Cuban Shredded Pork

This is a popular Spanish shredded 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.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
• Calories: 202 Calories

Ingredients

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

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Turn off heat and let chops rest in broth for 30 minutes. Remove chops from broth and shred, removing excess fat; set aside.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add shredded pork and fry until almost crisp, about 5 minutes. Add onion and garlic; continue to cook until onion is just tender yet slightly crisp, about 10 minutes more.

Step 4

Stir in juice of one lime and cilantro; serve.