Pulled Pork Pancakes

1. Stage

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

2. Stage

Mix salt, pepper, paprika, chipotle powder, garlic powder, and crushed fennel seeds together in a bowl.

3. Stage

Place pork in a shallow baking dish or pan, just large enough for it to fit with a few inches around the outside, and at least 2 to 3 inches deep. Coat pork all over with about 3/4 of the spice blend. Set the remaining spice mixture aside. Turn pork so it is fat-side up in the dish.

4. Stage

Roast in the preheated oven, uncovered, until a nice dark brown crust is achieved, about 30 minutes.

5. Stage

Remove from the oven and reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Pour maple syrup, cider vinegar, and water into the baking dish and over the pork. Grab the pork carefully with a pair of tongs and use to stir the braising liquid together. Cover the pan with heavy-duty foil, making sure it's sealed tightly.

6. Stage

Continue to bake pork in the preheated oven until fork-tender, about 3 hours more.

7. Stage

Let the pork rest, uncovered, for about 20 minutes. Shred with 2 forks. Stir the pork into the braising liquid. Taste and adjust the seasoning with the reserved spice blend if necessary.

8. Stage

Mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl with a whisk until thoroughly combined, about 30 seconds. Add eggs, buttermilk, and 3 tablespoons melted butter; whisk until just combined. Let batter rest for 10 minutes.

9. Stage

Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Drop batter in the hot butter and cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until golden, 1 to 2 minutes more. Repeat with remaining batter.

10. Stage

Transfer 1 pancake onto a serving plate and top with as much pork as you see fit, along with accumulated juices. Top with another pancake, more pork with its juices, and one more pancake. Repeat with remaining pancakes and pork. Serve.