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–+ servings

Crispy Salt & Pepper Pork Dinner Recipe

This Crispy Salt & Pepper Pork recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for an elevated dinner. Juicy pork cubes are stir-fried with Sichuan peppercorns, black pepper, and red chile flakes to create a bold and savory meal that balances heat and crunch.
Serve it with fresh greens, cucumbers, and a squeeze of lime for a well-rounded, satisfying dinner.
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Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Sichuan
Servings 4

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.
Keyword Crispy dinner ideas, dinner recipe, Easy pork dinner recipe, Pepper pork recipe, Sichuan pork recipe, Spicy pork stir-fry recipe
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