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Quick Crispy St Patricks Pork Skillet Easy Festive Appetizer Recipe

Quick Crispy St Patricks Pork Skillet - featured image

A fast, flavorful, and fuss-free crispy pork skillet perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion. This recipe delivers a crunchy, savory bite with fresh herbs and a zesty lemon finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Zest of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Coarse sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork cubes dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Season generously with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Let rest for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it shimmer but not smoke, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add pork cubes in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the underside is deeply golden and crispy.
  4. Flip each piece using tongs and cook for another 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to crisp all sides evenly. Pork should be browned and crispy on edges but juicy inside.
  5. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Stir gently to infuse aroma without burning.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Toss in chopped parsley, lemon zest, and green onions if using. Stir well to combine.
  7. Season with a final sprinkle of sea salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately for best crispiness.

Notes

Pat pork dry thoroughly to achieve maximum crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Let pork rest briefly after cooking to keep it juicy. Use fresh parsley for best flavor; dried parsley can be substituted if needed. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: St Patricks Day, pork skillet, crispy pork, festive appetizer, quick pork recipe, easy pork appetizer, Irish recipe