How to Make Philadelphia-Style Roast Pork Sandwiches - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to iconic Philadelphia cuisine, the cheesesteak often steals the spotlight. But for those in the know, another beloved sandwich holds its own as a local favorite: the Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich. This mouthwatering creation features tender, slow-roasted pork piled high on a soft, crusty roll and topped with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone.

The secret to a truly unforgettable Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich lies in the preparation of the pork itself. Th...

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Ingredients

  • 1 (3 pound) pork shoulder roast
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 cup water, or more as needed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • 12 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Manchego cheese
  • 4 crusty rolls

Information

  • Prep Time: 35 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 40 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 large sandwiches

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • Make the pork: Remove the netting or strings from pork roast, keeping them intact to use again. Combine rosemary, parsley, garlic, 3 teaspoons oil, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon pepper in a bowl. Slice open pork roast and spread it with herb mixture. Roll up pork and secure it with the netting or string. Rub remaining 1 teaspoon oil all over pork; season with more salt and pepper.
  • Place pork, fat-side up, in a roasting pan; pour in water.
  • Bake in the preheated oven, basting occasionally and adding more water if necessary, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the meat reads at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C), 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Reserve pan juices in the roasting pan.
  • While the pork is resting, prepare fixings: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook and stir until garlic is fragrant but not brown, about 3 minutes. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Add spinach, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Cut and remove the string from the roast. Cut pork into thin slices. Return sliced pork to the juices in the roasting pan.
  • Slice sandwich rolls. Sprinkle Manchego cheese over split rolls, add pork slices, and top with spinach.
  • Nutrition

    794 cal.

    • Total Fat: 47g
    • Saturated Fat: 17g
    • Cholesterol: 147mg
    • Sodium: 2952mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 42g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 6g
    • Protein: 50g
    • Vitamin C: 51mg
    • Calcium: 392mg
    • Iron: 7mg
    • Potassium: 1064mg