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.