What are pork panko and where do I find it?

Pork panko is ground pork rinds (also called pork cracklings). Find it in the snack aisle or butcher section of grocery stores, or substitute with crushed pork rinds.

Can I use boneless pork tenderloin instead of chops?

Yes, boneless pork tenderloin works well. Cut it into 1-inch cubes and follow the same breading and frying process. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on cube size.

How do I know when the pork bites are fully cooked?

Fry until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer. The pork should not be pink inside.

Can these be made ahead?

Bread the pork cubes up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Fry just before serving for best crispness, or reheat fried bites in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Heat to 350–375°F for optimal crispness.

Crispy Fried Pork Bites with Gravy Dipping Sauce

Name: Crispy Fried Pork Bites with Gravy Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb thick-cut boneless pork chops, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tbsp all-purpose Southern seasoning; 1 tsp garlic pepper seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 cup yellow mustard; 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided; 1 cup pork panko (ground pork rinds); vegetable oil, for frying; 2 cups chicken stock

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Crispy Fried Pork Bites with Gravy Dipping Sauce | CookOS

Ingredients

1 lb thick-cut boneless pork chops, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp all-purpose Southern seasoning
1 tsp garlic pepper seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprikaoptional
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup pork panko (ground pork rinds)
vegetable oil, for frying
2 cups chicken stock

12 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Cut the boneless pork chops into bite-sized, even cubes.
2
Place pork cubes in a large bowl. Season generously with onion powder, all-purpose Southern seasoning, garlic pepper, salt, and garlic powder. If using, add smoked paprika.
3
Use your hands to mix the seasonings thoroughly, ensuring every piece of pork is coated.
4
Add yellow mustard to the seasoned pork and mix well until all pieces are fully coated. The mustard acts as a binder.
5
In a large zip-top bag, combine about 3/4 cup of the all-purpose flour, the pork panko, and another round of the same seasonings (all-purpose Southern seasoning, onion powder).
6
Seal the bag and shake well to combine the flour, pork panko, and seasonings.
7
Add the marinated pork pieces to the bag with the flour mixture. Seal the bag, leaving some air inside, and shake vigorously until all pork is evenly coated.
8
Let the coated pork sit for about 10 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere.
9
Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the pork bites to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
10
Fry for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fried pork bites from the oil using a spider strainer and place them on a wire rack to drain. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the frying oil for the gravy.
11
To make the gravy, heat the reserved 1/4 cup of frying oil in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add an equal amount of the leftover flour/panko dredge (about 1/4 cup) to the hot oil to create a roux.
12
Whisk the roux constantly until it becomes a deep, dark brown color.
13
Slowly whisk in the chicken stock until the gravy is smooth and has reached your desired consistency. Bring to a simmer and cook for a minute or two to thicken.
14
Serve the hot fried pork bites with the gravy dipping sauce.