Cuban Shredded Pork

This Cuban shredded pork recipe, aka lechon asado, simmers pork in a flavorful broth until tender. The pork is shredded and fried until just crispy.

• 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 2 cups water, juice of 1 lime, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, peppercorns, and salt in a large pot; bring to a boil. Add pork, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until pork is very tender, 1 to 1 ½ hours. Add more water as necessary to keep pork covered.

Step 2

Off heat, rest pork in broth for 30 minutes. Transfer pork to a cutting board; shred using 2 forks, removing and discarding excess fat. Set aside.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Stir in remaining juice of 1 lime and cilantro.