Place the pork cubes in a large pot. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and minced garlic if using.
Heat the pot over medium heat. Cook the pork, stirring occasionally, until the fat starts to render and the meat begins to brown.
Once the meat is browned, add a bay leaf if using. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30-45 minutes. If the pork starts to stick to the pot or if it looks too dry, add a small amount of water to prevent burning.
Increase the heat slightly to allow the fat to render more and the pork to become crispy. Stir frequently to ensure even crisping. This process can take an additional 10-15 minutes.
Once the pork is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the pot and drain excess fat if desired.
Enjoy your meal!