Imbabureña Pulled Pork Sliders

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Fritada Imbabureña is transformed into a handheld delight by serving the pulled pork on slider buns instead of as a main dish. The New American twist is introduced through the addition of a tangy barbecue sauce and a refreshing slaw, elevating the flavors and textures of the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Fritada imbabureña, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder, boneless 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder, boneless
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) barbecue sauce 1 cup (240ml) barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 slider buns 12 slider buns
• For the slaw: For the slaw:
• 2 cups (200g) cabbage, shredded 2 cups (200g) cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, grated 1 carrot, grated
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 15g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
5. 5.
   Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, and dried oregano, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors.
6. 6.
   Pour in the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
7. 7.
   Return the seared pork shoulder to the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged in the sauce.
8. 8.
   Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow the pork to cook for 3-4 hours, or until it becomes tender and easily shreds with a fork.
9. 9.
   Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
10. 10.
    Meanwhile, prepare the slaw by combining the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss well to coat the vegetables with the dressing.
11. 11.
    To assemble the sliders, place a generous amount of pulled pork on the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with a spoonful of slaw and cover with the other half of the bun.
12. 12.
    Serve the Imbabureña Pulled Pork Sliders warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — Choose a well-marbled cut of pork shoulder for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Barbecue sauce — Opt for a smoky and tangy barbecue sauce to complement the pulled pork. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness according to your preference.
• Slider buns — Look for soft and slightly sweet slider buns that can hold the pulled pork and slaw without becoming soggy.
• Cabbage — Use fresh and crisp cabbage for the slaw. You can also add thinly sliced red onion or jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Lime juice — Squeeze fresh lime juice for a vibrant and citrusy flavor in the slaw.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper on the pulled pork before cooking.
• Make the pulled pork in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the oven before assembling the sliders.
• Customize the slaw by adding your favorite ingredients such as diced avocado, pickles, or jalapeños.
• Serve the sliders with a side of sweet potato fries or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Imbabureña Pulled Pork Sliders as a main course for a casual gathering or as a delightful addition to a party menu. Accompany them with a variety of condiments such as pickles, hot sauce, and extra barbecue sauce for guests to personalize their sliders.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliders on a wooden serving board or a platter lined with lettuce leaves for an appealing presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.