a nice sear.
- Cook the pork bites: Remove the pork cubes from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook them on the hot grill or skillet, turning occasionally, until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes depending on size.
- Rest the meat: Transfer the cooked pork bites to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy bites.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the pork bites with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, citrusy contrast to the savory meat.
Notes
- Optional: Serve alongside roasted vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, or bell peppers for a complete and balanced meal.
- Adjust salt to taste based on the saltiness of the soy sauce used.
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Marinating longer (up to 2 hours) enhances flavor but avoid over-marinating to prevent meat texture changes.
Keywords: garlic pork bites, pork tenderloin recipe, easy pork recipes, grilled pork, savory pork bites, quick dinner recipes, smoky pork bites