Are you looking for a flavorful twist on traditional pork dishes? Look no further than the Mediterranean region, where the combination of rich olive oil, fragrant herbs, and tangy citrus creates a culinary paradise. In this article, we’ll take you on a gastronomic journey through 18 delicious Mediterranean pork recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
From classic Greek-style souvlaki to exotic Moroccan tagines, these recipes showcase the diversity and richness of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast, we’ve got you covered with our collection of mouth-watering pork dishes.
In this article, we’ll explore everything from tender and juicy pork skewers to hearty stews and braises. You’ll discover how to add a Mediterranean flair to your favorite pork recipes, including marinades, sauces, and seasonings that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed hills of Greece or the vibrant souks of Morocco.
Stay tuned for some seriously delicious recipe inspiration!
Greek-style pork souvlaki with lemon and oregano
Savor the flavors of Greece with this classic souvlaki recipe, featuring tender pork skewers infused with bright lemon juice and earthy oregano.
Ingredients:
– 500g pork shoulder or neck fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers
– Optional: pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and chopped tomatoes for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Add pork cubes to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Thread marinated pork onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill souvlaki for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your choice of accompaniments.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Mediterranean herb-crusted pork tenderloin
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic pork tenderloin recipe, featuring a medley of Mediterranean herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork tenderloin
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, and paprika.
3. Place the pork tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the herb mixture evenly over the pork, making sure to coat all surfaces.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow-cooked pork shoulder with olives and fennel
Tender, flavorful pork shoulder gets a boost from the savory combination of green olives and crunchy fennel. This slow-cooked dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork shoulder
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 bulbs fennel, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. Season pork shoulder with salt and pepper. Brown in a skillet with olive oil; remove from heat.
3. In the slow cooker, combine browned pork, onion, garlic, olives, fennel, and diced tomatoes.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve pork shoulder with juices spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Pork and fig tagine with Moroccan spices
A sweet and savory tagine that combines the richness of pork with the natural sweetness of figs, all infused with the bold flavors of Moroccan spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 cups mixed figs (fresh or dried), chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or clay tagine over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the pork and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the chopped figs, chicken broth, and any accumulated juices. Bring to a simmer.
6. Cover and transfer to the oven. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2 hours or until the pork is tender.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Garlic and rosemary grilled pork chops
Garlic and Rosemary Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful recipe that combines the savory flavors of garlic and rosemary with tender pork chops. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, these grilled pork chops are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 pounds)
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and chopped rosemary.
3. Brush both sides of the pork chops with olive oil.
4. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
5. Grill the pork chops for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. During the last minute of grilling, brush the garlic-rosemary mixture on top of the pork chops.
Cooking Time: 10-14 minutes
Pork kebabs with yogurt and cucumber sauce
A refreshing twist on traditional kebabs, this recipe combines the tender flavor of pork with the cooling zip of yogurt and cucumber sauce. Perfect for a light and flavorful summer meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork tenderloin or boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup diced cucumber
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread pork cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the kebabs with some of the yogurt sauce, reserving the rest for serving.
5. Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with remaining yogurt sauce and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Lemon and garlic marinated pork skewers
Brighten up your outdoor gatherings with these zesty and flavorful pork skewers, infused with the warmth of garlic and the brightness of lemon. Perfect for a summer BBQ or potluck.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and oregano.
2. Add the pork cubes to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated pork onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Pork and eggplant moussaka
This Greek-inspired dish combines tender pork and eggplant with a rich, creamy bechamel sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato puree
– 1 cup bechamel sauce (see below for recipe)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground pork over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Arrange half of the eggplant slices in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Spread the pork mixture over the eggplant, followed by half of the tomato puree and half of the bechamel sauce.
6. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining bechamel sauce on top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the eggplant is tender and the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Mediterranean-style stuffed pork loin
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and tender pork loin stuffed with the rich flavors of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) pork loin
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh oregano
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, oregano, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon zest.
3. Lay the pork loin flat on a cutting board. Make a horizontal incision in the center of the loin, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff the filling mixture into the incision, spreading it evenly throughout the loin.
