This authentic Tigania recipe brings the sizzling flavors of Greek tavernas straight to your kitchen in just 20 minutes.
A beloved dish from Greece, these crispy pan-fried pork bites are seasoned to perfection and cooked until golden brown, creating an irresistible combination of tender meat and caramelized edges.
Whether you’re hosting a Mediterranean-themed dinner or craving a quick weeknight meal, this flavorful Greek main course will transport you to sun-drenched shores.
Ingredients for Greek Pan-Fried Pork (Tigania)

- Pork: 1 kg (35 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking
- Sausages: 200g (7 oz), sliced for added flavor
- White Wine: 1 glass, dry variety works best
- Tsipouro: 1 glass, traditional Greek spirit for authentic taste
- Peppers: 2 medium, cut into strips for texture
- Mustard: 1 tbsp, adds tangy depth
- Paprika: 1 tbsp, for rich color and flavor
- Oregano: 1 tsp dried, essential Greek herb
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped for sweetness
- Olive Oil: 1/2 cup, quality oil recommended
- Water: 1 cup, for creating sauce
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, freshly ground preferred
Cooking Instructions
- Preparation: Thoroughly wash pork and have all ingredients measured and ready
- Initial Searing: Heat olive oil in large pan over high heat, sauté pork and sausages for 4-5 minutes until golden
- Vegetable Addition: Add peppers and onions, cook for 3-4 minutes until softened
- Seasoning Step: Pour in tsipouro, season with salt, pepper, and paprika
- Sauce Creation: Mix water with mustard, add to pan and let reduce
- Wine & Herbs: Add wine and oregano, cover and simmer for 6-7 minutes until sauce thickens
- Final Touch: Serve hot with pita bread and potato chips
Cooking Techniques
This tasty Greek dish uses a quick pan-frying method that builds amazing flavors! The key is getting your pan nice and hot before adding the meat – this helps create a lovely brown color on the outside while keeping the pork juicy inside.
When you add the tsipouro (a Greek grape spirit), it might flame up a bit, which is totally normal and adds great flavor.
If you’re new to pan-frying, just keep stirring occasionally and watch how the liquid reduces – that’s when you know all those yummy flavors are concentrating!
Easy Substitutions
Can’t find tsipouro? No problem! You can use grappa or even brandy instead. For the white wine, any dry variety works great – try a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
If you don’t eat pork, this recipe works wonderfully with chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces.
The cooking time might be a bit shorter with chicken, so just keep an eye on it. For the peppers, any color bell pepper will do – mix and match for a pretty presentation!
Serving Suggestions
While this recipe suggests pita bread and potato chips, you can create an amazing Greek feast with a few simple sides!
Try serving it with a classic Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese. Rice pilaf soaks up the tasty sauce perfectly.
For a lighter option, wrap the meat mixture in warm pita bread with some tzatziki sauce.
Don’t forget to put out some lemon wedges – a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before eating makes all the flavors pop!
Storage Tips
This tigania actually tastes even better the next day! Once it’s cooled down, pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to eat, warm it gently in a pan with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
The leftovers make amazing sandwiches – just stuff them in a warm pita with some fresh tomatoes and onions!

Tigania (Greek Pan Fried Pork)
Equipment
- Large frying pan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 kg pork (35 ounces)
- 200 g sausages, sliced (7 ounces)
- 1 glass dry white wine
- 1 glass tsipouro (Greek drink)
- 2 peppers sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp dry oregano
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup water
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- To prepare this easy lunch recipe, start by washing the pork thoroughly. Heat a large frying pan at high heat, pour in the olive oil and add the sausages and the pork. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until nicely coloured on all sides.
- Add the peppers and onions, and sauté for 3-4 more minutes. Pour in the tsipouro and season well with salt, pepper and a pinch of paprika.
- Into a bowl add a cup of water and 1 tbsp mustard and blend. Add the water into the pan and stir. Cook until most of the juices have evaporated.
- Add the wine, a good pinch of oregano and simmer with the lid on at medium heat for 6-7 minutes, until most of the juices have evaporated.
- Serve with some pita breads and potato chips and enjoy one of the most delicious Greek easy lunch recipes.