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    Home >> Spanish

    Spanish Style Grilled Marinated Pork

    Published: September 8, 2020 • Modified: May 28, 2022 • by Author: Analida • Word count:921 words. • About 5 minutes to read this article.

    857 shares
    • 71
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Melt in your mouth tender pork medallions! How about a classic Spanish tapas dish! Spicy marinated pork tenderloin medallions in paprika marinade and flash grilled al la plancha or al carbon. | ethnicspoon.com

    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.

     

    a white plate of grilled pork and toasted baguette with cutlery on the left and a dish of bread on the right

    Jump to:
    • Tapas or a main!
    • Paprika flavor
    • Step by step photos:
    • Frequently asked questions:
    • Spanish Style Grilled Marinated Pork Recipe Card

    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!

    a white plate of grilled pork, cilantro, and sliced baguette and a bowl of chilis on the right

    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.

    a set of cutlery and a plate of grilled pork

    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:

    A collage of photos showing the ingredients and steps to make Spanish style grilled pork.

    1. Gather all the ingredients and have them measured out and ready to go.
    2. In a small bowl or pyrex mix together the olive oil, paprika, crushed red pepper and oregano.
    3. Whisk to combine really well.
    4. Slice the pork loin into ⅛" slices as shown and place in a zip top bag.
    5. Pour the oil-spice mixture into the bag with the pork.
    6. 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.

    Looking for more recipes?
    Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new recipes in your inbox each week!  You can also find me sharing more inspiration in Pinterest and Facebook.

    Here is a must try for your next party and grilling event! How about a classic Spanish tapas dish! Spicy marinated pork tenderloin medallions in paprika marinade and flash grilled al la plancha or al carbon. | ethnicspoon.com
    5 from 9 votes
    Print

    Spanish Style Grilled Marinated Pork Recipe Card

    A classic Spanish tapas dish: prueba de cerdo. You will love these thinly slices medallions of pork loin marinated in a spicy smoked paprika sauce.
    Course Appetizer or Main Dish
    Cuisine Spanish
    Keyword cerdo, grilling, marinated, medallions, pork loin, tapas
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings: Change to adjust-> 12 servings
    Calories 93 kcal
    Author Analida Braeger

    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

      1. In a glass bowl mix all the ingredients except for the pork and greens.
      2. Place in a freezer bag or glass bowl and add the sliced pork loin. Refrigerate for 24 hours.
      3. 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.

      Nutrition Facts
      Spanish Style Grilled Marinated Pork Recipe Card
      Amount Per Serving
      Calories 93 Calories from Fat 54
      % Daily Value*
      Fat 6g9%
      Saturated Fat 1g6%
      Cholesterol 23mg8%
      Sodium 117mg5%
      Potassium 154mg4%
      Protein 8g16%
      Vitamin A 310IU6%
      Calcium 5mg1%
      Iron 0.4mg2%
      * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

      This post contains affiliate links. Ethnic Spoon might receive a small commission when you shop the retail links in this post. 

      Updated September 2020.

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        Some of the best Mexican food is so easy to make at home! Slow cooked authentic Mexican pork carnitas burrito bowls is what I am making today. The smell is filling my house and I am getting HUNGRY. Mexican pork carnitas are really the first cousin to pulled pork, a USA favorite. Slow cooker tender and delicious with a nice crispy finish! You will love these authentic Mexican pork carnitas burrito bowls ! Super easy to make in the slow cooker and then crisp up in the oven. Add some pico de gallo, some fried green plantain, avocado and some black beans. | ethnicspoon.com
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      857 shares
      • 71

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. maria s

        April 23, 2014 at 4:49 am

        Sounds lovely! I know ahh good Spanish paprika is amazing and goes well with so many things!

        Reply
      2. Campasimpukka

        September 12, 2014 at 11:31 am

        Nice idea for pork with a spanish twist! I posted my version in my blog today. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

        Reply
        • Analida

          September 15, 2014 at 7:53 am

          Thanks!!! glad you liked it.

          Reply
      3. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious

        June 13, 2015 at 11:02 am

        LOVE this idea! I have a pork tenderloin in the fridge and now I know what I will be doing with it.

        Reply
        • Analida

          June 13, 2015 at 2:10 pm

          Thanks Dorothy!!! It is really good. A good side dish? parsley potatoes. So easy. 🙂

          Reply
      4. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life

        June 14, 2015 at 12:22 am

        This looks delicious, Analida! I love all your ethnic dishes!

        Reply
        • Analida

          June 14, 2015 at 6:56 am

          Thanks Michelle!

          Reply
      5. Sarah

        September 30, 2015 at 4:42 am

        Now you've got me a) wanting to find a quality Spanish paprika to try and b) really craving this pork. Love it!

        Reply
        • Analida

          October 01, 2015 at 6:08 pm

          Thanks Sarah!
          You can get a good paprika through Penzey's. http://www.penzeys.com
          Thanks, I hope you get to try it.

          Reply
      6. Eva

        October 21, 2015 at 6:55 am

        Hi Analida,
        These looks very tasty.

        Reply
        • Analida

          October 21, 2015 at 5:08 pm

          thanks for commenting Eva. I hope you get to try it.

          Reply
      7. Lou Lou Girls

        October 26, 2015 at 2:32 pm

        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

        Reply
        • Analida

          October 26, 2015 at 7:03 pm

          Thanks much! I'll be at the next party!

