Paprika-infused Pork bites (Quick and easy tapas recipe)
Paprika-infused pork bites are the ideal tapas recipe when you want something tasty and easy to make. This recipe is similar to the classic Torreznos recipe (pork belly deep fried in sunflower oil), but it is easier to make and only requires shallow pan frying. To make the ultimate party-pleaser pork bites, simply coat your pork pieces in your favorite spices and plenty of smoked paprika, marinate for at least 30 minutes, then shallow fry with some olive oil, garlic, and a little rosemary. Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon, and serve!
Equipment
- Medium-sized frying pan or skillet (10-inch/25cm)
- Kitchen towel
- Kitchen wrap
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 17 oz. 500g worth of pork belly or thick cuts of pancetta
- 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- 6 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- 1 lemon juice
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary optional
- ½ teaspoon of cumin optional - for some earthy flavor
Instructions
Step 1 - Marinate pork with spices
- Chop your pork into pieces roughly 1 inch / 2.5 cm in size and add to a bowl.17 oz. 500g worth of pork belly or thick cuts of pancetta
- Add around 2 tablespoons of olive oil, plus all of the spices: smoked paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and cumin (optional).2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, 6 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of cumin
- Mix well, cover, and put it in the fridge for 30 - 60 minutes.
Step 2 - Fry pork pieces
- Remove your marinated pork from the fridge. Add the remaining olive oil to a pan on high heat.
- Once the pan is hot, add some of the marinated pork pieces (cook it in 2 batches) and fry for 5-6 minutes while stirring constantly.
- Around halfway through, add some sliced garlic and a sprig of rosemary and stir. If you want it extra crispy, fry for an additional minute or two until you see the meat begin to char slightly.2-3 garlic cloves, 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
Step 3 - Serve
- Once cooked, remove your pork pieces from the pan and strain off any excess oil.
- Serve in a small bowl with a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice and season to taste with some salt and pepper.1 lemon
- Alternatively, serve straight from the pan with lots of fresh bread to soak up the delicious paprika-infused oil.
