Blackened Pork Bites are a flavorful and quick meal that combines seasoned pork with asparagus, cooked in a delicious garlic, lemon, and chicken broth sauce. This dish not only offers a delightful combination of protein and vegetables, but it also comes together in under 30 minutes, all in one skillet for easy preparation and cleanup. If you love pork, you might also enjoy trying our Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops!
Tips for Perfect Blackened Pork Bites
- Choosing the Pork: Opt for boneless pork chops, cutting them into 1-inch, evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking. Remember, pork is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Selecting Asparagus: Fresh asparagus should be bright green with tightly closed tips and firm stalks.
Customizing Your Pork Bites
Don’t feel limited to asparagus; this dish is versatile and can be paired with various vegetables. Here are some great alternatives:
- Green Beans: Crisp and tender, perfect with the savory pork.
- Broccoli: Adds a nutritional boost and pairs well with the garlic-lemon sauce.
- Bell Peppers: For a pop of color and a slight sweetness.
- Zucchini: Light and mild, allowing the blackened seasoning to shine.
Simply adjust the cooking time based on your vegetable of choice to ensure everything cooks evenly.
What to Serve with Blackened Pork Bites
While this dish provides both protein and vegetables, you can complement it with additional side dishes to round out your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: For a creamy and comforting side.
- Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad: A light and fresh counterpart to the savory pork bites.
- Rustic Bread: Perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked pork bites in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Make Ahead: Prep the pork and seasoning ahead of time, and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply combine with the asparagus and sauce ingredients.
Blackened Pork Bites
Ingredients
- ½ pounds boneless pork chops, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 16 ounces asparagus, trimmed
- red pepper flakes, for garnish
- parsley, chopped for garnish
- lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add the pork pieces and blackened seasoning. Toss the pork until evenly coated.
- In a large non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned pork. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook the pork in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook the pork for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pieces are browned, crispy, and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Once cooked, transfer the pork to a plate and tent it with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate them into the sauce.
- Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet. Cook for 6-10 minutes, or until the asparagus is crisp-tender, tossing occasionally to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Push the cooked asparagus to one side of the skillet. Return the cooked pork to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the pork is warmed through.
- Garnish the dish with crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and lemon slices. Serve immediately.
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