Irresistibly Savory Garlic Pork Bites: Easy Flavor Explosion! Recipe
This Irresistibly Savory Garlic Pork Bites recipe offers an easy and flavorful explosion of taste with tender pork tenderloin marinated in garlic, soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs. Perfectly pan-seared or grilled for a golden, juicy finish, these pork bites are a quick and delicious meal option that can be served with fresh lemon wedges and parsley for an added burst of freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pork and Marinade
- 1 lb Pork Tenderloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil, extra virgin recommended
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme
Garnish and Serving
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 2 wedges Lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and fresh thyme. Stir well to create a fragrant and well-blended marinade.
- Marinate the Pork: Add the pork tenderloin cubes into the marinade, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse. For stronger flavor, marinate up to 2 hours.
- Heat the 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 enhance browning.
- Cook the Pork Bites: Remove the pork from the marinade and place the pieces on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is golden brown on the outside and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Rest the Pork: Transfer the cooked pork bites to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the pork bites with fresh chopped parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges for squeezing over before eating, adding a bright, zesty finish.
Notes
- Optional: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a complete, balanced meal.
- Marinating longer than 2 hours may cause the texture to become mushy due to the soy sauce’s acidity.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible to maximize aroma and flavor.
- Adjust salt based on the saltiness of the soy sauce brand used.
Keywords: garlic pork bites, savory pork recipe, grilled pork tenderloin, easy pork marinade, quick pork appetizer