Cuban Zesty Fried Pork Bites Recipes

FRIED PORK CHUNKS (MASITAS DE PUERCO FRITAS)

Steps:

• Sprinkle the meat liberally with salt and pepper. I.
• In a mortar, crush the garlic into a paste and rub the pork with the garlic paste.
• Place the pork in a nonreactive bowl and pour over the orange juice.
• Cover and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours.
• Drain the pork cubes.
• In a large saucepan, over medium heat, heat 2 inches of oil until very hot but not smoking, then add the pork cubes, without crowding them, raise the heat to high, and brown the cubes, turning with a slotted spoon. (The pork will release some moisture, lowering the oil temperature considerably.)
• When oil temperature rises again, lower the heat a little and cook the cubes, turning frequently, until they are a rich, golden brown, another 10 minutes.
• Occasionally turn up the heat when necessary to crisp the cubes.
• As the cubes are finished, transfer them to a paper-towel-lined platter to drain; keep warm in a 200ºF oven until all the cubes are fried. (Placing the chunks in oven will make them nice and crispy).
• Serve immediately, with Moros y Cristianos (Black Beans and Rice) and Mojo Criollo (Creole Garlic Sauce).

CUBAN ZESTY FRIED PORK BITES

Steps:

• Stir together first 4 ingredients. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
• Bring 2 cups water and salt to a boil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add pork; reduce heat to medium low, and cook 1 hour and 15 minutes or until water evaporates. Meat will look pale. Cook, stirring occasionally, 10 more minutes or until pork cubes are golden brown. Drain on layers of paper towels. Serve with garlic mixture and lime wedges.