Romanian Fried Pork Ears Recipe – Urechi de Porc Prajite 🍔🍺
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!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine Romanian
Servings 3 servings
Calories 250 kcal
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
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! 🍻

A Crispy and Flavorful Romanian Delight
When I was living in Romania, one of my favorite treats each December was crispy fried pork ears. This delicacy was a seasonal highlight, available only around the winter holidays in local markets. The rich, crunchy texture and smoky, salty flavor made them an irresistible snack.
However, after moving abroad, finding pork ears became a real challenge—especially since most local butchers were halal. Imagine my excitement when a nearby Romanian shop finally stocked them! Unlike the pre-cooked versions I enjoyed back home, these were raw, so I had to learn how to prepare them from scratch.
Today, I’m thrilled to share my authentic Romanian Fried Pork Ears recipe with you! This dish delivers an addictive crispy texture, packed with smoky, garlicky goodness, and makes a perfect snack to enjoy with a cold beer. 🍻
⭐ Why You'll Love This Recipe
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Authentic Romanian flavor 🇷🇴
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Crispy and satisfying, just like crackling!
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Perfect as an appetizer or beer snack 🍺
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Simple ingredients, bold taste
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Easy to make, with minimal effort
🔥 Tips & Tricks for the Best Pork Ears
✅ Customize the seasoning: Add smoked salt, garlic salt, or cayenne pepper for extra spice.
✅ Try air-frying: If you want a healthier version, air-fry the marinated pork ears at 200°C (390°F) for about 12-15 minutes.
✅ Make ahead: You can boil and marinate the pork ears a day in advance for the best flavor.
✅ Serve with dipping sauces: Try a side of garlic sauce, mustard, or aioli for extra deliciousness!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I store Romanian Fried Pork Ears?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a pan or air fryer for best results.
How long do fried pork ears last?
If properly stored in the fridge, they can last 1-2 weeks. However, they taste best when fresh!
Can I freeze cooked pork ears?
Yes! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Romanian Fried Pork Ears (Urechi de Porc Prajite) are an absolute treat—crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion! Whether you enjoy them as part of a festive meal or a crunchy snack, this recipe brings an authentic taste of Romania to your table.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Would you add any personal twists to this recipe? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 💬👇
Poftă bună! 🇷🇴🍽️
Keyword Crispy pork ears recipe, Fried pig ears snack, How to cook pork ears, Romanian beer snack recipe, Romanian fried pork ears recipe, Traditional Romanian pork recipe, Urechi de porc prăjite