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Garlic Pork Bites

Garlic pork bites are a quick pork cubes skillet dinner with crispy, golden edges tossed in sizzling garlic butter. Pan-fried until browned, then finished with thyme, parsley, and a bright lemon juice lift.
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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: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

pork tenderloin
  • 1.5 lb pork tenderloin or chops Cut into 1-inch cubes.
seasonings
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.1 salt To taste.
  • 0.1 black pepper To taste.
pan-frying and garlic butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 6 garlic Minced.
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
finish
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley Chopped.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Season the pork
  1. Toss the pork cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Sear until golden
  1. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the pork in a single layer without crowding and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until golden; flip and cook 2–3 more minutes.
Make the garlic butter
  1. Push the pork to the edges, add butter, garlic, and thyme to the center, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toss and finish
  1. Toss the pork in the garlic butter to coat and cook for 1 more minute.
  2. Finish with lemon juice and fresh parsley, then serve immediately.

Notes

For best crust, keep the pork in a single layer so it browns instead of steams. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through (avoid microwaving to maintain crisp edges). Freezing is not recommended because the pork can lose texture. If you want a lighter swap, use half the butter and add 1 extra tablespoon olive oil while still finishing with lemon and parsley for brightness.