Cuban Braised Pork

By Marge Perry & David Bonom


  • Yield:

    8 Servings


Ingredients

For the sauce:

  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • lemon zest, from 2 lemons
  • lime zest, from 2 limes
  • 1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder, trimmed, tied
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 large white onion, chopped
  • 1 serrano pepper, sliced
  • 3 cups unsalted chicken broth
  • 3 cups fresh cilantro leaves
  • 3 cups fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. For the Cuban Braised Pork: Combine 1/4 cup of the oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, oregano and cumin in a large zip top plastic bag. Add the pork shoulder, turn to coat and refrigerate 4 to 24 hours.
  2. Remove the pork from the marinade and lightly wipe off excess marinade.
  3. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch Oven over medium heat until very hot. Season the pork with the salt and add it to the pan; cook, turning occasionally, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add the onion and serrano pepper to the pan and cook 2 minutes. Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer gently, turning the roast over once or twice, until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 160°F about 1 hour 45 minutes to 1 hour 55 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let the pork rest 15-20 minutes. Remove the kitchen twin from the pork before slicing. Serve with the Cilantro-Parsley Blender Sauce below.
  4. For the Cilantro-Parsley Sauce: For the sauce, combine the cilantro, parsley, lime juice, oil and salt in a blender; puree. May be made up to 3 days ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator.