Description
Succulent garlic butter pork bites elevate dinner with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, creating a simple yet sophisticated meal. Quick pan-searing locks in juices while crisp green beans provide perfect complementary freshness you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) pork chops, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning mix (preferably low sodium)
Cooking Fats and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Vegetables and Garnish:
- 1 pound (454 grams) green beans, trimmed and blanched
- Red chili pepper flakes
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Coat pork cubes generously with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even distribution. Preheat skillet to medium-high heat with oil.
- Sear pork in batches, creating golden-brown crispy edges. Each side requires 2-3 minutes of cooking. Transfer browned pieces to a separate plate.
- Reduce skillet temperature to medium. Melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds. Scrape pan’s caramelized remnants while adding lemon juice and vegetable broth.
- Introduce blanched green beans to the skillet, tumbling them through the tangy lemon butter sauce. Rotate beans continuously for 3-4 minutes using tongs to ensure even heating.
- Relocate green beans to one side of the skillet. Reintroduce seared pork cubes, thoroughly coating them in the garlic butter sauce.
- Plate the dish with a garnish of fresh lemon slices, chopped parsley, and optional red chili pepper flakes for added zest and visual appeal.
Notes
- Choose pork cuts with minimal fat like tenderloin or sirloin for leaner, healthier protein option.
- Pat pork bites dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior during searing.
- Use cast iron skillet for best caramelization and deeper flavor development in meat.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal spice preference by reducing or increasing amount.
- Substitute butter with olive oil for dairy-free version without compromising taste profile.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes sparingly to control heat level and accommodate different spice tolerances.
- Quickly sear pork in single layer to prevent steaming and achieve restaurant-quality browning.
- Allow meat to rest momentarily after cooking to retain natural juices and enhance tenderness.
- Swap green beans with asparagus or broccoli for alternative vegetable options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 357 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg