What to Make with Shaved Pork: A Culinary Exploration

Shaved pork, with its tender texture and versatile flavor, presents a culinary canvas for a myriad of delectable dishes. From sandwiches to tacos, stir-fries to salads, the possibilities are endless. This comprehensive guide delves into the depths of shaved pork cookery, providing an array of tantalizing recipes and expert tips to elevate your culinary creations.

Shaved Pork Roast Sandwiches: A Classic Delicacy

Originating from the Sungrown Kitchen, these sandwiches are a symphony of flavors and textures. The thinly sliced pork roast, seasoned with salt, pepper, and brown sugar, is seared to perfection, then roasted with caramelized onions. The resulting meat is piled high on toasted hoagie buns slathered with garlic honey butter, creating a sandwich that is both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 to 2.5-pound boneless pork loin roast
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 10 grinds fresh black pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced

For the Honey Garlic Butter:

• 2 tablespoons butter at room temperature
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chives, or scallions, chopped
• 5 to 6 hoagie rolls

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (convection bake). Preheat a cast iron skillet or large oven-safe fry pan over medium heat.
2. Rub the pork on all sides with salt, pepper, and brown sugar.
3. Add oil to the skillet and sear the pork until golden brown on all sides, including the sides and ends (hold it up with tongs), about 6 minutes.
4. Add the raw sliced onions to the skillet around the pork and season them with a pinch of salt.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for about 40-50 minutes.
6. Take it out halfway through, flip the pork, and give the onions a toss.
7. After 40 minutes, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 145℉. If it hasn’t, continue to cook and recheck every 5 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, combine all ingredients for the garlic honey butter and mix well with a fork.
9. Slice open your hoagie rolls and slather on some of the butter. Let them toast in the oven a few minutes as the pork is almost done.
10. When the internal temperature reaches 145°, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest in the skillet for 10 minutes before slicing.
11. With a sharp knife or serrated bread knife, slice the pork as thin as possible, shaving it thin so it is falling apart a bit.
12. Pile on the toasted hoagies and top with the crispy caramelized onions.

Shaved Pork Tacos: A Mexican Fiesta

These tacos are a vibrant fusion of Mexican flavors and shaved pork’s versatility. The tender pork is seasoned with a blend of spices, then cooked until it’s juicy and flavorful. The tacos are assembled with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cilantro, creating a fiesta in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shaved pork
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 corn tortillas
• Toppings of your choice (salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, etc.)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the shaved pork and taco seasoning to the skillet and cook until the pork is heated through and slightly browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle.
4. Assemble the tacos by placing the pork mixture in the center of each tortilla and topping with your desired toppings.

Shaved Pork Stir-Fry: An Asian Adventure

This stir-fry is a quick and easy way to enjoy shaved pork’s savory goodness. The pork is stir-fried with vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and onions, creating a colorful and flavorful dish. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shaved pork
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced onions

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the shaved pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli, carrots, and onions to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the sauce to the skillet and cook until the sauce has thickened and the pork is coated, about 1 minute.
6. Serve over rice or noodles.

Shaved Pork Salad: A Refreshing Delight

This salad combines the savory flavors of shaved pork with the freshness of greens and vegetables. The pork is tossed with a tangy dressing, creating a light and flavorful dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shaved pork
• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shaved pork, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and chopped red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and serve.

Shaved pork is a culinary chameleon, adapting to a wide range of flavors and cuisines. Whether you’re craving a classic sandwich, a vibrant taco, an adventurous stir-fry, or a refreshing salad, shaved pork offers endless possibilities. With its tender texture and versatile flavor, it’s a culinary canvas waiting to be explored. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and embark on a culinary journey with shaved pork as your guide.