Shredded Pork

This recipe presents a versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for various culinary creations. The Braised Pork Shoulder offers tender, succulent meat that can be used as a taco filling, a complementary addition to bean and rice dishes, or a stuffing for various wraps like cabbage, grape leaves, or empanadas. The key to its exquisite taste lies in using the shoulder cut, as its higher fat content ensures tender and melt-in-your-mouth results.

With minimal hands-on time, this dish is perfect for busy home cooks who want a satisfying meal without constant attention in the kitchen. The savory aroma will fill your home as the pork slowly braises, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or family meals. Additionally, the recipe offers two delightful variations to cater to different flavor preferences and culinary ideas.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe with easy-to-follow steps and creative variations:

MAKES: 4 or more servings

TIME: About an hour, largely unattended

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 large white onion, quartered
• 5 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 ancho or other mild dried chile (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large pot with a lid or a Dutch oven, combine the pork shoulder chunks, quartered onion, lightly crushed garlic, bay leaves, ground cumin, and the optional mild dried chile. Add enough water to cover all the ingredients.
2. Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. As it starts boiling, skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Partially cover the pot and adjust the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Let it cook for about an hour until the pork becomes tender and easily falls apart. Once done, allow it to cool.
3. Using your fingers, shred the cooked pork (remember to remove the bay leaves). Taste the meat and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. The shredded pork can be used immediately or stored for a couple of days in the refrigerator.

VARIATIONS:

• Shredded Pork with Orange Juice: For a zesty twist, replace the water with two-thirds freshly squeezed orange juice and one-third freshly squeezed lime juice in Step 1. Enhance the flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest.
• Carnitas: Create crispy and chewy pork pieces, perfect as a taco filling. After Step 2, instead of shredding the meat, break or roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces. Return the pork to the pan and cook until all the liquid evaporates. Fry the meat in the remaining fat until it turns crisp and brown. Add neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn oil, if needed.

With this delicious Braised Pork Shoulder recipe and its delightful variations, you have a range of options to explore. Enjoy the tender and flavorful results in tacos, rice and bean dishes, or as a stuffing in various wraps. This dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, impressing friends and family with its delectable taste and versatility.