Golden crispy fried pork shoulder on a plate garnished with herbs

Crispy & Healthy Fried Pork Shoulder Delight

Name: Crispy & Healthy Fried Pork Shoulder Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 g Pork shoulder, lean and trimmed (choose fresh, pinkish color, firm texture); 2 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin preferred for health and flavor); 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Paprika (smoked or sweet); 0.5 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground; 1 tsp Salt; to taste n/a Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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easy

20 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories350kcal

Carbs5gram

Fat20gram

Protein30gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Pork shoulder, lean and trimmed (choose fresh, pinkish color, firm texture)500 g
Olive oil (extra virgin preferred for health and flavor)2 tbsp
Garlic powder1 tsp
Paprika (smoked or sweet)1 tsp
Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
Salt1 tsp
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)to taste n/a

This healthy fried pork shoulder recipe brings you crispy, juicy, and flavorful pork with minimal oil and smart cooking techniques. Using lean pork shoulder trimmed from excess fat and controlling the frying temperature ensures a delicious meal without excess grease. The step-by-step instructions prioritize safety through proper meat handling and reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) with rest time, ensuring safe and tender results. Total ingredient cost is approximately $10 (8.50€ / £7.50 / ₹800). The dish contains about 350 kcal per serving, making it suitable for a balanced diet. Difficulty is easy, perfect for home cooks enhancing their pork cooking skills. Active cooking time is about 20 minutes, plus preparation and resting time.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the Pork Shoulder

1Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Trim any large visible fat to make it healthier. Cut into 2 cm thick slices for even cooking. This ensures crispy edges and tender inside. (Time: 5 minutes)

Season the Pork

2Mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of pork slices. Let it sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to absorb flavors.

Heat the Pan

3Place a large non-stick or cast iron frying pan on medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it warm up until shimmering but not smoking. This prevents sticking and creates a crisp crust.

Fry the Pork Slices

4Add pork slices carefully in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip when edges turn golden brown. Maintain medium heat to avoid burning. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.

Check Internal Temperature

5Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of pork slices. Pork is safe to eat once reaching 145°F (63°C). Remove from heat once temperature is achieved.

Rest the Meat

6Transfer pork to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 3 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy pork.

Serve and Garnish

7Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for color and fresh aroma. This adds a nice freshness contrast.

Cooking Tips

1Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary to maintain heat and get that perfect crispiness.

2Use a meat thermometer to guarantee safe internal temperature and avoid overcooking pork shoulder.

3Trim excess fat for a healthier version but keep some marbling for tenderness and flavor.

4Consider marinating pork for a few hours in yogurt or citrus juice for extra tenderness and flavor.

Equipment Needed

Large non-stick or cast iron frying pan
Meat thermometer
Tongs
Mixing bowl
Knife and cutting board
Plate and foil for resting

Shopping List

[ ] Pork shoulder (around 500g) - approx $6.50. Choose fresh meat with good color and firm texture.
[ ] Olive oil (extra virgin preferred) - approx $0.50 for needed quantity. Use high-quality oil for better flavor.
[ ] Garlic powder - approx $0.30. Check the expiration date for freshness.
[ ] Paprika - approx $0.30. Smoked paprika adds a great aroma.
[ ] Black pepper - approx $0.20. Freshly ground if possible.
[ ] Salt - approx $0.10.
[ ] Fresh parsley (optional) - approx $1.00 for a small bunch. Choose bright green leaves.

Total approximate cost: $8.90

FAQ

What is the safe internal temperature for pork shoulder?

Pork shoulder should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and then be rested for at least 3 minutes to be safe for consumption.

Can I use other oils instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can use oils with a high smoke point like avocado or sunflower oil, but olive oil adds great flavor and has healthy fats.

How can I check if the pork is fully cooked without a thermometer?

Cut into the thickest part to check the color; properly cooked pork should be slightly pinkish and juices clear, but using a thermometer is the safest method.