Philadelphia-style Roast Pork Sandwich
Cuisine: American Type: Sandwich/Wrap

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Pork Shoulder
2 pounds (907)
Garlic Cloves
4 pieces (12)
Dried Rosemary
1 teaspoon (2)
Dried Thyme
1 teaspoon (2)
Fennel Seeds
1 teaspoon (2)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Hoagie Rolls
4 pieces (280)
Sharp Provolone Cheese
4 slices (112)
Broccoli Rabe
1 bunch (340)
Chicken Broth
1 cup (240)
Red Pepper Flakes
1 teaspoon (2)
Provolone Cheese Sauce
1 cup (240)
Totals
77 oz
(2,177 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Pork Shoulder
600
Olive Oil
120
Garlic Cloves
40
Dried Rosemary
10
Dried Thyme
5
Salt
0
Black Pepper
0
Hoagie Rolls
300
Provolone Cheese
200
Broccoli Rabe
50
Chicken Broth
10
Totals
1,335 kcal
Steps
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Season the pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
3. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the seared pork shoulder to a roasting pan or oven-safe dish.
5. In the same skillet, add the onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
6. Deglaze the skillet with the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Pour the onion and broth mixture over the pork shoulder in the roasting pan.
8. Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
9. Roast the pork shoulder for about 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C) and the meat is tender and easily shreddable.
10. Remove the pork shoulder from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
11. While the pork is resting, slice the Italian rolls or hoagie rolls lengthwise, almost all the way through, leaving a hinge.
12. Thinly slice the provolone cheese and place it on one side of the rolls.
13. Using two forks, shred the roasted pork shoulder into bite-sized pieces.
14. Place a generous amount of shredded pork on top of the provolone cheese.
15. Optionally, you can add sautéed greens such as broccoli rabe or spinach on top of the pork.
16. Close the sandwich by pressing the top of the roll over the fillings.
17. If desired, brush the outside of the rolls with melted butter or olive oil for added flavor.
18. Preheat a panini press or a large skillet over medium heat.
19. Place the sandwiches in the panini press or skillet and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
20. Remove the sandwiches from the panini press or skillet and let them cool for a minute before serving.
21. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and serve them warm.
Enjoy your delicious Philadelphia-style Roast Pork Sandwich!
Substitutions
Substitutions for Philadelphia-style Roast Pork Sandwich:
1. Pork shoulder (4 pounds) - Substitute with pork loin (4 pounds) or pork tenderloin (2 pounds). Adjust cooking time as needed, as these cuts may require less time to cook.
2. Garlic cloves (6) - Substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic paste.
3. Dried thyme (1 tablespoon) - Substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary or 2 tablespoons of dried oregano.
4. Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon) - Substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon of hot sauce.
5. Chicken stock (2 cups) - Substitute with vegetable stock or beef stock, depending on your preference. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Italian rolls (4) - Substitute with hoagie rolls, baguettes, or any crusty bread of your choice.
7. Provolone cheese (4 slices) - Substitute with Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese slices.
8. Broccoli rabe (1 bunch) - Substitute with spinach or kale, sautéed or blanched as desired.
9. Olive oil (2 tablespoons) - Substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil.
10. Salt and pepper - Adjust the quantities according to taste, as per the original recipe.
Note: The substitutions provided are alternatives for the mentioned ingredients in the Philadelphia-style Roast Pork Sandwich recipe. Adjustments to cooking time, seasoning, and personal preferences may be required.
Pairings
- Soft pretzel rolls
- Provolone cheese
- Broccoli rabe
- Hot cherry peppers
- Roasted garlic aioli
- Pickled onions
- IPA beer
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Root beer
Upgrades
Enhancements for Philadelphia-style Roast Pork Sandwich:
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh arugula or watercress for a pop of color.
- Add thinly sliced red onions or pickled onions for visual appeal.
- Serve on a toasted brioche bun for an elevated presentation.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a layer of melted provolone or sharp cheddar cheese for a rich and gooey texture.
- Incorporate caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms to enhance the savory flavors.
