Description
These irresistibly savory garlic pork bites combine tender pork tenderloin with a flavorful marinade of garlic, soy sauce, honey, and smoked paprika for a mouthwatering dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Perfectly grilled or pan-seared, these pork bites are juicy, smoky, and aromatic—ideal as a main course or appetizer with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb Pork Tenderloin (lean meat for best flavor and texture)
Marinade
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin recommended)
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce (for umami flavor)
- 1 tbsp Honey (balances savory with sweetness)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (for warmth and smokiness)
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme (fresh herbs preferred)
Garnish & Serving
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 2 wedges Lemon
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and fresh thyme. Stir well to create a fragrant marinade.
- Marinate the pork: Place your pork tenderloin cubes into the bowl and ensure every piece is coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- Preheat cooking surface: Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat, adding a splash of olive oil if using a skillet to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
- Cook the pork bites: Remove the pork from the marinade and cook in the hot grill or skillet until golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Rest the meat: Once cooked, transfer the pork bites to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the pork bites with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.
Notes
- Optional: Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Marinating time can be extended to 2 hours for deeper flavor absorption.
- Use a grill for a smoky char or a skillet for quick stovetop cooking flexibility.
- Lemon wedges add a fresh acidity that balances the savory richness of the pork.
Keywords: garlic pork bites, pork tenderloin recipe, grilled pork bites, easy pork marinade, savory pork appetizer, quick pork dish