Jose Mier shares recipes with his Sun Valley, CA followers from all over and this time it’s for pork. Cubed pork, or “pork bites,” is a versatile ingredient used in various cuisines around the world. This form of pork is prized for its ability to absorb flavors, its tender texture when cooked properly, and its adaptability to different cooking techniques. From stir-fries and stews to skewers and casseroles, cubed pork can be a star in a wide range of dishes. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a variety of recipes that highlight the delicious potential of cubed pork, offering a culinary journey through different cultures and cooking styles. For examples see the Insanely Good Recipes site here for a list of 13.

Asian-Inspired Cubed Pork Recipes

1. Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and sour pork is a classic Chinese dish that combines tender pork bites with a tangy and sweet sauce, often paired with vegetables like bell peppers and pineapple.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cubed pork (preferably pork shoulder or loin)
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the cubed pork with salt and pepper, then coat each piece with cornstarch.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the pork and cook until browned and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant.
5. Add the bell peppers and pineapple chunks, cooking until slightly tender.
6. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, and sugar to create the sauce.
7. Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the vegetables.
8. Return the pork to the skillet, mixing everything until the pork is well-coated with the sauce.
9. Serve hot with steamed rice.

2. Korean Spicy Pork Stir-Fry (Jeyuk Bokkeum)

Jeyuk Bokkeum is a popular Korean dish featuring spicy marinated pork bites stir-fried with vegetables. It’s known for its bold flavors and vibrant color.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cubed pork (preferably pork belly or shoulder)
• 1 cup napa cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 green onion, chopped for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.
2. Add the cubed pork to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add the marinated pork, cooking until browned and cooked through.
5. Add the onions, carrots, and napa cabbage, stir-frying until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice or lettuce leaves for wrapping.

European-Inspired Cubed Pork Recipes

1. Hungarian Pork Goulash

Pork goulash is a traditional Hungarian stew known for its rich, hearty flavors, and the distinctive taste of paprika.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds cubed pork (preferably pork shoulder)
• 2 large onions, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon hot paprika (optional for extra heat)
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until they are soft and translucent.
3. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in sweet paprika, hot paprika (if using), and flour, mixing well to coat the onions and garlic.
5. Add the cubed pork, cooking until it is browned on all sides.
6. Stir in the bell peppers, tomatoes, and caraway seeds.
7. Pour in the broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

2. Spanish Pork Tapas (Pinchos Morunos)

Pinchos Morunos are flavorful Spanish skewers marinated with a blend of spices, perfect as a tapas dish or main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cubed pork (preferably pork tenderloin)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, oregano, turmeric, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Add the cubed pork, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for better flavor.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated pork onto skewers.
5. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with bread or a side of your choice.

American-Inspired Cubed Pork Recipes

1. Pork Chili Verde

Pork Chili Verde is a flavorful and hearty stew made with tender pork bites, tomatillos, and green chilies. It’s perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds cubed pork (preferably pork shoulder)
• 1 pound tomatillos, husked and chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup green chilies, diced
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the cubed pork, cooking until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add onions and cook until soft and translucent.
4. Add garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in tomatillos, green chilies, cumin, and coriander.
6. Return the pork to the pot and pour in the chicken broth.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
8. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

2. Southern-Style Pork Bites

These Southern-Style Pork Bites are perfect for appetizers or main courses, featuring tender pork coated in a savory, spiced batter.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds cubed pork (preferably pork tenderloin)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Hot sauce for serving

Instructions:

1. Place the cubed pork in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. In another bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the pork from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Coat the pork bites in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Fry the pork bites in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
7. Drain on paper towels.
8. Serve hot with hot sauce on the side.

Middle Eastern-Inspired Cubed Pork Recipes

1. Pork Shawarma

Pork Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish featuring marinated pork bites cooked on a grill or rotisserie, often served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds cubed pork (preferably pork shoulder or loin)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pita bread, fresh vegetables, and tahini sauce for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Add the cubed pork, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for better flavor.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated pork onto skewers.
5. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Serve the pork shawarma in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce.

2. Pork Kebabs with Tzatziki Sauce

These Mediterranean-inspired pork kebabs are marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds cubed pork (preferably pork tenderloin)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Tzatziki Sauce:
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, grated and drained
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Add the cubed pork, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated pork onto skewers.
5. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred, about 10-12 minutes.
6. For the tzatziki sauce, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
7. Serve the pork kebabs with tzatziki sauce on the side.

Conclusion

Cubed pork, or “pork bites,” offers an incredible range of culinary possibilities, making it a favorite ingredient in many households around the world. Whether you’re looking for a quick stir-fry, a hearty stew, or a savory grilled skewer, cubed pork can be adapted to suit various flavors and cooking techniques. The recipes shared here are just a glimpse into the endless potential of this versatile meat, showcasing its ability to blend seamlessly with different spices, herbs, and ingredients to create delicious and satisfying dishes. So next time you’re looking for a protein-packed meal, consider trying one of these cubed pork recipes to delight your taste buds and bring a touch of global cuisine to your table.

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