Quick Cemitas Poblanas with Pulled Pork
Smoky pulled pork on crusty rolls with creamy avocado, melted cheese, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds—a Puebla street-food classic done in under 30 minutes.
- Total time
- 25 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 748
- Protein
- 52g
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder, boneless
- 2 whole cemita or bolillo rolls
- 1 whole avocado, ripe
- 4 oz Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese, in one piece
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Pat the pork dry with paper towels, pressing firmly on all sides to remove surface moisture so it browns faster.
- 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and slides quickly when you tilt the pan, about 90 seconds.
- 3
Place the pork in the skillet and sear without moving it for 4 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown, like caramelized sugar.
- 4
Flip the pork over and sear the other side for 4 minutes until equally browned.
- 5
Pour 1 cup of water into the skillet, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift the stuck-on brown bits, then lower heat to medium and cover with a lid.
- 6
Simmer covered for 15 minutes until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily when you pull it apart with two forks.
- 7
Shred the pork directly in the skillet using two forks, pulling the meat into bite-size pieces, then season with salt and pepper.
- 8
Slice each roll in half lengthwise from one end to the other, creating a top and bottom piece that remain hinged or separate.
- 9
Slice the avocado in half lengthwise around the pit, twist the halves apart, remove the pit, then slice the flesh lengthwise into thin strips.
- 10
Tear the cheese into thin strips about the width of a pencil with your fingers.
- 11
Place the rolls cut-side down in the skillet over the pork and heat over medium heat for 2 minutes until the cut surfaces turn golden and crispy.
- 12
Transfer the toasted rolls to a serving plate with the cut side facing up.
- 13
Divide the shredded pork evenly between the two roll bottoms, mounding it in the center.
- 14
Lay the avocado slices on top of the pork in a single layer, then lay the cheese strips on top of the avocado.
- 15
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds on top of each sandwich.
- 16
Press the top half of each roll onto the filling and serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and slightly softened.
Tools you’ll need
- 12-inch skillet with lid
- paper towels
- wooden spoon
- two forks
- cutting board
- sharp knife
- serving plate
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