Diner-Style Pan-Fried Pork with Onions

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you make diner-style pan-fried pork? Start by prepping your ingredients. Not every cut works for pan-frying. For tender, juicy meat, use the neck, shoulder, ham, or tenderloin. The dish tastes best with fresh meat, but if yours is frozen, thaw it first — 8 hours in the fridge, then 1–2 hours at room temperature.

2. Step 2:

   

   Rinse the meat and pat it dry with paper towels — this cuts down on splatter and gives you a more even, golden crust. Trim off any excess fat.

3. Step 3:

   

   Cut the meat into pieces about 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches (2x4 cm). Try to cut across the grain — the pieces shrink as they fry, but shorter ones stay more tender than long ones.

4. Step 4:

   

   Peel, rinse, and slice the onion into half-rings. This way it holds its shape and is easy to eat.

5. Step 5:

   

   Put the meat and onion in a large deep bowl. Add the seasonings and about 3 tablespoons of oil. Don't salt yet — holding off on the salt keeps more of the juices in. Use whatever seasonings you like, either a ready-made blend or your own.

6. Step 6:

   

   Mix everything thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated. Let it sit for 30 minutes at room temperature.

7. Step 7:

   

   Heat a skillet with the vegetable oil. Keep in mind that if the meat is fatty, you'll need far less oil than the recipe calls for — sometimes none at all. Set the heat to medium or medium-high. Since the meat takes longer than the onion, add just the pork first, in a single layer. If it won't all fit, cook it in batches. There's no need to cover the pan.

8. Step 8:

   

   Lay the pork pieces in the pan, spaced apart. Brown them on both sides — it took me about 4 minutes per side. Salt each side once it's browned.

9. Step 9:

   

   Transfer the cooked pieces to a deep dish, cover, and let them rest so the meat finishes cooking through.

10. Step 10:

    

    Fry the onion in the oil left in the pan from the meat. Cook until it turns translucent and golden.

11. Step 11:

    

    Just before serving, stir the meat and onions together and warm them through in the same pan. Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or buckwheat. Enjoy!