Achiote Pork Skewers
- 1 1/4 pounds pork loin or pork shoulder
- 1/2 cup Achiote Marinade (page 92)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- Cut the pork into 1-inch cubes and thread about 3 pieces onto each skewer.
- Place the pork skewers in a large resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade, making sure to evenly distribute the marinade over the pork.
- Seal the plastic bag and place the pork in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
- This is a great, no-stress technique.
- Remove the pork skewers from the plastic bag and place them in a shallow saucepan large enough to hold the pork in one layer.
- Pour the marinade remaining in the bag over the pork and sprinkle the sliced onions, salt, and pepper over the skewers.
- Add enough water to the pan to barely cover the pork.
- Bring the water to a boil, then decrease the heat to a simmer.
- Continue cooking, uncovered, until approximately half of the liquid has evaporated, about 35 minutes.
- Turn the skewers over and continue simmering, uncovered, until all of the water has evaporated, about 20 minutes.
- At this point, you want to make sure the onions are spread out and some are touching the bottom of the pan.
- Once all of the liquid has evaporated, continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes, turning the skewers on all four sides to make sure the meat is nicely browned.
- Place the skewers on a platter and serve with lime wedges.
- This technique, simmering meat in a liquid until it completely evaporates, then allowing the meat to brown in its juices, is used often in Mexican cooking.
- I have not been able to find a proper name for this cooking method, so I gave it one: reverse braise.
- Braising involves browning, then simmering; here its the reverse.
- INGREDIENTS
- Pork
- This method and marinade works well with various cuts of pork.
- I have tried it with both pork loin and pork shoulder with equal success.
- While the shoulder is incredibly flavorful and tender, it is fattier.
- If you want a leaner cut, you can go with the loin, which will not be as tender but will be equally flavorful.
- TECHNIQUES
- Reverse Braising
- This technique, simmering meat in a liquid until it completely evaporates, then allowing the meat to brown in its juices, is used often in Mexican cooking.
- I have not been able to find a proper name for this cooking method, so I gave it one: reverse braise.
- Braising involves browning, then simmering; here its the reverse.
- Infusing with Banana Leaves
- If you have a banana leaf, take one and place it over the simmering skewers.
- The smoky flavor of the leaf will infuse into the pork, giving it a classic Mexican barbecue touch.
- ADVANCE PREPARATION
- The pork skewers can be assembled up to one day in advance and left to marinate.
- The cooked skewers can be held, covered, in a warm (250F) oven for about 1 hour.
pork loin, marinade, onion, salt, black pepper
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/achiote-pork-skewers-380190 (may not work)