- Why no peas?
- The original recipe doesn't use peas, but if you like their sweetness against the salty meat, feel free to add them at the end.
- Which cut of meat is best?
- Pork tenderloin is the most tender (cooks in minutes), while pork shoulder is more flavorful but requires longer braising.
Garlicky Pork and Potato Skillet (Brassoi)
Brassói is neither a stew nor a simple hash. It's a juicy, garlicky stir-fry, Hungarian style. The essence is the meeting of seared meat juices and crispy fried potatoes, crowned with the pungency of fresh garlic and black pepper. In a good Brassói, the potatoes don't get soggy; they soak up just enough jus to be flavorful while staying crisp.
Ingredients
1.3
lbs
Pork Tenderloin (or Shoulder)
1.75
lbs
Potatoes (starchy type)
1
medium
Yellow Onion
6
cloves
Garlic (reserve 2 for the end)
1
tsp
Paprika (optional, for color)
1
tsp
Salt
1
tsp
Black Pepper (freshly ground, generous amount)
3
tbsp
Lard (or Oil)
2
cups
Vegetable Oil (for frying potatoes)
1
bunch
Fresh Parsley
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Deep pot for frying potatoes
Instructions
1
✓
Cut meat into 1-inch cubes. Peel and cube potatoes similarly, wash, and dry thoroughly.
Tip: If potatoes are wet, they cool the oil and won't crisp. Washing off starch prevents sticking.
2
✓
In a large skillet, heat the lard and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent.
Tip: Add a pinch of salt to the onion to help draw out moisture and soften it faster.
3
✓
Add meat and sear on high heat until it turns white, then continue until browned spots appear.
Tip: This Maillard reaction gives the deep meaty flavor. Don't steam it immediately; sear it first!
4
✓
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and half the garlic (4 cloves). Add a splash of water (2 tbsp), cover, and simmer until tender.
Tip: Tenderloin takes 10-15 mins; shoulder needs 30-40. Keep liquid minimal—it should be a roast, not a stew.
5
✓
Meanwhile, fry potato cubes in hot oil until golden brown. Drain.
Tip: Potatoes are ready when they sound hollow when tapped.
6
✓
When meat is tender and water evaporated (sizzling in fat), add the remaining 2 cloves of fresh crushed garlic. Toss with the fried potatoes and parsley. Serve immediately.
Tip: Fresh garlic added at the very end provides the intense aroma that is the soul of Brassói. The heat just warms it up.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1.3 lbs Pork Tenderloin (or Shoulder)
- 1.75 lbs Potatoes (starchy type)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion
- 6 cloves Garlic (reserve 2 for the end)
- 1 tsp Paprika (optional, for color)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground, generous amount)
- 3 tbsp Lard (or Oil)
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for frying potatoes)
- 1 bunch Fresh Parsley