Cuban Style Pork Sandwiches Recipes

CUBAN PORK SANDWICHES

Steps:

• For each sandwich, spread one cut side of each bun with 1/2 teaspoon mustard and the other side with 1 teaspoon mayonnaise. Layer pork, ham, cheese and 3 pickle slices in each bun, folding meats or cheese to fit if necessary. Press sandwiches firmly with palm of hand to flatten to about 1-inch thickness.
• Heat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brush tops of sandwiches with melted butter. Place sandwiches, buttered sides down, in skillet. Brush bottoms with remaining butter. Cook about 6 minutes, turning once, until crisp and brown on both sides.

CUBAN ROASTED PORK SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Cut sixteen 1-in. slits in pork; insert garlic slices. In a large bowl, combine the onions, orange juice, lime juice and seasonings. Pour 1-1/2 cups marinade into another large bowl; add pork and turn to coat with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, turning pork occasionally. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade., Preheat oven to 350°. Drain pork, discarding drained marinade. Place pork and reserved marinade in a shallow roasting pan. Bake tender, 3-1/2 to 4 hours, basting occasionally. Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing., Meanwhile, cut each loaf of bread in half lengthwise; flatten slightly. Spread cut side with butter; spread crust side with mustard. Cut pork into thin slices. Layer pickles, pork, ham and cheese over the mustard. Replace tops so buttered side is outward. Cut each loaf into sixths., Cook in batches on a panini maker or indoor grill for 4-5 minutes or until bread is browned and cheese is melted.

CUBAN SANDWICH WITH SLOW-COOKER PULLED PORK

Steps:

• Rub the pork all over with the cumin, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place in a slow cooker and drizzle with the orange and lime juices. Cook on high heat until the meat is tender and falling apart, 6 hours. Transfer to a cutting board and coarsely shred.
• Spread one side of each loaf with mayonnaise and the other with mustard. Build the sandwiches with the pulled pork, ham, Swiss and pickles (you will have some pulled pork left over).
• Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place 2 of the sandwiches in the skillet and cover with another skillet, weighing it down with a heavy can or pot. Cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Turn the sandwiches over, replace the top skillet and continue to cook until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes more. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches, adding the remaining butter to the skillet.

THE ULTIMATE CUBAN SANDWICH

Steps:

• Begin by braising the pork shoulder. Tie the shoulder in 4 places with kitchen twine so it will hold its shape while being cooked or ask your butcher to do this for you. Season the pork with salt, pepper, cumin and oregano. Set the base of a pressure cooker over low-medium heat and add a 2 count of olive oil.
• Add garlic and chili flakes and as the oil heats up it will become fragrant and infuse the oil. Add the pork. Add onions around the pork and brown slightly before adding orange juice, lime juice, stock and bay leaves.
• Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 20 to 25 minutes depending on the size of your pressure cooker. The pork should be tender when done. When done allow to cool in juices before removing twine and slicing.
• To prepare Cuban sandwiches, split bread in half then layer the sandwich with mustard, cheese, pickles, ham, pork then cheese again (the cheese glues everything together). Season with salt and pepper in between the ham and pork layers. (Optional: drizzle a little of the pork braising liquid over the meat as well).
• To cook, heat a large cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium heat and lightly coat with olive oil. Place the sandwiches on the skillet and top with another heavy skillet and a couple of heavy weights (bricks, or cans of tomatoes work well). Press down firmly and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the sandwich has compressed to about a third of its original size and the bread is super-crispy. Serve with beans, rice and plantain chips.

CUBAN-STYLE PORK SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Place onion wedges and broth in a 5-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the parsley, 5 garlic cloves, vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, cumin, mustard, oregano, salt and pepper; rub over pork. Add to slow cooker. Cover and cook on low until meat is tender, 6-8 hours., Remove meat; let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. In another small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard and remaining garlic and lemon juice; spread over buns. Layer bun bottoms with pork, cheese, sliced onion and pickles; replace tops., Cook on a panini maker or indoor grill until buns are browned and cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes.

CUBAN-STYLE ROAST PORK

Steps:

• Grind garlic, salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and coriander into a paste using a mortar and pestle.
• Transfer half of the garlic and spice paste to a bowl; add lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, and vinegar. Beat the mixture with a whisk until smooth.
• Cut several inch-long, deep slits into the fatty side of the pork roast. Rub the reserved garlic paste into the slits.
• Put rubbed roast into a gallon-size resealable plastic bag. Pour the liquid mixture over the roast, squeeze as much air from the bag as possible and seal; refrigerate, turning occasionally, 8 hours to overnight.
• Remove pork roast from refrigerator, put into a roasting pan, and let warm at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Roast pork in preheated oven for 30 minutes, reduce heat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and continue cooking until pork is no longer pink in the center, about 2 hours more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 170 degrees F (75 degrees C).

SLOW COOKER CUBAN PORK

Steps:

• Cut pork loin into 3 equal pieces.
• Turn a slow cooker to Low. Add orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, and peppercorns, then add onion.
• Mix garlic, salt, and oregano into a paste and rub all over pork pieces. Place pork in the slow cooker.
• Cook on Low until pork is slightly pink in the center, 9 to 10 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Pull apart meat with 2 forks and let sit for 1 hour before serving.

CUBAN PULLED PORK SANDWICHES

Steps:

• In a 6- or 7-qt. slow cooker, combine first 9 ingredients. Add pork; cook, covered, on low until tender, 8-10 hours. Remove roast; shred with 2 forks. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook meat in batches until lightly browned and crisp in spots. , Cut each loaf of bread in half lengthwise. If desired, spread mustard over cut sides of bread. Layer bottom halves of bread with pickles, pork, ham and cheese. Replace tops. Cut each loaf into 8 slices.

CUBAN PORK SANDWICHES

Steps:

• For the relish, in a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the onion and water to a boil.
• Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently; drain.
• Transfer to a bowl; add roasted peppers, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper and cumin.
• Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour; remove and discard the garlic.
• Cover and place in refrigerator.
• To make the sandwiches, mash the minced garlic, cumin and salt.
• Rub over the tenderloin; place in a shallow baking pan and bake uncovered at 425 degrees for 35-30 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees.
• Allow to stand for 10 minutes; slice thin.
• Over medium heat, heat the oil in a large skillet.
• Top four slices of bread with pork, add the desired amount of relish and 2 slices of cheese; top with remaining bread.
• Cook the sandwiches for 2 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
• The yield is 4 sandwiches and 2 cups of relish.

CUBAN PORK SANDWICHES

Steps:

• To make the marinade: In a medium bowl whisk together the first seven (marinade)ingredients.
• Trim the pork loin of any excess fat.
• Place the roast in a large, resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade.
• Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly.
• Turn the bag to distribute the marinade, place in a bowl, and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, turning occasionally.
• Remove the roast from the bag and discard the marinade.
• Allow to stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before grilling.
• Pat dry with paper towels and season with the salt and pepper.
• Sear the roast over Direct Medium heat until well marked, about 10 minutes, turning once.
• Continue grilling over Indirect Medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 155?F, 35 to 45 minutes.
• Transfer the roast to a carving board and loosely cover with foil.
• Allow to rest for about 10 minutes.
• Slice crosswise as thinly as possible.
• Just before serving, split the rolls, spread the inside of each roll with 1 tablespoon butter, and grill them, cut side down, over Direct Medium heat until toasted, about 30 seconds.
• Layer each roll with Swiss cheese, ham, pickle slices, and sliced pork loin.
• Finally, flatten the sandwiches on a cutting board with the palm of your hand and then grill them over Direct Medium heat for 30 seconds.
• Turn the sandwiches and press down firmly a second time (with a metal spatula) and grill for 30 seconds more.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

