Spanish Style Grilled Marinated Pork

Name: Spanish Style Grilled Marinated Pork
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb pork loin (cut into 1/8" slices); 1 tsp oregano; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper; 4 Tbs olive oil; 1/2 tsp Kosher salt ((paleo diet: sea salt)); 3 tsp paprika (Spanish smoked type is best)

Published: June 24, 2018 • Modified: November 11, 2018 • by Author: Analida • Word count:623 words. • About 4 minutes to read this article.

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This Spanish style grilled marinated pork or prueba de cerdo recipe has a bit of kick, but not too much to intimidate those who prefer a milder taste. It is a hearty tapas dish to say the least. The smoky flavor of the paprika and the crushed red pepper combine to awaken your taste buds! The melt in your mouth texture of this pork tenderloin will amaze you.

As tapas or a main!

I think it would be especially wonderful on the grill in the summertime accompanied by a side of roasted potatoes and mixed greens. Add toasted French bread and a glass of sherry to this culinary equation and you have a fantastic meal before you. I must stress that the key to achieving perfection with this dish is not to rush things. By this I mean, marinate for the full 24 hours. The flavors of the spices will infuse the meat thoroughly. You’ll be glad you waited!

For the marinade I prefer to use the Spanish paprika. The Spaniards are very picky about their paprika, almost as the French are about their wine. As a matter of fact, in Spain there is a classification-D.O. or denomination of origin which indicates where the product is from. Paprika is also the main spice in Spanish chorizo (a pork sausage ) which is also a regional element of pride throughout Spain, where each small town claims to make the best chorizo.

Paprika is an ancient spice

Paprika is one of the many spices that came to Europe from the New World. It was allegedly brought back by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage and supposedly served to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella who found it a bit too spicy for their taste.

Grilled marinated pork loin should definitely be on the menu for your next tapas party. If you are not a fan of pork, don’t worry; this dish is most certainly adaptable to chicken.

If you want to bring the flavors of Spain to your home I have several great recipes to share with you.
Spanish chorizo in red wine sauce is a great dish to pair with some tempranillo or rioja.
Croquetas de jamón y pollo take a little effort but you will be rewarded with a delicious appetizer that is crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Shrimp with tomato and onions is a simple tapas dish that pairs well with a nice Spanish white Verdejo that is similar to Pino Grigio.
Empanadas are savory turnovers filled with meat or cheese. Most are fried but I like to cheat and bake mine using pre-made pie crust. I think this is a slightly healthier option than frying and is so easy.

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