Unlock the secret to incredibly tender and deeply flavorful Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches, a dish that tastes like it simmered for an entire day, yet demands only minutes of active preparation. This recipe harnesses the power of your slow cooker to transform a humble pork shoulder into a succulent masterpiece, perfect for hearty sandwiches piled high with vibrant Cilantro Mayonnaise. Forget standing over a hot stove; your slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you free to enjoy the aromas filling your kitchen.
Slow Cooker Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Effortless Flavor
I have a confession to make: for years, I owned a triple slow cooker acquired during a Black Friday sale, and it sat largely untouched. While my large single crockpot saw constant action, the thought of what to prepare in a multi-cooker always seemed to elude me. That all changed with the discovery of the “Triple Slow Cooker Entertaining” Cookbook, a culinary game-changer that has since opened up a world of possibilities for versatile, hands-off cooking. This cookbook truly inspired me to explore the full potential of slow cooking, proving that even the most complex-tasting dishes can be simplified.
The very first recipe I ventured to create from this inspiring collection was these remarkable Slow Cooker Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches, complete with a zesty Cilantro Mayonnaise. The results were nothing short of spectacular. The pork achieved an unbelievable tenderness, practically melting apart with a gentle pull of a fork after simmering low and slow all day. What truly impressed me was how well the leftovers held up. My husband, John, enjoyed these sandwiches for lunch throughout the week, consistently remarking that they tasted just as fresh and delicious as on day one. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a testament to the convenience and flavor that slow cooking can deliver, making it a staple in our home.
The Magic of Mojo: Understanding Cuban Flavors
Cuban cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, and at the heart of many dishes lies Mojo – a zesty marinade typically made with sour orange, garlic, and cumin. Our slow cooker Cuban pulled pork embraces these classic elements, creating a rich, aromatic profile that distinguishes it from other pulled pork variations. The slow cooking process allows the pork to absorb these profound flavors, resulting in a deeply satisfying taste that is both tangy and savory. It’s a taste of the Caribbean right in your kitchen, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum impact.
Beyond its incredible flavor, this recipe stands out for its sheer ease. Preparing the pork takes mere minutes, then your slow cooker takes over, gently transforming a tougher cut of meat into fall-apart perfection. This hands-off approach makes it ideal for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend gatherings. Imagine coming home to the intoxicating aroma of perfectly cooked pork, ready to be shredded and assembled into delicious sandwiches. It’s comfort food at its finest, embodying both convenience and gourmet taste.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Taste
Crafting these delectable Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches requires a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing the rich flavor profile:
- Onion: Sliced onions form a flavorful bed for the pork, slowly caramelizing and infusing the meat with a subtle sweetness.
- Boneless Pork Shoulder Blade (Butt) or Sirloin Roast: The star of the dish. Pork shoulder, often called pork butt, is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, which breaks down over time, yielding exceptionally tender and juicy pulled pork.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the acidity of the lime and deepens the overall flavor, contributing to a rich, caramelized crust on the pork.
- Dry Minced (Granulated) Garlic: Provides a concentrated garlic flavor that permeates the pork as it cooks. While fresh garlic is excellent, granulated garlic offers convenience and consistent distribution.
- Ground Cumin: A cornerstone of Cuban cuisine, cumin brings an earthy, warm spice that is essential to the dish’s authentic taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- Lime: Fresh lime juice is critical for the Mojo-inspired tang, brightening the flavor of the pork and providing a signature Cuban zest.
- Water: Creates the necessary moisture for the pork to slow-cook beautifully, preventing it from drying out and ensuring it remains incredibly tender.
The Zesty Cilantro Mayonnaise
The Cilantro Mayonnaise is not just a condiment; it’s an integral part of the Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwich experience. Its fresh, herbaceous notes provide a vibrant contrast to the rich, savory pork, lifting the entire dish.
- Garlic, Minced: Adds a pungent kick that complements the cilantro.
- Fresh Cilantro: The star of the mayonnaise, providing a distinctive, refreshing herby flavor. Ensure it’s freshly minced for the best aroma and taste.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base, carrying the flavors and adding a luxurious texture.
- Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice: Brightens the mayonnaise, echoing the lime in the pork marinade and tying the flavors together beautifully.
For best results, we suggest using a slow cooker equipped with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting once the cooking cycle is complete. This feature ensures your pork cooks perfectly without overcooking, giving you peace of mind and a consistently delicious meal every time.
More Pulled Pork Inspirations
If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility of pulled pork, you’re in for a treat! This succulent meat is incredibly adaptable and can be transformed into a variety of mouth-watering dishes. Don’t miss exploring these other fantastic pulled pork creations:
- Mexican Pulled Pork: Dive into a rich, complex mole sauce that perfectly complements tender pork.
- Hawaiian Pulled Pork: Enjoy sweet and savory flavors, often with pineapple, for a tropical twist.
- Pulled Pork Pizza: A creative and satisfying way to use leftovers, turning them into a gourmet pizza topping.
- Pulled Pork Breakfast Hash: Start your day with a flavorful and hearty breakfast, perfect for using up any remaining pork.
- Pulled Pork Parfait: A fun and unconventional presentation, layering pulled pork with complementary sides.
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes, delightful dessert recipes, and an array of convenient Crock Pot Recipes for every occasion.
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Slow Cooker Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches
How to make Slow Cooker Cuban Pork Sandwiches with Cilantro Mayonnaise Recipe
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Ingredients
Cuban Pork Sandwiches
- 1 Onion, sliced
- 2 ½ to 3 lbs Boneless Pork Shoulder (butt or sirloin roast)
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoon Garlic, dry minced granulated
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Lime
- ¼ cup Water
Cilantro Mayonnaise
- 1 clove Garlic, Minced
- 2 Tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Arrange onion slices evenly on the bottom of your slow cooker. This layer helps to flavor the pork and prevent sticking.
- Place the boneless pork shoulder on top of the onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This spice rub will form the foundation of our Cuban flavors.
- Generously sprinkle the spice mixture over all sides of the pork roast. Pour the freshly squeezed lime juice and water around the pork, ensuring some liquid is at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking on low ensures maximum flavor development and tenderness.
- Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a large plate or cutting board. Using two forks, shred the pork into desired pieces, then return the shredded pork to the slow cooker.
- Pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a deep bowl. Allow the fat to separate and skim it off the top using a spoon or fat separator. Measure out 1 cup of this flavorful liquid and pour it back over the shredded pork in the slow cooker. Discard any remaining liquid or save for other uses if desired.
- Cover the slow cooker again and cook on the high setting for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pork is thoroughly heated through and has absorbed more of the flavorful liquid. Once heated, switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting for serving.
- To assemble the sandwiches, lightly toast your favorite sandwich buns. Spread a generous amount of the prepared Cilantro Mayonnaise on each bun, then pile high with the delicious slow-cooked Cuban pulled pork. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cilantro Mayonnaise Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, fresh minced cilantro, mayonnaise, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Whisk until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Serve the Cilantro Mayonnaise immediately with your pulled pork sandwiches, or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. The flavors will meld beautifully as it chills.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker (preferably one with an automatic “warm” setting)
- Forks for shredding pork
- Small bowl for mixing spices and mayonnaise
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Lime juicer (optional, but recommended for fresh juice)
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 279
48%
38%
61%
27%
33%
3%
4%
6%
130%
1%
11%
4%
17%
This recipe was originally shared on April 12, 2013, and has been updated in December 2020 to bring you the best possible slow cooker experience. We hope you enjoy this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish!