Cubano Lettuce Wrap Recipes

LETTUCE WRAPS

Steps:

• Whisk the lime juice, fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce and brown sugar in a large bowl until the sugar dissolves. Add the cilantro, scallions and chiles; set aside.
• Heat the chicken stock in a large skillet over medium heat until steaming but just below a simmer. Add the pork and the remaining teaspoon soy sauce, and cook, breaking into pieces with a spoon (not too small), until the meat is just cooked through and no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic, and remove from the heat. Combine the chicken mixture with the lime mixture until well coated. Let sit for at least 15 minutes while the flavors combine.
• To assemble, put 1 to 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling in the center of each lettuce leaf. Top with chopped peanuts, shredded carrots and chopped cilantro. Strain the remaining liquid from the filling, and serve on the side.

CUBANO SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Whisk in the olive oil.
• Combine the radishes, tomatoes, lettuce and onions in a large bowl and toss with just enough dressing to coat. Top with the avocado.

VOLCANO WRAP

Steps:

• For the magic green chile sauce: Blend jalapenos, garlic, lemon juice, fish sauce and sugar. (This sauce can be used in numerous dishes to add a complex sweet and spicy, full-bodied flavor.)
• For the larb: Lightly brown the chicken in a well-oiled heated pan with yellow onions, stirring, about 4 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water and cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 3/4 cup of the magic green chile sauce. Add ginger, red onion, Thai chiles, roasted red chile garlic paste, sriracha and lemongrass. Return this mixture of ground chicken and seasonings to heat for 1 minute so all the great flavors are melded together but the freshness of the ingredients is not lost. Cook longer if there is excessive moisture in your mix. Remove from heat. Tear 1 sprig mint into fine pieces and mix into the cooked and seasoned meat mixture. This should now be the consistency of sloppy joes. It is spooned onto the lettuce leaves and topped with some of the remaining fresh mint leaves. Consume with a large cold Thai tea or Thai beer.

CUBAN SANDWICH WRAP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a blender mix the lemon juice, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and cumin, until well combined and a paste forms. Place the pork in a large roasting pan and rub the paste all over pork. Place the roasting pan in the oven and roast the pork for 4 hours. Remove the pork and let sit for 10 minutes. Once a bit cooled, using 2 forks, pull the pork into shreds.
• Heat the tortillas on stove for 30 seconds each side. Spread mustard on each warmed tortilla, add some pulled pork, a slice of ham, a slice of Swiss cheese, some pickles, lettuce, and a slice of tomato. Wrap up the tortilla and serve.

SLOPPY CUBANOS (CUBAN COUSIN TO JOE)

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook until browned, about 2 minutes, then add the pork. Cook the pork for 3 to 4 minutes, crumbling it with a wooden spoon, add the onions and garlic, and season the mixture with the allspice, paprika, coriander, salt and pepper. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes then add the sugar, Worcestershire, and lime zest and juice. Mix well to distribute the flavors, then stir in stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a bubble and simmer for a couple of minutes.
• Split the rolls and toast lightly under the broiler. Load the saucy meat mixture onto the rolls and top each with a slice of Swiss cheese. Return to the broiler for a minute to melt the cheese. Sprinkle with the chopped pickles and serve the sammies with a few chips alongside.

ANTIPASTO SUMMER LETTUCE WRAPS

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, mix together the mozzarella, salami, cherry tomatoes, artichokes, roasted red pepper and pepperoncini. Toss the salad mixture with the Red Wine Vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper. Let this marinate for 30 minutes before serving.
• Serve the lettuce cups alongside the antipasto salad. Be sure to use a slotted spoon when serving to drain off any excess marinade, so the lettuce doesn't get soggy.
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together vinegar, honey and mustard. Once combined, slowly add olive oil in steady stream while whisking. Season with salt and pepper.;

CUBAN PORK WRAPS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a bowl, toss pork with oil and pepper. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until browned. Remove from heat., To assemble, spread mustard onto center of tortillas; layer with ham, cheese, pickle, onion and pork. Fold bottom and sides of tortillas over filling and roll up. Place on an ungreased baking sheet; bake 4-6 minutes or until heated through.