Description
Tender, bite-sized pieces of pork are seasoned and seared until golden, then coated in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce with a touch of lemon. This quick and satisfying dish works beautifully as an appetizer or hearty main course.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pork
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 2 lbs), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the Garlic Cream Sauce
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the pork: Place the pork cubes in a large bowl. Season evenly with onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the pork: Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned pork and sear on all sides for 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through, about 13–15 minutes total. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside, tenting loosely with foil.
- Make the garlic cream sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute.
- Add the liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Combine and serve: Return the pork bites to the skillet and toss until thoroughly coated in the garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pork is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing so the pork browns rather than steams.
- Pork tenderloin can be substituted for pork chops for a leaner option.
- Add fresh parsley or extra Parmesan before serving for additional flavor.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: garlic pork bites, pork bites, garlic pork, creamy pork, Parmesan pork, garlic cream sauce, pork dinner