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Ingredients
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Pork and Marinade
Assembly & Cheese
Optional Garnishes & Sauce
Method
Pork and Marinade
- 1
Make the marinade and marinate pork
In a large bowl whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, brown sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper until combined. Add the cubed pork, toss to coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to develop flavor.
- 2
Roast the pork
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread marinated pork in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or in a roasting pan, reserving excess marinade. Roast in the preheated oven for 20–30 minutes, stirring or turning pieces once halfway through, until edges are caramelized and internal temperature reaches 145–160°F (63–71°C) for tender but fully cooked pork. If pan juices remain, transfer pork to a medium skillet and reduce over medium-high heat for 3–5 minutes to concentrate flavors and slightly caramelize.
- 3
Rest the pork
Remove pork from heat and let rest for 5 minutes so juices redistribute.
Assembly & Cheese
- 4
Prepare rolls
Slice rolls open and brush cut sides with melted butter. Place cut-side up on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden. Alternatively, toast in a skillet over medium heat.
- 5
Melt the gouda over pork
Arrange roasted pork on the toasted bottom halves of the rolls. Top each portion of pork with a slice (or folded slices) of smoked gouda. Place the assembled bottoms under the broiler for 1–2 minutes (watch closely) or return to a 375°F (190°C) oven for 3–4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 6
Optional Garnishes & Sauce
- 7
If you made pickled red onions or spicy mayo ahead: drain onions well before using. For spicy mayo, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1–2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste) and a squeeze of lime. Serve extra sauce on the side. Garnishes can be added to each sandwich to taste.
- 8
Serve: Cut sandwiches in half and serve warm. Leftover pork keeps 3–4 days refrigerated and reheats well; reheat gently to avoid overcooking.