Crispy salt and pepper pork is a dinner recipe that’s bold, flavorful, and easy to prepare. This dish is a culinary delight, featuring tender pork cubes with a perfectly crisp exterior, spiced to perfection.
It’s not your average pork recipe—it’s a masterpiece that brings bold flavors and a satisfying crunch to your dinner table.
Why This Dish Is Perfect for Dinner
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity combined with elevated flavors. The quick stir-frying technique creates a dish that’s golden and crisp on the outside, while the meat inside remains juicy and tender.
The use of Sichuan and black peppercorns adds an irresistible depth of flavor, bringing subtle heat and earthy undertones. This dish is ideal for those evenings when you want something hearty yet uncomplicated.
Pair it with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, or even coconut rice for a complete meal. The freshness of the vegetables balances the fiery heat of the pork, making it an excellent dinner choice for family gatherings or a cozy meal at home.
Tips for Making Crispy Salt & Pepper Pork
Here are a few tips to ensure your pork turns out just right:
- Use the right cut: Pork shoulder, also known as the “butt,” is perfect for this recipe. Its fat content ensures a juicy interior while achieving that crisp exterior when stir-fried.
- Grind the spices freshly: To unlock the full flavors of the peppercorns and chili flakes, grind them using a spice mill or mortar and pestle just before cooking.
- Maintain high heat: Stir-frying at high heat caramelizes the pork beautifully, locking in its flavors and creating that crispy finish.
Recipe Substitutions & Modifications
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences or ingredient availability:
- No Sichuan peppercorns? Use additional black peppercorns for a simpler, more accessible version of this dish. For those who prefer a milder spice, reduce the red chili flakes or omit them entirely.
- Low-carb option: Serve the pork over a bed of greens or spiralized zucchini for a lighter meal.
- Vegan alternative: Swap the pork with firm tofu cubes. Prepare them the same way to achieve a similar texture and flavor profile.
Serving Ideas & Complementary Pairings
Crispy salt and pepper pork pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
- Coconut rice: The creamy and slightly sweet flavor of coconut rice balances the spiciness of the pork perfectly.
- Fresh cucumber salad: Crisp and refreshing cucumbers provide a cooling element to the dish, taming the heat of the spices.
- Lettuce wraps: Turn this into a DIY dinner by serving the pork with lettuce leaves, chopped veggies, and a tangy dipping sauce.
For an extra burst of flavor, serve lime wedges on the side. The acidity enhances the spices and adds brightness to the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Dinner Recipe
This crispy salt and pepper pork is more than just a recipe—it’s a complete dining experience. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining guests.
The dish strikes the perfect balance between crispy textures, bold spices, and fresh accompaniments, making it a standout choice no matter the occasion.
Next time you’re searching for a dinner recipe to add to your repertoire, give this crispy salt and pepper pork a try. It’s bound to become a favorite on your table!
Crispy Salt & Pepper Pork Dinner Recipe
Equipment
- Mortar and pestle or spice mill
- Large skillet or wok
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless pork shoulder cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns
- Pinch of red chile flakes
- 1 tablespoon peanut grapeseed, or safflower oil
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- ½ cup soft herbs cilantro, mint, chives, and/or basil
- 1 small jalapeño or other chile seeded and sliced or chopped
- Crisp lettuce leaves and/or sliced cucumbers for serving
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season and Marinate the Pork: Place the pork cubes in a large bowl and sprinkle them evenly with the fine sea salt. Use a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle to roughly crush the black peppercorns, Sichuan peppercorns, and red chile flakes. Add this spice mixture to the pork, tossing thoroughly to coat each piece. Let the pork rest for about 20 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pork: Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat until it is very hot. Add the oil, swirling it around to coat the surface, and allow it to shimmer. Place the pork cubes in the hot skillet, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Sprinkle the pork with flaky sea salt while cooking. Stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is golden and crispy on all sides.
- Serve: Transfer the crispy pork to a serving dish and garnish it with fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, chives, or basil. Add slices of jalapeño or other fresh chile for extra heat, if desired. Serve alongside crisp lettuce leaves and/or cucumber slices to balance the spice, with lime wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.
Notes
- If Sichuan peppercorns are unavailable, substitute with additional black peppercorns. The flavor will differ but remain delicious.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with white rice or coconut rice to soak up the bold flavors.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.