Deep Fried Pork Recipe
This Deep Fried Pork recipe results in crispy, juicy pork with a savory and flavorful coating. Whether you’re frying pork chops, tenderloin, or pork belly, this method guarantees a crunchy exterior with tender meat inside.
Ingredients
For the Pork:
2 lbs pork (pork chops, tenderloin, or pork belly), cut into pieces or left whole depending on your preference
1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coating:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying:
Vegetable oil (or peanut oil), for deep frying
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Pork
Marinate the pork pieces in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, or even overnight in the fridge for a more tender and flavorful result. You can also add hot sauce to the buttermilk for an extra kick if desired.
Season the pork pieces with salt and pepper before marinating.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Make sure the coating is well-mixed, as this will give the pork its crispy and flavorful exterior.
Step 3: Coat the Pork
After the pork has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off.
Dredge each piece of pork in the flour mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coat.
Shake off any excess flour and set the coated pork aside.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat vegetable oil or peanut oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
Use a thermometer to check the temperature for the best frying results.
Step 5: Fry the Pork
Carefully place the coated pork pieces in the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
Fry the pork for 4–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness), or until the coating is golden brown and the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Once done, remove the pork from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve the deep-fried pork immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, hot sauce, or garlic aioli. You can also pair it with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Deep Fried Pork
For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the pork. After dredging the pork in the flour mixture, dip it back into the buttermilk, then dredge it again in the flour mixture before frying.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding other spices or herbs to the flour coating, such as oregano, rosemary, or smoked paprika.
For a lighter option, you can also pan-fry or air fry the pork instead of deep-frying it.