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Tuga Pops − Tuesday, June 4, 2019, 7 Years ago in Pork Recipes
4 out of 5 with 223 ratings

Portuguese Caçoila Recipe: Authentic Pork Sandwich

Make the ultimate Portuguese Caçoila Sandwich Recipe. Our authentic Portuguese caçoila recipe yields tender spicy Azorean pulled pork for the best bite.
11 h 15 min 6 servings Easy Prep time 15 min Cooking Time 3 h

Why you will love this Portuguese Caçoila Recipe: Authentic Pork Sandwich

This authoritative guide delivers the definitive Portuguese caçoila recipe for home cooks. By utilizing an overnight orange juice marinade and slow-rendering lard you achieve the complex sensory profile essential for a traditional caçoila sandwich. Master the precise spice ratios to craft authentic Azorean pulled pork that guarantees rich melt-in-your-mouth tenderness every single time.


Ingredients

2 lbs (900g) of pork butt meat, cut in good size pieces2 or 3 bay leavesJuice of 3 oranges (approx. 180ml / 6 fl oz)1 tsp (5ml) of paprika1/4 tsp (1.25ml) of Portuguese allspice1 tsp (5ml) of hot red pepper sauce (pimenta moida)1 tbsp (15g / 0.5 oz) of lard (optional)2 cloves of garlicRed wine to taste (approx. 120ml / 4 fl oz)6 crusty rolls

Equipment:

Mixing bowlMeasuring cupsPanKnifeCutting boardSpoonRefrigerator

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. Rinse the pork meat and place in a bowl.
  2. Add the orange juice, garlic, spices and lard.
  3. Mix, cover and let it marinate overnight in the fridge.
  4. Place the meat and marinade in a pan and cook over medium heat, adding warm red wine as needed.
  5. Cook until meat is tender and falls apart (about 3 hours).
  6. There should be no remaining liquid at the bottom of the pan at the end of the cooking process.
  7. Check and adjust salt and pepper.
  8. Place it in the rolls and serve.

Recipe Tips

For maximum flavor, marinate the pork butt in the orange juice, garlic, paprika, allspice, and hot red pepper sauce overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the meat to absorb the spices and citrus for a more intense taste.
When cooking the pork, consider using a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Cooking it low and slow (around 4-6 hours on low heat) will result in tender, pull-apart meat. Just make sure to monitor the liquid levels, adding red wine or orange juice as necessary to prevent drying out.
Avoid overcooking the pork. Check for doneness after 2-3 hours if using a slow cooker, as overcooking can lead to dry meat. Aim for an internal temperature of about 195°F (90°C) for optimal tenderness.
Adapted from a Recipe by: Julianna Gonyer Coran

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
450 kcal
Fat
24 g
Carbs
6 g
Protein
48 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of meat instead of pork butt for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pork shoulder or pork loin, but keep in mind that pork butt is preferred for its higher fat content, which keeps the meat moist and flavorful during cooking. If using a leaner cut, be cautious of overcooking to prevent dryness.

How should I store leftovers from the Caçoila?

Store any leftover Caçoila in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of red wine in this recipe?

If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with beef broth, apple cider vinegar diluted with water, or a mixture of grape juice and vinegar for depth of flavor. Keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Alentejo Red - This robust red wine from the Alentejo region complements the rich flavors of the pork and spices in the sandwich.

General: Syrah - A Syrah offers bold fruit flavors and peppery notes that enhance the savory elements of the dish.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This lager's crisp and refreshing taste makes it a great match for the hearty pork sandwich.

General: Pilsner - A classic Pilsner provides a clean and balanced flavor that pairs well with the richness of the meat.

Other Beverages

Orange Soda: The citrusy sweetness of orange soda complements the orange juice used in the recipe, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

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Reviews (26) Add a review

Eva
Eva
What is Portuguese allspice
2 Years ago, Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
2 Years ago, Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Maureen
Maureen
when you say "lard", what kind of lard, is liquid or solid?
2 Years ago, Monday, September 9, 2024

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Solid.
2 Years ago, Monday, September 9, 2024

karen brasil
karen brasil
i put a can of beer to
3 Years ago, Sunday, August 20, 2023

joann
joann
I've been making cacoila for over 40 yrs. I make it on the stove. Also i use half beef and blade meat and onion, no oj!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!
3 Years ago, Sunday, July 30, 2023

Josh
Josh
I made this. The orange juice fell apart. I ended up adding crushed red hot peppers and Goya Sofrito which gave it a better flavor.
3 Years ago, Monday, June 26, 2023

Oriana DiMauro
Oriana DiMauro
it looks very tasty , I'm going to try it soon.
3 Years ago, Friday, June 9, 2023

Frederick Souza
Frederick Souza
If you make this in the slow cooker, the liquid will not disappear but will increase. So, then what?
3 Years ago, Monday, April 17, 2023

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops

I myself love the sauce, it contains so much flavour, but for those who don't, they can just drain it. Unfortunately Frederick, it is impossible to make everyone happy.

3 Years ago, Monday, April 17, 2023

Patti
Patti
I'm going to try this in my slow cooker!! My fiancée is from Sao Miguel and I make a lot of Portuguese dishes.😋😋😁😁
4 Years ago, Saturday, August 13, 2022

Theresa
Theresa
I miss Cocoila so much! I'm goin to have to make the Portuguese allspice myself, but I think I have all the ingredients. One question though. Is the paprika listed in the other ingredients a smoked paprika? Thank you!
4 Years ago, Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
You can just use regular or smoked if you prefer, you can always change something according to your taste. 🙂
4 Years ago, Wednesday, August 10, 2022

s pereira
s pereira
why the orange juice never have made it that way
4 Years ago, Saturday, March 19, 2022

Edward
Edward
It gives the meat a little bit of sweetness but also enhance the flavors really well. I've tried cacoila with and without orange juice and the orange juice is a must for sure.
3 Years ago, Sunday, February 26, 2023

Jim Ellis
Jim Ellis
Could this be done in a slow cooker?
4 Years ago, Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Yes, cook for about 8 hours on low Jim.
4 Years ago, Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Adriana
Adriana
Hi PR,
What is the portuguese allspice?

Thanks
5 Years ago, Saturday, December 18, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops

Hi Adriana, it's a seasoning, here is a recipe for it: Portuguese Allspice Mix.


5 Years ago, Sunday, December 19, 2021

Bobby Bacalhau
Bobby Bacalhau
What is Ground red pepper SAUCE?
5 Years ago, Saturday, December 18, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
You're welcome, enjoy.
5 Years ago, Saturday, December 18, 2021

Bobby Bacalhau
Bobby Bacalhau
Ahh ok. I thought so. Obrigado PR.
5 Years ago, Saturday, December 18, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops

Portuguese red pepper sauce Bobby, Portuguese people call it pimenta moida, here is a recipe: Portuguese hot red pepper sauce, I will update the recipe.


5 Years ago, Saturday, December 18, 2021

Anita Millard
Anita Millard
Do you cook it in a crockpot? For 31/2 hours?
5 Years ago, Sunday, September 19, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops

No Anita, on stove top.


5 Years ago, Sunday, September 19, 2021

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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