5. Close the incision by bringing the edges together and securing with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Place the stuffed pork loin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pork and chickpea stew with saffron
This hearty stew combines the rich flavors of pork, chickpeas, and saffron for a warm and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons hot water
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and saffron mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
3. Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour or until pork is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Pork shawarma with tahini sauce
Experience the flavors of the Middle East with this delicious pork shawarma recipe, served with a creamy and tangy tahini sauce. This street-food-inspired dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork shoulder, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 pita breads
– Tahini sauce (see below)
– Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
Tahini Sauce:
– 1/2 cup tahini paste
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced pork and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill the pork for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Warm the pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating them on the grill for a few minutes.
5. Assemble the shawarma by placing the grilled pork onto the warmed pita bread, then drizzle with tahini sauce and garnish with parsley or cilantro.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pork and artichoke skillet with white wine
Pork and Artichoke Skillet with White Wine: A flavorful and savory dish that combines the richness of pork, artichokes, and white wine.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 medium artichokes, trimmed and quartered
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add the artichoke quarters and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Return the pork to the skillet and stir to combine with the artichokes and sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the pork is cooked through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Pork gyros with tzatziki and pita
Elevate your lunch game with this flavorful and refreshing Greek-inspired recipe. Juicy pork, crispy pita, and creamy tzatziki sauce come together for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 pita breads
– 1 cup tzatziki sauce (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: tomato, red onion, cucumber, feta cheese
Tzatziki Sauce:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 minced garlic clove
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Mix pork, onion, garlic, and olive oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Form into 4-6 patties, depending on desired size.
4. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Warm pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
6. Assemble gyros by placing a pork patty onto each pita, followed by a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
7. Add desired toppings and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pork and lentil soup with cumin and coriander
A hearty and flavorful soup that combines the richness of pork with the comforting warmth of lentils, all infused with the aromatic spices of cumin and coriander.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the pork over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onions, garlic, cumin, coriander, and salt. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Season with pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pork and roasted pepper flatbread
This flavorful flatbread combines the richness of slow-cooked pork with the sweetness of roasted peppers, all wrapped up in a crispy crust. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cooked and shredded
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), seeded and sliced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pre-made flatbread or pita bread
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss peppers with 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic, and oregano on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
3. Spread shredded pork evenly over flatbread.
4. Top with roasted peppers and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pork and spinach stuffed peppers
A flavorful twist on a classic dish, these pork and spinach stuffed peppers are perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of juicy pork, wilted spinach, and sweet bell peppers is a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground pork
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook pork, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper over medium-high heat until pork is browned.
4. Add spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted.
5. Stuff each pepper with the pork mixture and place in a baking dish.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pork and apricot tagine with couscous
Experience the flavors of Morocco with this delicious and aromatic tagine, perfectly paired with fluffy couscous.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in apricots, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in water or broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, for 30-40 minutes or until pork is tender.
5. Meanwhile, cook couscous according to package instructions.
6. Serve tagine over couscous, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pork and zucchini fritters with mint yogurt
Elevate your snack game with these flavorful fritters that combine the sweetness of zucchini, savory pork, and a refreshing dollop of mint yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup zucchini grated
– 1/2 cup ground pork
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Mint yogurt (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine zucchini, pork, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet or deep fryer to 350°F.
3. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the mixture into the hot oil. Flatten slightly with a spatula.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain fritters on paper towels.
Mint Yogurt:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
– Salt to taste
Mix all ingredients together and chill before serving. Serve the fritters with a dollop of mint yogurt for a refreshing twist!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Elevate your cooking with these 18 flavorful Mediterranean pork recipes, perfect for every occasion. From classic souvlaki and skewers to hearty stews and tagines, these dishes showcase the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. Try Greek-style pork souvlaki with lemon and oregano, or Mediterranean herb-crusted pork tenderloin. For a slow-cooked option, opt for slow-cooked pork shoulder with olives and fennel. These recipes are sure to transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed Mediterranean coast.
