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Juicy morsels of Cajun Pork Bites that are amped up with lots of spicy seasoning, and then smothered in a delicious garlicky sauce. Incredibly easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights!
Easy Cajun Pork Bites
If you love pork with a Cajun flair, try this recipe with tremendous flavor. Impress your family with this easy to make one-pan dish, because after one bite I’m sure they’ll be returning for seconds.
This fits my criteria for the ideal dinner on those busy weeknights when looking for a quick meal. The best part is how there’s very little cleanup because everything gets cooked in one skillet.
Cajun Pork Bites Highlights
- One pan required which makes for easy cleanup.
- Ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. They are even great as an appetizer for parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pork chops – I like to use boneless pork chops that are cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also use pork tenderloin instead.
- Cajun seasoning – For the seasoning, I use my homemade cajun seasoning but feel free to use store bought if that’s what you have on hand. The pork is well rubbed with this dry mixture.
- Olive oil – You’ll want to use olive oil or a vegetable oil to fry the pork in.
- Butter – To control the salt content, I use unsalted butter.
- Garlic – I use fresh chopped garlic. Substituting with garlic powder isn’t the same.
- Lemon juice – Only freshly squeezed lemon will do, it works well with the garlic and butter flavors.
- Chicken broth – I always choose a low sodium chicken broth to control the salt. This is the base liquid for the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes – Add some spice with the addition of red pepper flakes.
- Parsley – I always love to garnish these types of dishes with some fresh parsley.
How To Make Cajun Pork Bites
- Season the pork: Season the pork pieces with Cajun spice and toss well to combine.
- Cook the pork: In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned on all sides and cooked through. Transfer the pork to a plate and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic. Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth and lemon juice scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Combine and finish: Add the pork back to the skillet and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Toss everything together and cook for another minute until heated through.
- Garnish: Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
What Can I Serve With Pork Bites?
These pork bites are ideal with a side of rice to soak up all the liquid flavors or a side of mashed potatoes.
Can I Make These Pork Bites In The Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Simply season the pork pieces as instructed, and place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook them for 15-20 minutes at 400°F, shaking them a couple times during the cooking process. Check to make sure they’re tender and cooked through. Make the sauce as instructed and toss them in the sauce when cooked.
Expert Tips
- Bring the pork to room temperature prior to cooking it, about 30 minutes. This means more even cooking all the way through, and less time for the meat to lose moisture while cooking, making it juicier.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels before cutting it up, this will ensure the pork bites crisp up quicker.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of water with a teaspoon of corn starch. When the sauce is slightly bubbly, add a little bit of the mixture while continuing to stir, until the consistency is what you want. It may take a minute.
- For extra zip, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes to taste.
Leftovers
Properly stored in an airtight container, cooked pork bites will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
These pork bites freeze well and can be placed in an airtight container in the freezer for about 3 months.
More Great Recipes To Try
Cajun Pork Bites
Juicy morsels of Cajun Pork Bites that are amped up with lots of spicy seasoning, and then smothered in a delicious garlicky sauce. Incredibly easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork chops boneless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup chicken broth low sodium
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Season the pork: Season the pork pieces with Cajun spice and toss well to combine.
- Cook the pork: In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned on all sides and cooked through. Transfer the pork to a plate and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic. Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth and lemon juice scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Combine and finish: Add the pork back to the skillet and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Toss everything together and cook for another minute until heated through.
- Garnish: Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Notes:
- Bring the pork to room temperature prior to cooking it, about 30 minutes. This means more even cooking all the way through, and less time for the meat to lose moisture while cooking, making it juicier.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels before cutting it up, this will ensure the pork bites crisp up quicker.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of water with a teaspoon of corn starch. When the sauce is slightly bubbly, add a little bit of the mixture while continuing to stir, until the consistency is what you want. It may take a minute.
- For extra zip, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes to taste.
- Properly stored in an airtight container, cooked pork bites will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
- These pork bites freeze well and can be placed in an airtight container in the freezer for about 3 months.
nutrition facts
Serving: 1serving Calories: 301kcal (15%) Carbohydrates: 2g (1%) Protein: 25g (50%) Fat: 21g (32%) Saturated Fat: 7g (44%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 10g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 91mg (30%) Sodium: 112mg (5%) Potassium: 499mg (14%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 1g (1%) Vitamin A: 1163IU (23%) Vitamin C: 4mg (5%) Calcium: 22mg (2%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
