Craving a taste of the vibrant streets of Havana? Then look no further! This Cubano recipe with pulled pork carnitas offers a delicious twist on the classic, delivering a burst of savory flavors in every bite. Forget complicated techniques; this recipe is surprisingly easy and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping weekend meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Pulled Pork Carnitas:
- 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder (butt roast)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cubanos:
- 8 Cuban bread rolls (or similar crusty rolls)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup thinly sliced dill pickles
- ½ cup yellow mustard
Instructions:
Making the Pulled Pork Carnitas:
- Season the pork: In a large bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder.
- Braise the pork: Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Pour in the orange juice and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds. Alternatively, you can braise it in a Dutch oven in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 3-4 hours.
- Shred the pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker/Dutch oven and shred it using two forks. Skim off excess fat from the cooking liquid.
- Mix it up: Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker/Dutch oven, mixing it with some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.
Assembling the Cubanos:
- Prepare the bread: Slice the Cuban bread rolls in half lengthwise.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread yellow mustard on both halves of each roll. Add a generous layer of pulled pork carnitas to the bottom half of each roll. Top with Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and the other half of the roll.
- Grill or press: For the best Cubano experience, grill the assembled sandwiches in a panini press or on a griddle until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey. If you don't have a panini press, you can use a heavy skillet on medium heat, weighing down the sandwich with another skillet or heavy object.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level. For a milder flavor, omit it altogether.
- Citrus burst: Add a squeeze of lime juice to the pulled pork for a brighter, tangier taste.
- Different cheese: Try using other cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Add some ham: For a more traditional Cubano, add thinly sliced ham to the sandwich along with the pulled pork.
- Make it ahead: The pulled pork carnitas can be made a day or two in advance, making this recipe perfect for meal prepping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy Cubano recipe with pulled pork carnitas is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a fantastic example of delicious and healthy meals you can whip up quickly, proving that homemade cooking can be both satisfying and simple. Enjoy this flavor explosion and share your culinary creations!