Cuban Shredded Pork

This Cuban pork dish, lechon asado, simmers pork in a flavorful broth until tender. The pork is shredded and fried until just crispy. Serve with rice.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
• Calories: 202 Calories

Ingredients

• salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 8 black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder, or to taste
• 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1.5 pounds boneless pork chops
• 2 cups water, more as needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine water, juice of one lime, thyme, peppercorns, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Add pork, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until meat is very tender, about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Add more water as necessary to keep pork covered.

Step 2

Turn off heat and let pork rest in broth for 30 minutes. Remove pork from broth and shred, removing and discarding excess fat. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and fry until almost crisp, about 5 minutes. Add onion and garlic, and cook until onion is crisp-tender, about 10 minutes more.

Step 4

Stir in remaining lime juice and cilantro. Serve.