- Spread a thin layer of tangy whole grain mustard or horseradish sauce for an added kick.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Upgrade the pork to a premium cut like Berkshire pork or Kurobuta pork for enhanced tenderness and flavor.
- Use a high-quality artisanal bread, such as a crusty ciabatta or a freshly baked baguette.
- Include a dollop of truffle aioli or black truffle butter for a luxurious twist.
Remember to adjust the quantities and cooking methods accordingly to maintain the balance of flavors and textures in the sandwich. Enjoy your next-level dining experience!
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean cuts of pork such as tenderloin or loin instead of fattier cuts to reduce saturated fat content.
- Trim off excess fat from the pork before cooking to further reduce saturated fat.
- Opt for whole wheat or whole grain rolls instead of white rolls for added fiber and nutrients.
- Include plenty of vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions to increase the sandwich's fiber and vitamin content.
- Consider using a reduced-sodium or low-sodium broth or seasoning for the pork to lower sodium levels.
- For individuals with gluten intolerance, choose gluten-free rolls or wrap the sandwich ingredients in lettuce leaves.
- If lactose intolerant, skip or reduce the amount of cheese used in the sandwich.
- For those watching their calorie intake, use a smaller portion of pork or consider making an open-faced sandwich to reduce overall calories.
- To make the sandwich suitable for vegetarians or vegans, substitute the pork with marinated and grilled tofu or seitan.
- Lastly, adjust the seasoning to suit personal preferences, such as adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor without adding extra sodium or calories.
Healthy Choices
- Choose a lean cut of pork, such as loin or tenderloin, instead of a fattier cut.
- Trim any visible fat from the pork before cooking.
- Use whole wheat or whole grain bread instead of white bread for added fiber.
- Opt for low-sodium or reduced-sodium broth when making the au jus sauce.
- Reduce the amount of salt in the seasoning rub or use a salt-free seasoning blend.
- Load up on vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions to add more nutrients and fiber.
- Consider using a smaller portion of cheese or choose a reduced-fat version.
- Use a homemade or low-fat mayonnaise instead of full-fat mayo.
- Serve the sandwich with a side of fresh salad or fruit instead of fries or chips.
- Enjoy the sandwich with unsweetened iced tea or water instead of sugary beverages.
Shortcuts
1. Use a slow cooker: Cook the pork shoulder in a slow cooker instead of the oven to save time and energy. Set it on low in the morning and it will be ready by dinner time.
2. Opt for pre-marinated pork: Purchase pre-marinated pork shoulder from your local grocery store or butcher to skip the step of marinating it yourself. This will save you time and ensure a flavorful result.
3. Shred the pork with a mixer: Instead of using forks to shred the cooked pork, use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. This method is quicker and more efficient, giving you evenly shredded meat.
4. Choose pre-sliced cheese: Buy pre-sliced provolone or American cheese from the deli counter to save time on slicing it at home. It's just as tasty and convenient.
5. Make quick pickles: Instead of pickling vegetables for hours, make quick pickles by soaking thinly sliced cucumbers and onions in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt for 30 minutes. This will give you a tangy crunch in less time.
6. Use ready-made rolls: Purchase pre-made Italian or hoagie rolls from the bakery section of your grocery store. They are often cheaper than making them from scratch and save you the hassle of measuring and kneading.
7. Simplify the sauce: Instead of making a complex sauce from scratch, use a high-quality store-bought barbecue or garlic aioli sauce. It will still add delicious flavor to your sandwich without the extra effort.
8. Opt for pre-washed greens: Buy pre-washed and bagged baby spinach or arugula for the sandwich. This eliminates the need for washing and drying, saving you time and effort.
9. Serve with pre-packaged condiments: Instead of making your own mustard or mayonnaise, use pre-packaged condiments. They are convenient and cost-effective alternatives that still provide great taste.
10. Plan for leftovers: Prepare a larger pork shoulder and use the leftovers for future meals. Repurpose the meat in tacos, quesadillas, or salads to save time and maximize your ingredients.
Remember, while these shortcuts can save time and money, they may slightly differ from the traditional Philadelphia-style Roast Pork Sandwich. However, they still offer a delicious and convenient alternative.