CUBAN STYLE PORK TENDERLOIN SANDWICHES AND FRIED PLANTAINS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Coat tenderloins with oil. Combine onion, garlic, citrus zest, salt, pepper and dried oregano in a pile on your cutting board. Pack this coating equally and evenly onto the tenderloins. Heat a large skillet. Add a drizzle of oil and sear tenderloin on all sides. Then place in hot oven to roast 20 to 25 minutes. Wash hands.
• Brush rolls with a little warm water and sprinkle the tops of the rolls with 1/2 teaspoon sugar each. Pile rolls on a baking sheet and place in oven with meat for 5 minutes to crust rolls and set sugar. Authentic Cuban rolls used for this sandwich are sweet. This sugar wash process gives a similar effect to store bought rolls. When rolls come out of oven, split and pile on serving plate.
• Preheat a stovetop griddle over medium high heat.
• Heat 1/4 cup corn oil in a heavy skillet over medium high heat. Peel plantains and cut in 1/2 lengthwise, then slice each 1/2 into thirds on an angle. Arrange plantains in pan in a single layer and cook until crisp, continuously flipping for even browning. Remove from skillet to paper towel lined plate and season with fine salt.
• To assemble sandwiches: Thinly slice meat on an angle. Place ham and Swiss cheese on a serving plate, separating and fluffing up the shaved meat and cheese. Assemble sandwiches with desired fillings and place on a hot, buttered griddle. Use a heavy pan to press the sandwiches together. Toast until golden brown, then flip and toast the other side.
• Combine chopped pickles, sweet red pepper relish and scallions in a small bowl.
• Spread the relish on the tops of the rolls and pork slices, ham, and swiss cheese on the bottoms. Press the sandwiches together. Put about 1 tablespoon of butter on the hot griddle and spread to coat. Put 2 sandwiches at a time on the griddle, and top with a heavy cast-iron skillet. Toast sandwiches on the griddle, turning once, until golden, hot, and cheese is melted, 2 or 3 minutes per side.
• Serve with a few slices of plantains per person as a side dish. Frozen Mojitos Slushes make a great drink or dessert.
• In a blender, combine 1/2 pint sorbet or 1/2 can of lime aid with 4 shots of rum, 1/4 cup mint leaves and 1/2 tray of ice. Pulse, then blend on high until lime-mint slush is smooth. Pour drinks into 2 large cocktail glasses using a long handled spoon and repeat with remaining ingredients.

CUBAN PORK ROAST SANDWICH

Steps:

• Prepare Pork for Slow Cooking (1 day):.
• Combine marinade ingredients.
• Stab the pork all over to allow for better marinade penetration.
• Marinade pork for 12-24 hours.
• Remove from marinade and bring to room temperature (reserve marinade for later).
• Heat large skillet with a small amount of olive oil until smoking hot.
• Sear pork on all sides in skillet.
• Leave the pan alone and keep it for cooking onions later.
• Place pork in roasting pan, and pour marinade into pan (ideally pan should be about 3 inches wider/longer then pork.).
• Loosely tent pan with foil.
• Slow Cook Pork (preferably use Traeger pellet grill):.
• Place in 300 degree oven (or preferably Traeger pellet grill).
• Cook for 2 hours tented.
• Reduce heat to 250.
• Cook for 1 more hour uncovered, basting every 20 minutes with marinade.
• Turn Pork over and cook for 1 more hour, basting every 20 minutes with marinade.
• Your cooking time will vary depending on meat and pan size. Uncovering the pan is done to reduce the marinade. Your goal is to use most of the marinade but not to burn it. You will still have considerable burnt and caramelized pieces at the end of the cooking cycle. Re-cover the pan if necessary, to preserve liquid. The pork should basically fall apart by the end of the cooking cycle.
• Remove pork, cover with foil and let sit for 30 minutes.
• Pull the pork apart into medium sized chunks with claws.
• Aioli (prepare while cooking pork and refrigerate):.
• Soak white bread in vinegar.
• Place it in a kitchen aid mixer with all remaining ingredients EXCEPT olive oil.
• Whip on medium setting until thoroughly blended.
• Slowly drizzle in NON-Extra virgin (regular) Olive Oil. Increase speed of the mixer as it begins to emulsify and turn into a mayonnaise-like consistency.
• Place in refrigerator.
• Caramelize Onions (Prepare while letting the pork rest):.
• Cut onion into thick slices (about 1/2 inch wide).
• Heat pan used for searing pork over Medium/low heat adding a little olive oil.
• Add onion to pan.
• Slowly caramelize onions, stirring occasionally. Onions should be soft and browned, but not burnt.
• Prepare the sandwich:.
• The original used a harder roll sliced completely in half. I use a Bahn Mi roll cut more like a Philly steak sandwich bun. I get my buns at Q Bakery in Columbia City. This allows me to stuff the sandwich and not have a complete mess.
• Cut roll and LIGHTLY toast inside.
• Spread Aioli generously on inside.
• Add some cilantro, a branch of romaine, a few jalapeños, some caramelized onions, and stuff with pork.
• Finally, eat the best sandwich ever.