How to Cook Pork Cubes in the Oven: A Comprehensive Guide

Pork cubes, also known as pork nuggets, are a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or main course. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking with a variety of seasonings and sauces.

Ingredients

2-3 pounds pork loin, cut into 1-inch thick chops, then into bite-size cubes
Salt, pepper, and garlic to taste
Optional: Other dry seasonings, such as cajun seasoning, chipotle, or sweet barbecue

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
Season the pork cubes generously with salt, pepper, and garlic.
Spread the pork cubes on a baking sheet covered with foil and parchment paper.
Roast in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the largest piece is no longer pink in the middle.
Remove the pork cubes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Heat a frying pan over high heat with a little bacon fat or oil.
Fry the pork cubes in batches, tossing them around until the edges are slightly browned.
Serve the pork cubes with your favorite dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch, or cool pea dip.

Tips

For a crispier texture, fry the pork cubes until they are golden brown.
To add extra flavor, toss the pork cubes with your favorite dry seasonings before frying.
Pork cubes can be made ahead of time and reheated when you are ready to serve.

Variations

Honey Garlic Pork Cubes: Toss the pork cubes with honey and garlic before roasting.
BBQ Pork Cubes: Toss the pork cubes with your favorite BBQ sauce before frying.
Cajun Pork Cubes: Toss the pork cubes with cajun seasoning before frying.
Chipotle Pork Cubes: Toss the pork cubes with chipotle powder before frying.

FAQs

Q: What is the best cut of pork to use for pork cubes?

A: Pork loin is a good choice for pork cubes because it is lean and has a mild flavor.

Q: How long do I cook pork cubes in the oven?

A: Pork cubes should be cooked in the oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the largest piece is no longer pink in the middle.

Q: Can I fry pork cubes instead of baking them?

A: Yes, you can fry pork cubes instead of baking them. However, frying will result in a crispier texture.

Q: What are some good dipping sauces for pork cubes?

A: Some good dipping sauces for pork cubes include BBQ sauce, ranch, and cool pea dip.

Q: Can I make pork cubes ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make pork cubes ahead of time and reheat them when you are ready to serve.

Quick and Easy Garlic butter Pork Bites | You Won’t Make Pork Chops Any Other Way

FAQ

What temp should cubed pork be?

Cook all raw pork steaks, chops, and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (62.8 °C) as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming.

How do you know when pork cubes are cooked?

One way to determine your porks’ doneness is by the color of the juices that come out of it when you poke a hole in it with a knife or fork. If the juices run clear or are very faintly pink, the pork is done cooking. If they’re mostly or entirely pink or red, it’s best to continue cooking.

Is it better to cook a pork loin at 350 or 400?

Doing this will help the pork loin from becoming dry and tough. First, wait until your oven is preheated. Once your oven is at 400° F place the loin inside and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes take the loin out and lower the oven temperature to 350 ° F and cook the loin for another 20 minutes per pound of meat.

Is it better to bake boneless pork chops at 350 or 400?

Baking pork chops at 400 degrees F will result in a slightly crisper, more caramelized exterior. It’s the ideal temperature for breaded pork chops, because the hotter temperature will crisp up the crumbs, as well as complete sheet pan meals, since 400 degrees F is the best temperature for roasting most vegetables.