Crispy Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwich

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 crusty bread rolls 4 crusty bread rolls
• 4 tablespoons mustard 4 tablespoons mustard
• 8 slices Swiss cheese 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 cup (240ml) sliced pickles 1 cup (240ml) sliced pickles
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Place the pork shoulder in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
4. 4.
   Remove the pork shoulder from the marinade and place it in a roasting pan. Discard the marinade.
5. 5.
   Cover the pan with foil and roast the pork for 3-4 hours, or until it is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. 6.
   Remove the pork from the oven and let it cool slightly. Shred the pork using two forks.
7. 7.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork in batches and cook until crispy and golden brown.
8. 8.
   Slice the bread rolls in half and spread mustard on one side of each roll.
9. 9.
   Place two slices of Swiss cheese on the other side of each roll.
10. 10.
    Divide the crispy pulled pork among the rolls and top with sliced pickles.
11. 11.
    Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat and place the assembled sandwiches on it. Toast until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
12. 12.
    Serve the Crispy Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For the best results, choose a pork shoulder with a good amount of marbling, as this will ensure a juicy and flavorful end result.
• Orange juice and lime juice — Use freshly squeezed juice for the marinade to enhance the citrus flavors in the pork.
• Pickles — Opt for dill pickles for a classic Cuban taste, but feel free to experiment with other pickle varieties for a unique twist.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, marinate the pork overnight to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.
• To achieve a crispy texture, make sure to cook the shredded pork in batches in a hot skillet.
• If you prefer a spicier sandwich, add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the shredded pork before crisping it up.
• Serve the sandwich with a side of plantain chips for an authentic Cuban experience.
• If you don't have access to a crusty bread roll, you can use a baguette or ciabatta bread as a substitute.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches with a side of plantain chips and a refreshing tropical fruit salad for a complete Cuban meal experience.

Presentation advice

To present the sandwich beautifully, cut it in half diagonally and place it on a wooden cutting board. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro or parsley for an added touch of color.