Best 2 Cuban Shredded Pork Recipes

Cuban shredded pork, also known as "ropa vieja", is a traditional Cuban dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its rich and flavorful flavors. This classic dish is made with succulent pork shoulder that is slow-cooked until it falls apart, creating a tender and juicy texture. The shredded pork is then simmered in a flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, resulting in a dish that is bursting with Cuban culinary heritage. Whether you're hosting a special gathering or looking for a comforting meal to enjoy with family and friends, this Cuban shredded pork recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CUBAN SHREDDED PORK

Cuban Shredded Pork image

This is a popular Cuban pork dish known as Lechon Asado. My version is a shortcut. The pork is simmered in a broth until tender, then shredded. It's traditionally served with black beans and rice.

Provided by ZIBBLER

Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Caribbean

Time 1h45m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds boneless pork chops
1 pint water to cover
1 lime, juiced
1 sprig fresh thyme
8 black peppercorns
1 tablespoon garlic powder, or to taste
1 tablespoon onion powder
salt to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
1 lime, juiced
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

In a large saucepan, combine water, juice of one lime, thyme sprig, peppercorns, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Bring mixture to a boil. Add pork chops, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until meat is very tender. Add more water as necessary to keep chops covered.
Turn off heat and let the chops rest in the broth for 30 minutes. Remove chops from broth and shred, removing excess fat; set aside.
In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork and fry until it is almost crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and continue to cook until the onion is just tender yet slightly crisp, about 10 minutes more. Add the juice of one lime, mix though and toss with cilantro. Serve and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 201.7 calories, Carbohydrate 8.1 g, Cholesterol 43.4 mg, Fat 10.7 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 18.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 103.2 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

CUBAN SHREDDED PORK

Cuban Shredded Pork image

This is another great recipe that my family and I enjoyed. Nothing is as good as when my 86 year old Cuban Grandmother makes it but this was good. I found this on another website, kinda added my own things into it. But I'm the type of person that can really never really FOLLOW a recipe. If you try let me know whether you liked it as much as we did.

Provided by Dommynchristian

Categories < 4 Hours

Time 1h45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs boneless pork chops
1 pint water, to cover
1 lime, juice of
1 sprig fresh thyme
8 black peppercorns
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
1 lime, juice of
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

In a large saucepan, combine water, juice of one lime, thyme sprig, peppercorns, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Bring mixture to a boil. Add pork chops, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until meat is very tender. Add more water as necessary to keep chops covered.
Turn off heat and let the chops rest in the broth for 30 minutes. Remove chops from broth and shred, removing excess fat; set aside.
In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shredded pork and fry until it is almost crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and continue to cook until the onion is just tender yet slightly crisp, about 10 minutes more. Add the juice of one lime, mix though and toss with cilantro. Serve and enjoy.

Tips:

Choosing the right cut of pork is crucial for tender and flavorful shredded pork. Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is an excellent choice due to its marbling, which results in moist and succulent meat.
Enhance the flavor of the pork by marinating it overnight or for at least 4 hours. The marinade should contain aromatic ingredients like garlic, cumin, oregano, and orange juice to infuse the pork with delicious flavors.
For a crispy and flavorful outer layer, sear the pork briefly in a hot skillet before slow cooking it. This technique creates a delicious crust that adds depth to the dish.
Use a slow cooker or Dutch oven to cook the pork on low heat for several hours. This allows the meat to break down slowly, resulting in tender and fall-apart texture.
Add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes to the slow cooker or Dutch oven along with the pork. These vegetables will add sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Serve the shredded pork with various accompaniments such as rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa. These accompaniments will complement the flavors of the pork and create a satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

Cuban shredded pork is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and authentic Cuban shredded pork that will delight your taste buds. Experiment with different marinades, cooking methods, and accompaniments to find your perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you serve it as a main course, in tacos, or as a filling for empanadas, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.