Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipes

When we think about Cuban cuisine, the Cuban pork sandwich always stands out as a favorite.

This delicious sandwich is made with layers of juicy roasted pork, ham, pickles, Swiss cheese, and a touch of mustard, all pressed between crispy Cuban bread.

It’s a hearty meal that satisfies both the taste buds and the stomach.

During our travels, we’ve enjoyed many versions of this classic dish in vibrant Cuban restaurants. Each bite takes us straight to the heart of Cuba, making it a memorable experience. We love sharing these recipes because they capture the rich flavors and traditions of Cuban food, allowing us to recreate that joy in our own kitchen.

As we prepare to dive into our favorite Cuban pork sandwich recipe, we invite you to join us in bringing a taste of Cuba to your table.

This recipe is not only easy to follow but also a great way to impress your family and friends with a bit of culinary flair. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe

We absolutely love this Cuban pork sandwich because it brings together great flavors in every bite. The combination of seasoned pork, tangy pickles, and melted Swiss cheese is simply irresistible.

Preparing this sandwich is not only delicious but also fun. We enjoy marinating the pork for that rich, savory taste.

It’s a true treat when we let it soak up all those flavors overnight.

To make it even better, we toast the sandwich in butter. This gives it that crispy, golden-brown crust. The warm, soft inside contrasts beautifully with the crunchy outside.

Here are some reasons we think you’ll love it too:

• Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, making it great for beginners.
• Perfect for Sharing: This sandwich is hearty enough to serve at gatherings.
• Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients. If you prefer more heat, add jalapeños!

Plus, it’s a wonderful way to explore Cuban cuisine right from home. Each tasty bite transports us to sunny Cuba, making meal time feel like a mini vacation.

Trust us, once you try it, it will become a favorite in your home just like it is in ours!

What Makes This Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe Special

What really sets our Cuban pork sandwich apart is the combination of flavors and textures. The layers of pork, both marinated and roasted, bring richness to every bite.

We enjoy using a mix of Swiss cheese and pickles. This adds a nice tanginess that balances the savory pork. The mustard gives an extra kick, making the sandwich even more exciting.

Another special feature is the toasted bread. A traditional Cuban bread or a crusty loaf gives the sandwich a perfect crunch. When pressed, it creates a delightful crispy exterior that holds everything together.

The cooking process is also key. Slow-cooking the pork ensures it is tender and full of flavor. We often marinate it overnight for the best results. This time allows all the spices to really soak in.

Here’s a quick list of why we love this recipe:

• Flavorful marinated pork
• Crispy, toasted bread
• Melted cheese
• Tangy pickles and mustard

These elements come together to create a meal that is comforting and satisfying. Each ingredient plays a role, making the Cuban pork sandwich a true delight that we cherish in our travels through the world of Cuban food.

Cooking Equipment Needed

To make a delicious Cuban Pork Sandwich, we will need a few key pieces of cooking equipment. Here’s what we recommend:

• Electric Pressure Cooker: This tool is perfect for cooking the pork quickly and evenly. It saves us time while ensuring the meat is tender.
• Skillet or Panini Grill: After assembling the sandwich, we like to use a skillet or panini grill to get that crispy, golden crust.
• Cooking Thermometer: This helps us ensure that our pork reaches the right internal temperature for safety and flavor.
• Tongs: A handy tool for handling hot meat and flipping sandwiches with ease.
• Baking Sheet: If we’re baking our sandwiches, a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil makes cleanup easier.
• Sharp Knife: A good knife is necessary for slicing the pork and the sandwich ingredients, ensuring uniform pieces.
• Cutting Board: We use this for chopping and assembling our ingredients.

These items make the cooking process smoother and help create a tasty Cuban sandwich. Having the right tools in our kitchen ensures we can enjoy this dish at any time!

Cooking Instructions

To make a delicious Cuban pork sandwich, follow these simple steps.

1. Prepare the Marinade:

• Combine ingredients like garlic, onion, orange juice, and spices in a blender.
• Blend until smooth.

