This Spanish-style grilled 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.
Tapas or a main!
I think Spanish pork chops 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!
In the marinade for pork chops, 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 flavor
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.
Step by step photos:
- Gather all the ingredients and have them measured out and ready to go.
- In a small bowl or pyrex mix together the olive oil, paprika, crushed red pepper and oregano.
- Whisk to combine really well.
- Slice the pork loin into ⅛" slices as shown and place in a zip top bag.
- Pour the oil-spice mixture into the bag with the pork.
- Seal the bag and squeeze the contents to evenly coat all the pork. Refrigerate for 24 hours. Pan fry the pork or grill on high heat for a minute or 2 on each side. They should reach 145°F internal temperature.
Frequently asked questions:
- How long can I store the leftover pork? Once they have completely cooled you can store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- Can I freeze the leftover Spanish pork? Yes, store in shallow airtight containers or wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- How do I reheat the pork? Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and stop to stir every 30-45 seconds until hot. Once reheated do not cool and store again in the refrigerator, consume it right away. Only reheat the amount you are going to consume.
- Can I make this recipe with chicken or beef? Sure! You certainly use either, just follow the same instructions.
Grilled marinated pork loin should definitely be on the menu for your next tapas party.
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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Spanish Style Grilled Marinated Pork Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork loin cut into ⅛" slices
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper
- 4 Tbs olive oil
- ½ tsp Kosher salt (paleo diet: sea salt)
- 3 tsp paprika Spanish smoked type is best
Add mixed greens for garnish
Instructions
- In a glass bowl mix all the ingredients except for the pork and greens.
- Place in a freezer bag or glass bowl and add the sliced pork loin. Refrigerate for 24 hours.
- To cook: Heat some olive oil in a large skillet and quickly fry the pork slices, This is the "a la plancha" method or quick frying over high heat. You can also grill over fire or "al carbon" on your outdoor grill. A minute or 2 on each side over high heat on the grill will be enough since the slices are very thin. Serve atop mixed greens. You can accompany this dish with toasted French bread.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Feel free to substitute beef or chicken.
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Updated September 2020.
maria s
Sounds lovely! I know ahh good Spanish paprika is amazing and goes well with so many things!
Campasimpukka
Nice idea for pork with a spanish twist! I posted my version in my blog today. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Analida
Thanks!!! glad you liked it.
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
LOVE this idea! I have a pork tenderloin in the fridge and now I know what I will be doing with it.
Analida
Thanks Dorothy!!! It is really good. A good side dish? parsley potatoes. So easy. 🙂
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
This looks delicious, Analida! I love all your ethnic dishes!
Analida
Thanks Michelle!
Sarah
Now you've got me a) wanting to find a quality Spanish paprika to try and b) really craving this pork. Love it!
Analida
Thanks Sarah!
You can get a good paprika through Penzey's. http://www.penzeys.com
Thanks, I hope you get to try it.
Eva
Hi Analida,
These looks very tasty.
Analida
thanks for commenting Eva. I hope you get to try it.
Lou Lou Girls
Delicious! This looks so good! Pinned and tweeted. Thank you for being a part of our party! I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm. We love partying with you! Lou Lou Girls
Analida
Thanks much! I'll be at the next party!
Denise Wright
This looks like a good dinner to make this week. I have a hard time with pork loin. Mine gets kind of dry. Yours look so tasty.
Analida
Thanks Denise. This recipe has always worked well. Let me know how yours turns out.
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom
This pork looks amazing--and I love that platter!
Analida
Thanks Kristen!
Caroline | carolinescooking
I love the various flavorful pork dishes you get in Spain, as you say the paprika really helps. Looks delicious!
Analida
Thanks Caroline! I love paprika 🙂
Analida
It is really yummy KC. The paprika is great.
Cathy
Mouthwatering amazing! It looks perfectly cooked and seasoned!
Cathy
Analida
Thanks Cathy! It's one of my favorites.
Laura @MotherWouldKnow
We're always grilling, but it's fish or red meat. Now you've got me wanting to try this, as a fabulous way to switch over to pork instead of red meat sometimes. Gorgeous dish!
Analida
Thanks Laura. Yes, it's nice to switch thing up a little bit.
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life
Analida, that looks absolutely fabulous!! Definitely need to try it...love paprika! A tapas party this summer is sounding like a very good idea!
Analida
Hi Michelle!
I think you will like it.
susan | the wimpy vegetarian.com
I love Spanish Paprika! It has such a distinctive flavor, and goes beautifully with pork!
Analida
Yes, paprika and pork go great together.
Sheila
I just made the marinade and can't wait to grill the pork tomorrow! Thanks for the recipe, Analida.
Analida
Hi Sheila! Let me know how you like it.
lydia koshfam
I'm making this and adding garlic too. I'm sure it will be as good as what I remember years ago when I was born in Spain and lived there until I was 15.
Analida
That sounds great Lydia! How cool that you lived in Spain all those years.Let me know how it turns out.
Tina
This is great! I just got a BBQ last year and am looking for ways to impress my husband. I think this will definitely do it! Love the video too!
Analida
That is great Tina. Let me know how you like it.
Marie-Pierre Breton
Olé! I'm a big fan of smokey paprika! Love this recipe!
Analida
Thank you Marie Pierre. I hope you get to try it and enjoy it. 🙂
Christine
This sounds amazing - Smoked paprika is my all-time favorite spice!
Analida
Thanks Christine! I love smoked paprika too! Let me know if you make it. 🙂
Analida
Thanks Christine! I think it is an awesome spice, and there are so many ways to use it.
Lane and Holly @ With Two Spoons
These look so, so good!
Analida
They are! If you have a chance to make it let me know how it turns out.
Jenni LeBaron
I'm so glad that grilling season is in full force so I can make delicious dishes like this. What a great marinade.
Analida
Thank you so much! Let me know when you try it.
Christine
Smoked paprika is my all-time favorite spice and I'm always looking for new pork recipes - Definitely going to give this a try!
Analida
Thanks! Let me know how you like it.
Mary
Thank you for this great recipe!!!
Richard Farris
Really yummy recipe! To make a really juicy grilled food you'll need a good grill. Personally I prefer gas grill. This site has a lot of suggestions on good grills under 200$. You can plug it into a standart wall outlet and have enough temperature.
Himanshu singh
Really nice article and made me feel yum yum
Dang Thai
Woooow..... It’s the only thing that taste good! And so easy to do…
To make a really juicy grilled food you’ll need a good grill. Personally I prefer gas grill. On Embeya Grill has a lot of suggestions on good grills under 200$. I think I will look for these and try your recipe this weekend. Thank you for sharing!
Dang Thai from Embeya!
Jack Scott
To make a really juicy grilled food you’ll need a good grill! Thanks!