Salt & Pepper Pork Chop Bites

Pan fried pork nuggets aren’t hard to prepare and I find this recipe even better than the Chinese takeout version. In the mood for Asian food? This recipe is a real winner.

Love Asian dishes? Don’t miss these shrimp spring rolls and Thai red curry chicken. Or how about a Chinese chicken salad?

Why You’ll Love It                     

Authentic flavors: This mouthwatering dish is just like salt and pepper pork from the Chinese takeout, offering authentic flavors like soy, sesame and Shaoxing wine.
Simple to prepare: This is a relatively easy recipe which anyone can make.
It’s a 30-minute dish: You only need half an hour to make this from scratch!

Chinese Salt and Pepper Pork Chop Bites Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Pork chops: Choose juicy, thick ones.
Shaoxing wine: Adds a rich, delicious flavor to the pork chop bites.
Soy sauce: Adds savory saltiness.
Sesame oil: Adds nutty appeal.
Cornstarch: To coat the pork bites and give them a crispy, chewy exterior.
Chili peppers: Feel free to adjust the amount.
Rice flour: To make the breading.
Szechuan peppercorns: These are aromatic and have an unusual slightly numbing effect.

How to Make Salt & Pepper Pork Chop Bites

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Marinate the pork: Combine the pork nuggets with wine, soy sauce, oil, cornstarch, and salt, and let it sit in the marinade ingredients while you heat up the oil.
Make the sauce: Grind the garlic with the jalapenos and peppercorns using a mortar and pestle. Toss thinly sliced chilies with garlic, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Fry the chilies and garlic over a medium heat for a minute then drain on paper towels.
Bread and fry the pork: Next, mix the rice flour, cornstarch and white pepper and toss the pork in this. Fry the pork in the hot oil until golden then let it drain on paper towels.
The finishing touches: Leave some of the oil in the pan and add the garlic and jalapeno paste. Cook for about 30 seconds and then add the pan fried pork, peppers and garlic and warm though. Toss with salt and pepper and serve hot.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: Most cornstarch and rice flour is gluten-free but check the brand you use. Also, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce, as it’s a tasty gluten-free alternative.
Pork chops: Use another cut of pork such as boneless pork shoulder, pork loin or pork belly.
Shaoxing wine: Substitute dry sherry or even dark rum.
Sichuan peppercorns: Use some black pepper instead, not too much because black pepper is hotter than Szechuan peppercorns and you won’t want whole peppercorns in there.
Jalapenos and chilies: Adjust the amount if you want a less or more pronounced level of spice.
Vegetable oil: A lot of Chinese food is cooked in peanut oil instead, so use that if you prefer, or something else like canola oil.
Vegetarian version: Swap the pork chops for extra-firm tofu.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers: Begin your Chinese inspired meal with wonton noodle soup or sesame avocado chicken salad.
Side dishes: Classic Chinese sides include stir-fried vegetables, noodles or fried rice. Other dishes to serve alongside deep fried pork chops include gluten-free kung pao and crispy ginger beef.
Desserts: Dragon fruit ice cream or cherry cheesecake egg rolls would be so good.

How to Store Salt and Pepper Pork Chops

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze this dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You’ll probably lose some of the crispness but all the flavor will be there.
Thaw: Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: You can warm it back up in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.