Contents
A crispy, flavorful Romanian delicacy, these fried pork ears are seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and spices, then fried to perfection. Perfect as a beer snack or appetizer, they bring the taste of Romania to your table!
Ingredients
For Boiling the Pork Ear:
- 1 pork ear
- 3 bay leaves
- 6-7 peppercorns
- 1 tsp salt
For the Marinade:
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp hot paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
For Frying:
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
Instructions
Clean and Boil the Pork Ear (Day 1)
- Rinse the pork ear thoroughly under cold water.
- In a pot, add water, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add the pork ear and simmer over medium heat for about 50-60 minutes until tender.
- Remove from the pot and let cool completely. Refrigerate overnight.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor (Day 2)
- Slice the pork ear into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix minced garlic, smoked paprika, hot paprika, salt, and vegetable oil.
- Coat the pork ear pieces evenly with the marinade. Let marinate for at least 2 hours.
Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated pork pieces and cover with a lid (hot oil may splash).
- Fry for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined bowl to remove excess oil.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm or cold, sprinkled with extra salt.
- Pair with beer for an authentic Romanian experience! 🍻
Notes
Romanian Fried Pork Ears – A Crispy and Flavorful Snack
In Romania, winter holidays often bring hearty, rustic dishes to the table, and one of the more unique festive snacks is fried pork ears. Known locally as Urechi de Porc Prajite, this delicacy is valued for its crunchy texture, smoky aroma, and rich flavor. Served hot and crispy, it’s a favorite treat to enjoy with a cold beer or as part of a traditional appetizer platter.⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Romanian flavor 🇷🇴
- Crispy and satisfying, similar to pork crackling
- Perfect as an appetizer or beer snack 🍺
- Simple ingredients with bold results
- Easy to prepare with minimal effort
🔥 Tips & Tricks for the Best Pork Ears
✅ Customize the seasoning – Try smoked salt, garlic salt, or cayenne pepper for extra spice.✅ Air-frying option – For a lighter version, cook marinated pork ears in an air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for 12–15 minutes.
✅ Make-ahead friendly – Boil and marinate the pork ears a day before frying for deeper flavor.
✅ Serve with dips – Garlic sauce, mustard, or aioli pair beautifully with the crunchy texture.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I store Romanian Fried Pork Ears?Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a pan or air fryer for best crispiness. How long do they last?
If refrigerated properly, fried pork ears keep for 1–2 weeks, though they are best enjoyed fresh. Can I freeze cooked pork ears?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Wow, this looks amazing! I’m always up for trying new things, and Romanian fried pork ears are definitely on my list now. That marinade sounds incredible – smoked paprika is one of my favorite spices. Thanks for sharing this unique recipe! I’ll be trying this out soon and will let you know how it turns out. 🍺