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Keto Dinner

Cuban Shredded Pork

Growing up, I always enjoyed the vibrant, tangy taste of Cuban pork. When I transitioned to keto, I recreated this dish without the sugars, focusing on bright lime, garlic, and perfectly crisped shredded meat. It’s a weeknight favorite that my family requests constantly—tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.

15 min Prep time 105 min Cook time 120 min Total time 4 Servings 350 Calories
Cuban Shredded Pork

Ingredients

  • /2 pounds boneless pork chops
  • cups water (or as needed to cover)
  • limes, juiced, divided
  • sprig fresh thyme
  • black peppercorns
  • tablespoon garlic powder
  • tablespoon onion powder
  • salt to taste
  • tablespoons olive oil
  • large onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
  • /4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Start by bringing water, juice of one lime, thyme, peppercorns, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the pork chops, reduce the heat, and simmer gently for about 1–1½ hours until fall-apart tender. I like to check occasionally and add a splash more water if the pork isn’t fully submerged. Once done, remove from heat and let the chops rest in the broth for 30 minutes—this step locks in moisture. Shred the meat with two forks, trimming any large fat pieces. In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high and fry the shredded pork for 5 minutes until it starts to crisp. Toss in the sliced onion and garlic, cooking for another 10 minutes until the onion softens but still has a bit of bite. Squeeze in the second lime’s juice and stir through with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Chef's Tip

I always fry the pork until it’s almost crisp—it adds an irresistible texture contrast to the tender strands. For extra depth, try browning the pork chops in the pan before simmering.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crispiness.

Variation Tips

Serve this pork over cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal, or pile it into lettuce cups with diced avocado. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne during cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions