Zesty Pork & Cheddar Torta
Savor the vibrant flavors of this Zesty Pork & Cheddar Torta, a delightful Mexican sandwich that brings together lime-marinated pork chops, creamy refried beans, and fresh vegetables all tucked inside a crusty, toasted roll. Each bite bursts with the zesty brightness of lime, balanced by the richness of melted cheddar cheese and the kick of jalapeño chiles. This torta is perfect for lunch, a quick snack, or any time you crave a hearty and flavorful meal. For a twist, try substituting the pork with marinated chicken breast, using refried black beans and Monterey Jack cheese for a different yet equally satisfying experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
crusty rolls
2 (toasted)
center-cut pork chops
2 (pan-fried and sliced)
lime
1 (juiced)
water or chicken broth
1/2 cup (for simmering)
refried beans
4 tablespoons (spreadable)
jalapeño chiles
2 (sliced)
small tomatoes
1 (sliced)
lettuce
to taste (shredded)
chopped cilantro
to taste (fresh)
onion
to taste (sliced)
mayonnaise or Mexican crema or sour cream
1 bit (for spreading)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by marinating the pork chops: in a bowl, mix the juice of one lime with sliced jalapeño chiles.
2
Season the pork chops with black pepper and pan-fry them over medium-high heat in a skillet until they are nicely browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
3
Once browned, add 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes or until the chops are fully cooked and tender.
4
Remove the skillet from heat and allow the pork to cool slightly. Slice the pork thinly and transfer it to a plastic zipper bag with the lime-chile mixture. Refrigerate until completely cooled.
5
While the pork is cooling, prepare the rolls by slicing them in half and scooping out a small amount of the bread from the inside to create a shallow cavity.
6
Spread a generous layer of refried beans on the bottom half of each roll. On the top half, spread mayonnaise, crema, or sour cream.
7
Layer the sandwich with the marinated pork, sliced jalapeños, tomato slices, lettuce, onions, chopped cilantro, and finish with a slice of cheddar cheese.
8
Sprinkle each torta liberally with black pepper before closing the sandwich. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Zesty Pork & Cheddar Torta?
It is a flavorful Mexican sandwich consisting of lime-marinated pork chops, refried beans, cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables on a toasted crusty roll.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses center-cut pork chops that are pan-fried and then sliced.
How is the pork marinated?
The pork is marinated in a mixture of fresh lime juice and sliced jalapeño chiles after being cooked and sliced.
What type of bread is recommended for a torta?
Crusty rolls are used, which are toasted and slightly hollowed out to accommodate the fillings.
Can I substitute the pork with another protein?
Yes, you can substitute the pork with marinated chicken breast for a different version of the sandwich.
What kind of cheese is best for this torta?
The recipe calls for cheddar cheese, but Monterey Jack is also a great alternative.
How do you prepare the refried beans?
The refried beans should be spreadable and applied generously to the bottom half of the toasted roll.
Are there variations for the beans used?
While standard refried beans are used, refried black beans are suggested as a tasty alternative.
What spreads are used on the top half of the roll?
You can use mayonnaise, Mexican crema, or sour cream on the top half of the roll.
How long do you cook the pork chops?
Pan-fry the chops for 4-5 minutes per side, then simmer in liquid for about 10 minutes until tender.
Why is liquid added to the skillet when cooking the pork?
Adding 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth and covering the pan helps the pork finish cooking while remaining tender.
How do you prevent the sandwich from becoming too bulky?
The recipe suggests scooping out a small amount of bread from the inside of the rolls to create a shallow cavity for the ingredients.
What fresh vegetables are included in the torta?
The sandwich includes sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced onions, and chopped cilantro.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes two jalapeño chiles, which provide a kick of heat, but this can be adjusted to your preference.
How should the pork be sliced for the sandwich?
The pork should be sliced thinly after it has cooled slightly to make it easier to layer in the roll.
Does the pork need to be refrigerated?
Yes, once sliced and mixed with the lime and chiles, it should be refrigerated until completely cooled.
What is the final seasoning step for the torta?
Before closing the sandwich, you should sprinkle it liberally with freshly ground black pepper.
Is this sandwich served warm or cold?
The bread is toasted and the beans are spread on, but the marinated pork is typically served cool within the sandwich.
What type of lime should be used?
The recipe uses the juice of one fresh lime for the marinade.
How many tortas does this recipe make?
Based on the ingredients, the recipe is designed to make 2 large sandwiches.
Is the cilantro used as a garnish or a layer?
Chopped cilantro is used as one of the internal layers of the sandwich for fresh flavor.
Can I use chicken broth for the simmering step?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth to simmer the pork chops.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is zesty and bright due to the lime, balanced by savory pork, rich beans, and melted cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a perfect option for a hearty lunch.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes should simply be sliced and layered into the sandwich.
How do I ensure the rolls are properly toasted?
Slice them in half and toast them until the edges are golden before adding the spreads.
Can I use red onions instead of white onions?
Yes, any variety of sliced onion works well depending on your flavor preference.
What makes this a 'torta' specifically?
It is a torta because it is a Mexican-style sandwich served on a crusty roll with traditional fillings like refried beans and chiles.
Can this be made as a snack?
Yes, while hearty, it is also listed as a great option for a substantial snack.
Should I serve the torta immediately?
Yes, for the best texture and freshness, it is recommended to serve the torta immediately after assembly.