PULLED PORK AND KIMCHI SANDWICH

Pulled Pork and Kimchi Sandwich image

Chuck Hughes' tender smoked pulled pork and kimchi sandwich, served with a sweet and tangy glaze, will make everyone's mouth water.

Provided by Chuck Hughes

Categories main-dish

Time 13h40m

Yield s: 4 sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 26

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Ingredients

5 pounds pork shoulder
1 cup/250 ml brown sugar
1 cup/250 ml sweet chili sauce
1 cup/250 ml molasses
1/2 cup/125ml soy sauce
1/2 cup/125ml rice vinegar
2 tablespoons/30ml minced peeled fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups/500ml grated mozzarella
Chuck's Kimchi, recipe follows, for serving
8 thick slices egg bread
1/4 cup/60ml salt
1 large napa cabbage, cut into big chunks
1/4 cup/60ml rice flour or all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons/30ml sugar
1/2 cup/125ml red pepper powder
3 cloves garlic, minced
One 1-inch piece (2 1/2cm) fresh ginger, peeled
1 stalk lemongrass, tough parts discarded and inner stalk minced
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup/60ml chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup/60ml fish sauce
2 tablespoons/30ml soy sauce
5 scallions, minced
2 to 3 large cucumbers, cubed

Steps:

Soak the wood chips in water for 30 minutes, then transfer to the smoker. Smoke the pork for 2 hours according to the manufacturer's instructions. Combine the brown sugar, chili sauce, molasses, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and whisk until combined. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Sprinkle the pork with salt and pepper. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides. Pour half the molasses mixture over the pork. Cover and cook in the oven until the meat is so tender it falls off the bone, about 6 hours. Let rest for 30 minutes. Remove the pork from the skillet and use a fork to pull and shred the meat (it will come off in threads). Set aside. Skim the fat from the surface of the braising liquid. Pour the remaining molasses mixture into the skillet and cook over medium-high heat until thickened, about 5 minutes. Pile the pork, cheese, a drizzle of the sauce, some kimchi and more cheese between the bread slices to make 4 sandwiches. Grill in a panini press. Cook's Note: If you don't have a smoker, you can skip that step or smoke the pork in a covered grill.
Dissolve the salt in 12 cups (3 liters) cold water. Add the cabbage and refrigerate for 4 hours. Rinse the cabbage thoroughly under cold running water at least 3 times. Pat dry. Bring 1 1/2 cups (375ml) water to a simmer in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flour and whisk for 3 minutes. Add the sugar and continue to cook, whisking, for 1 minute more. Pulse the red pepper powder, garlic, ginger, lemongrass and onion in a food processor. Add the flour mixture and pulse to combine. Set the kimchi paste aside. Combine the brined cabbage, chives, fish sauce, soy sauce, scallions and cucumbers in a large bowl. Stir in the kimchi paste. Refrigerate until ready to use. You can eat it fresh, right after making it, or wait 24 hours until it has fermented. Yield: About 8 cups (2 liters).