Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/29 checked
9
servings
4.5 pound

pork shoulder

excess fat trimmed

1 tsp

kosher salt

to taste

1 tsp

black pepper

freshly ground, to taste

2 tsp

ground cumin

3 tbsp

canola oil

3 cup

chicken stock

1 cup

orange juice

fresh

0.5 cup

lime juice

fresh

2 tbsp

aged sherry vinegar

1 unit

garlic

cloves removed and peeled

2 unit

spanish onions

peeled and coarsely chopped

2 unit

bay leaves

1 handfull

fresh oregano

stems with leaves

1 tbsp

clover honey

to taste

3 unit

kirby cucumbers

sliced into 1/8-inch thick slices

2.13 cup

distilled white vinegar

0.75 cup

fresh dill

packed coarsely chopped

2.5 tbsp

sugar

2 unit

garlic cloves

coarsely chopped

2 tsp

kosher salt

0.75 tsp

dill seeds

0.5 tsp

whole mustard seeds

0.5 tsp

coriander seeds

1 cup

mayonnaise

prepared

3 tbsp

dijon mustard

5 clove

roasted garlic

pureed

9 unit

cuban bread

sliced 3/4 of way through

1 pound

swiss cheese

thinly sliced

1 pound

ham

thinly sliced

Step 1
~6 min

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2
~6 min

Season the pork with salt, pepper, and cumin.

Step 3
~6 min

Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large Dutch oven until it begins to shimmer.

Step 4
~6 min

Add the pork and cook until golden brown on all sides.

Step 5
~6 min

Add the stock, juices, vinegar, garlic, onions, bay leaves, and oregano, bring to a simmer.

Step 6
~6 min

Cover and transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven.

Step 7
~6 min

Braise until fork tender (between 180 and 190 degrees F), about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Step 8
~6 min

Remove from the oven and transfer the pork to a platter.

Step 9
~6 min

Let the pork rest for 15 minutes before slicing or shredding.

Step 10
~6 min

Strain the braising liquid into a medium pan.

Key Technique: Braising
Step 11
~6 min

Bring the braising liquid to a boil and reduce slightly.

Key Technique: Braising
Step 12
~6 min

Add honey, salt, and pepper to the reduced braising liquid if needed.

Key Technique: Braising
Step 13
~6 min

Toss some of the braising liquid with the shredded pork to moisten.

Key Technique: Braising
Step 14
~6 min

Put the sliced cucumber in a medium bowl with a fitted lid.

Step 15
~6 min

Combine 1 cup of water, the vinegar, dill, sugar, garlic, salt, dill seeds, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds in a small saucepan over high heat.

Step 16
~6 min

Bring the pickling liquid to a boil and cook until the sugar and salt are dissolved.

Key Technique: Pickling
Step 17
~6 min

Remove from the heat and taste for tartness, adding more sugar if too sour.

Step 18
~6 min

Let the pickling liquid cool to room temperature.

Key Technique: Pickling
Step 19
~6 min

Pour the cooled pickling liquid over the cucumbers, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 48 hours, stirring the mixture at least once.

Key Technique: Pickling
Step 20
~6 min

Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, and garlic for the aioli.

Step 21
~6 min

Season the aioli with salt and pepper.

Step 22
~6 min

Cover the aioli and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 23
~6 min

Spread both cut sides of the bread with a tablespoon or so of aioli.

Step 24
~6 min

Add the shredded pork, a few slices of ham, and a generous layer of pickles to the bread.

Step 25
~6 min

Top with a few slices of Swiss cheese.

Step 26
~6 min

Press the sandwiches in a hot panini grill until the outside is toasty and the cheese is melted.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to the correct temperature.

Adjust the amount of sugar in the pickles to your taste.

Press the sandwiches until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Pickles can be made up to 48 hours in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Medium
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Plantain chips

Black beans and rice

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Black beans and rice
Plantain chips

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Cuba

Cultural Significance

A staple in Cuban cuisine and popular in Cuban communities worldwide.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Celebrations
Parties

Occasion Tags

Lunch
Party
Celebration

Popularity Score

75/100

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