Zesty Achiote Pork Sandwiches
Elevate your lunchtime experience with these Zesty Achiote Pork Sandwiches! Bursting with flavor, this recipe features succulent pork marinated in a rich blend of achiote paste and vibrant citrus juices, then grilled to perfection. Each bite is a delightful balance of spices and freshness, highlighted by layers of melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomatoes. Perfect for tailgating, picnics, or a casual lunch at home, these sandwiches will impress your friends and family. Even if your favorite team doesn’t win, enjoy a winning meal!
6
Servings
83
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
3 large (minced)
White vinegar
2 tablespoons (plus more to thin the marinade if necessary)
Fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Achiote paste
3.5 ounces (crumbled)
Fresh cilantro stems
10 stems
Boneless pork butt or pork shoulder
2 lbs
Soft white sandwich buns or baguette
6 large (sliced)
Asadero cheese or provolone cheese
as needed (sliced)
Shredded lettuce or cabbage
as needed
Ripe roma tomatoes
1 large (sliced)
Naked guacamole
as needed (see Naked Guacamole)
Red onion
1 medium (sliced)
Pickled jalapeño peppers
as needed
Hot salsa or other salsa
optional
Instructions
1
In a blender or food processor, combine the minced garlic, white vinegar, freshly squeezed orange juice, lime juice, kosher salt, and ground cumin. Blend until well mixed.
2
Crumble the achiote paste into the mixture, pulsing until it forms a soft paste. If needed, add additional vinegar by the tablespoon to reach your desired consistency. Finally, blend in the cilantro stems until combined.
3
Prepare the pork by slicing it into long strips 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Place these slices between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of 1/4 inch.
4
Generously coat the pork slices with the achiote paste mixture, ensuring all sides are covered. Cover and refrigerate the marinated pork for a minimum of 6 hours, preferably overnight.
5
Around half an hour before you’re ready to grill, clean your grill with a brush and wipe it down with an oil-dampened cloth. Preheat the grill to high.
6
Remove the pork from the marinade, shaking off excess paste. Grill the marinated pork slices for 5 to 7 minutes per side, checking frequently to prevent burning. The pork is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat juicy. (Alternatively, use a grill pan or George Foreman grill, ensuring it’s oiled between batches.) Let the grilled pork rest, covered loosely with foil.
7
To assemble the sandwiches, split the buns and toast them lightly on the grill. Layer the bottom half of each bun with asadero or provolone cheese, followed by the grilled pork, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, guacamole, red onion, pickled jalapeños, and salsa if desired.
8
Secure the sandwiches with toothpicks, slice in half, and serve immediately for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
3.33
Fat
7.5
Carbs
5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Achiote Pork Sandwiches?
They are sandwiches featuring succulent pork marinated in achiote paste and citrus juices, grilled and served with cheese and fresh toppings.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 83 calories per serving.
What type of pork should be used?
You can use 2 lbs of boneless pork butt or pork shoulder.
How long should the pork marinate?
The pork should marinate for a minimum of 6 hours, but preferably overnight.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The pork is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do you grill each side of the pork?
Grill the pork slices for 5 to 7 minutes per side.
What are the primary citrus juices in the marinade?
The marinade uses freshly squeezed orange juice and lime juice.
What kind of bread is recommended?
Soft white sandwich buns or a baguette are recommended.
What cheeses work best for this sandwich?
Asadero or provolone cheese are the recommended choices.
How thin should the pork be pounded?
Pound the pork slices to an even thickness of 1/4 inch.
Can I use a different type of grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or a George Foreman grill if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade includes garlic, white vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, salt, cumin, achiote paste, and cilantro stems.
What should I do with the buns before assembly?
Split the buns and toast them lightly on the grill.
How much achiote paste is needed?
The recipe calls for 3.5 ounces of crumbled achiote paste.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 3.33 grams of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 5 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What condiments are suggested for topping?
Guacamole, red onion, pickled jalape!os, and hot salsa are suggested.
How do you prepare the garlic for the marinade?
The 3 large garlic cloves should be minced before blending.
What is the purpose of the white vinegar in the marinade?
It provides acidity and can be used to thin the marinade to the desired consistency.
Should the pork rest after grilling?
Yes, let the grilled pork rest covered loosely with foil before slicing or assembling.
What fresh vegetables are added to the sandwich?
Shredded lettuce or cabbage and sliced roma tomatoes are used.
How do I ensure the pork doesn't burn on the grill?
Check the pork frequently while grilling on high heat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 17 ingredients.
Is cilantro used in the recipe?
Yes, specifically 10 cilantro stems are blended into the marinade.
How should the sandwich be served?
Secure with toothpicks, slice in half, and serve immediately.
Can I use cabbage instead of lettuce?
Yes, shredded cabbage is a suggested alternative to lettuce.
What are some ideal occasions for these sandwiches?
They are perfect for tailgating, picnics, or casual lunches.
What type of tomatoes are best?
The recipe recommends using large ripe roma tomatoes.