Cretan Smoked Pork (Apaki)
Apaki is a traditional Cretan smoked pork, typically marinated in vinegar and herbs before being smoked. This recipe offers a simplified home version, focusing on the aromatic marinade and a quick searing process to bring out its unique flavors without a smoker. It's perfect as an appetizer or part of a meze platter.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 2 hr 15 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 251 kcal
Allergen information: may contain sulphites. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 500 gpork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
marinade
- 120 mlred wine vinegar
- 2 tspdried oregano
- 1 tspdried thyme
- 2 pcsbay leaf
- 0.5 tspblack peppercorn
- 1 tspsalt
cooking
- 2 tbspolive oil
garnish
- 2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped(optional)
Equipment
tongs · paper towels · mixing bowl · skillet
The method
Step by step
- 1
Slice the pork tenderloin into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Slicing slightly frozen pork can make it easier to get even pieces.
- 2
In a non-reactive bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried thyme, bay leaf, black peppercorns, and salt for the marinade.
About 2 min
- 3
Add the sliced pork to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
About 1 min
- 4
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
About 2 hr
Cook’s note: Do not marinate for too long (e.g., overnight) as the vinegar can start to break down the pork texture too much.
- 5
Remove the pork from the marinade and pat the slices thoroughly dry with paper towels.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Drying the pork is crucial for a good sear and crispy edges.
- 6
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
About 2 min
- 7
Add the pork slices to the hot skillet in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Overcrowding will steam the pork instead of searing it.
- 8
Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.
About 6 min
Cook’s note: The thinner slices will cook quickly, so watch them carefully.
- 9
Remove the cooked pork from the skillet and transfer to a serving platter.
- 10
Garnish with fresh parsley, if using, and serve warm.
About 1 min
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 251.1kcal
- Protein
- 26.5g
- Carbs
- 1.5g
- Fat
- 14.4g
- Fibre
- 0.9g
- Sugar
- 0.1g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover apaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave briefly.
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