Latin Fusion Cemita with a Chinese Twist

Ingredients

In this Latin American Chinese fusion version of the Cemita, we incorporate Chinese spices and flavors into the traditional Mexican dish. The marinated pork is infused with Chinese spices and soy sauce, giving it a unique umami taste. The pickled vegetables are also enhanced with ginger and Sichuan peppercorns, adding a touch of Chinese flair to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Cemita, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 4 sesame seed buns 4 sesame seed buns
• 1 cup pickled vegetables (carrots, radishes, and onions) 1 cup pickled vegetables (carrots, radishes, and onions)
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 4 tablespoons chipotle mayo 4 tablespoons chipotle mayo

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and brown sugar. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade and toss until well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated pork slices for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
4. 4.
   Toast the sesame seed buns until golden brown.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, combine the pickled vegetables, grated ginger, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns. Mix well.
6. 6.
   Spread chipotle mayo on the bottom half of each bun.
7. 7.
   Layer the grilled pork slices on top of the chipotle mayo.
8. 8.
   Spoon the pickled vegetable mixture over the pork.
9. 9.
   Place the top half of the bun on the filling to complete the sandwich.
10. 10.
    Serve the Sesame Pork Cemita immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For best results, choose a well-marbled cut of pork shoulder as it will become tender and juicy when cooked.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you don't have Chinese five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few drops of Chinese chili oil to the chipotle mayo.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Chinese five-spice powder and Sichuan peppercorns.
• Experiment with different pickled vegetables such as daikon radish or cucumber for added variety.
• If you can't find sesame seed buns, you can use regular burger buns and sprinkle sesame seeds on top before toasting.
• Serve the Sesame Pork Cemita with a side of sweet potato fries for a delicious twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Sesame Pork Cemita warm, allowing the flavors to meld together. Accompany it with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, garnish the Sesame Pork Cemita with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a sprig of fresh cilantro. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a vibrant plate to make it visually enticing.