Ropa Vieja de Cerdo
A flavorful shredded pork dish, a variation of the classic Ropa Vieja, slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions, often served with rice and plantains.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Pork shoulder
- 2 large Onions(sliced)
- 2 medium Bell peppers (red and green)(sliced)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 800 g Crushed tomatoes
- 500 ml Beef broth
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 1 to taste Salt
- 1 to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Allow pork to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. - 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned.
- 3
Remove pork from the pot and set aside. Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the pot and sauté until softened.
- 4
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. - 6
Return the pork shoulder to the pot. Ensure it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover and reduce heat to low.
- 7
After 2 hours, check the pork. It should be tender and easily shredded. If not, continue cooking, covered, until tender.
💡 Tip: Add more broth or water if the liquid level gets too low. - 8
Remove the pork from the pot and place on a cutting board. Shred the pork using two forks.
💡 Tip: Allow pork to cool slightly before shredding for easier handling. - 9
Return the shredded pork to the pot with the sauce. Stir to combine and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
💡 Tip: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. - 10
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve hot with white rice and fried plantains.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use pork with a good amount of fat.
- ✓This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- ✓Adjust the amount of liquid to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for added depth.
- Include a diced potato or carrot in the stew during the last hour of cooking.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.