          Reply
      8. Denise Wright

        January 27, 2016 at 9:22 am

        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.

        Reply
        • Analida

          January 27, 2016 at 4:01 pm

          Thanks Denise. This recipe has always worked well. Let me know how yours turns out.

          Reply
      9. Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom

        January 27, 2016 at 12:03 pm

        This pork looks amazing--and I love that platter!

        Reply
        • Analida

          January 27, 2016 at 3:59 pm

          Thanks Kristen!

          Reply
      10. Caroline | carolinescooking

        January 27, 2016 at 2:17 pm

        I love the various flavorful pork dishes you get in Spain, as you say the paprika really helps. Looks delicious!

        Reply
        • Analida

          January 27, 2016 at 3:59 pm

          Thanks Caroline! I love paprika 🙂

          Reply
      11. Analida

        January 27, 2016 at 4:00 pm

        It is really yummy KC. The paprika is great.

        Reply
      12. Cathy

        January 27, 2016 at 7:15 pm

        Mouthwatering amazing! It looks perfectly cooked and seasoned!
        Cathy

        Reply
        • Analida

          January 29, 2016 at 7:59 pm

          Thanks Cathy! It's one of my favorites.

          Reply
      13. Laura @MotherWouldKnow

        March 02, 2016 at 3:27 pm

        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!

        Reply
        • Analida

          March 02, 2016 at 7:42 pm

          Thanks Laura. Yes, it's nice to switch thing up a little bit.

          Reply
      14. Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life

        June 08, 2016 at 5:40 am

        Analida, that looks absolutely fabulous!! Definitely need to try it...love paprika! A tapas party this summer is sounding like a very good idea!

        Reply
        • Analida

          June 08, 2016 at 8:46 am

          Hi Michelle!
          I think you will like it.

          Reply
      15. susan | the wimpy vegetarian.com

        June 08, 2016 at 1:31 pm

        I love Spanish Paprika! It has such a distinctive flavor, and goes beautifully with pork!

        Reply
        • Analida

          June 08, 2016 at 3:28 pm

          Yes, paprika and pork go great together.

          Reply
      16. Sheila

        September 28, 2016 at 5:26 pm

        I just made the marinade and can't wait to grill the pork tomorrow! Thanks for the recipe, Analida.

        Reply
        • Analida

          September 29, 2016 at 7:36 pm

          Hi Sheila! Let me know how you like it.

          Reply
          • lydia koshfam

            March 03, 2017 at 9:02 pm

            5 stars
            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.

            Reply
            • Analida

              March 04, 2017 at 11:36 am

              That sounds great Lydia! How cool that you lived in Spain all those years.Let me know how it turns out.

              Reply
      17. Tina

        May 31, 2017 at 7:30 pm

        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!

        Reply
        • Analida

          June 01, 2017 at 2:54 pm

          That is great Tina. Let me know how you like it.

          Reply
      18. Marie-Pierre Breton

        June 01, 2017 at 10:32 am

        Olé! I'm a big fan of smokey paprika! Love this recipe!

        Reply
        • Analida

          June 01, 2017 at 2:54 pm

          Thank you Marie Pierre. I hope you get to try it and enjoy it. 🙂

          Reply
      19. Christine

        June 04, 2017 at 9:29 pm

        5 stars
        This sounds amazing - Smoked paprika is my all-time favorite spice!

        Reply
        • Analida

          June 05, 2017 at 8:00 pm

          Thanks Christine! I love smoked paprika too! Let me know if you make it. 🙂

          Reply
        • Analida

          June 09, 2017 at 4:43 pm

          Thanks Christine! I think it is an awesome spice, and there are so many ways to use it.

          Reply
      20. Lane and Holly @ With Two Spoons

        June 09, 2017 at 9:27 am

        These look so, so good!

        Reply
        • Analida

          June 09, 2017 at 4:44 pm

          They are! If you have a chance to make it let me know how it turns out.

          Reply
      21. Jenni LeBaron

        June 30, 2018 at 10:33 am

        5 stars
        I'm so glad that grilling season is in full force so I can make delicious dishes like this. What a great marinade.

        Reply
        • Analida

          July 01, 2018 at 4:50 pm

          Thank you so much! Let me know when you try it.

          Reply
      22. Christine

        July 01, 2018 at 2:29 pm

        5 stars
        Smoked paprika is my all-time favorite spice and I'm always looking for new pork recipes - Definitely going to give this a try!

        Reply
        • Analida

          July 01, 2018 at 4:51 pm

          Thanks! Let me know how you like it.

          Reply
      23. Mary

        November 29, 2018 at 6:25 am

        5 stars
        Thank you for this great recipe!!!

        Reply
      24. Richard Farris

        November 29, 2018 at 6:25 am

        5 stars
        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.

        Reply
      25. Himanshu singh

        June 05, 2019 at 8:25 am

        5 stars
        Really nice article and made me feel yum yum

        Reply
      26. Dang Thai

        March 19, 2020 at 9:01 pm

        5 stars
        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!

        Reply
      27. Jack Scott

        February 08, 2022 at 9:22 am

        5 stars
        To make a really juicy grilled food you’ll need a good grill! Thanks!

        Reply

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      Analida profile pictureI have been researching and creating ethnic recipes for over 20 years. I love to share "mostly healthy" easy and affordable ethnic recipes using fresh ingredients, with a bit of culture and food history sprinkled in.... Read more-->

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