Cuban-Inspired Pulled Pork Sandwich

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
• 4 crusty Cuban bread rolls 4 crusty Cuban bread rolls
• 8 slices Swiss cheese 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup (120g) dill pickles, sliced 1/2 cup (120g) dill pickles, sliced
• 1/4 cup (60g) yellow mustard 1/4 cup (60g) yellow mustard

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugar: 4g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. 2.
   Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. 4.
   Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour the orange juice and lime juice over the pork.
5. 5.
   Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. 6.
   Remove the pot from the oven and let the pork cool slightly. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
7. 7.
   Slice the Cuban bread rolls in half lengthwise. Spread mustard on one side of each roll.
8. 8.
   Layer the shredded pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles on the bottom half of each roll. Top with the other half of the roll.
9. 9.
   Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches on the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
10. 10.
    Remove from heat and serve the Cuban-inspired pulled pork sandwiches warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For the most tender and flavorful pulled pork, choose a well-marbled pork shoulder. Slow cooking at a low temperature will result in juicy and succulent meat.
• Cuban bread — If you can't find Cuban bread, you can substitute it with French bread or a crusty baguette. The key is to use a bread with a crispy crust and a soft interior.
• Swiss cheese — If you prefer a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, feel free to substitute it according to your taste preferences.
• Pickles — Use dill pickles for their tangy flavor. You can also experiment with different types of pickles, such as bread and butter pickles or spicy pickles, to add a unique twist to the sandwich.
• Mustard — Yellow mustard is the traditional choice for a Cuban sandwich, but you can use Dijon mustard or a spicy brown mustard for extra flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, marinate the pork shoulder in the spice mixture overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a spicier sandwich, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the spice rub.
• To save time, you can use a slow cooker instead of the oven. Cook the pork on low heat for 6-8 hours or until tender.
• Serve the sandwich with a side of plantain chips or yuca fries for a complete Cuban meal experience.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pulled pork instead of cooking it from scratch.

Serving advice

Serve the Cuban-inspired pulled pork sandwiches warm, accompanied by a refreshing side salad or a bowl of black bean soup. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal of the sandwich, press it slightly with a panini press or a heavy skillet while toasting. This will create attractive grill marks and compress the ingredients, making the sandwich easier to eat.