2. Marinate the Pork:

• Place pork in a dish and cover with the marinade.
• Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for better flavor.

3. Cook the Pork:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Remove pork from the marinade and place it in a baking dish.
• Cook for about 3 hours until tender.

4. Prepare the Sandwich:

• Slice the cooked pork thinly.
• Take Cuban or ciabatta bread and slice it open.

5. Assemble:

• Layer the pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard inside the bread.
• Press the sandwich down lightly.

6. Grill the Sandwich:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat.
• Place the sandwich in the skillet and press it down.
• Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

7. Enjoy:

• Remove from skillet, slice, and serve warm.https://www.youtube.com/embed/8bKzcwbKi40

Cooking Tips

Making a great Cuban pork sandwich takes a bit of care and attention. Here are some tips we’ve gathered over our travels.

• Marinate the Pork: Use fresh citrus like oranges and limes for marinating. The bright flavors really make a difference.

We find that letting it sit for at least 12 hours enhances the taste.

• Cook Low and Slow: For a tender result, cook the pork at a low temperature. We recommend 250°F for about 3 hours.

This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Layer the Ingredients: When assembling the sandwich, put layers of shredded pork, ham, pickles, and cheese. We like to add a generous spread of mustard for extra flavor.
• Press and Grill: After assembling, press the sandwiches in a hot pan or a sandwich press. It helps to melt the cheese and makes the bread crispy.
• Choosing Bread: Use Cuban bread if possible; its crusty exterior and soft inside are perfect. If you can’t find it, look for a good quality hoagie or soft baguette.

Ingredients Needed for the Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe

Pork

Cuban Meat Marinade

Orange juice
Limes juiced
Garlic cloves
Onion
Parsley
Salt
Pepper

Cuban Sandwich

Baguettes
Onions
Pepperoncinis
Swiss cheese

Garlic Spread

Mayonnaise
Parsley
Garlic cloves pressed

Instructions For Preparing the Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe

Marinate the Pork
Place the pork in a large bowl or bag with orange juice, lime juice, garlic, onion, and parsley. Generously season with salt and pepper, then marinate for 12-24 hours for maximum flavor.

Cook and Shred
Remove the onion and garlic from the marinade, then place the pork and marinade in a Dutch oven. Cover and bake at 250°F for 3 hours, or cook in a slow cooker on high for 5 hours. Once tender, shred the meat and let it rest in its juices.

Prepare the Toppings
Slice the onion into 2-inch strips and sauté in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown. For the garlic spread, mix mayo, parsley, and pressed garlic.

Assemble the Sandwich
Slice the baguette lengthwise. Spread garlic sauce on the top half, then add Swiss cheese. On the bottom half, layer pepperoncinis, shredded pork, a few spoonfuls of pork juice, and sautéed onions.

Serve
Slice and enjoy your Cuban Pork Sandwich!

FAQs For the Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe

Question: What ingredients are essential for an authentic Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe?

A: The essential ingredients for a Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe include roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and Cuban bread, all pressed together to create a crispy and flavorful sandwich.

Question: How do I make the pork tender for a Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe?

A: To ensure the pork is tender for a Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe, marinate it in a citrus-based mojo sauce with garlic and spices, then slow-roast it until it is juicy and flavorful.

Question: Can I use regular bread instead of Cuban bread for a Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe?

A: While Cuban bread is traditional for a Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe, you can substitute it with French or Italian bread if Cuban bread is unavailable, though the texture may be slightly different.

Question: What is the best way to press a Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe without a panini press?

A: If you don’t have a panini press, you can use a heavy skillet or a cast-iron pan to press the Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe while cooking on medium heat until crispy.

Question: What sides pair well with a Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe?

A: A Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipe pairs well with sides like plantain chips, yuca fries, black beans, or a simple tropical salad for a complete meal.

Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipes

Juicy roast pork piled onto crispy Cuban bread with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, then grilled to golden perfection for a classic treat.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Sandwich

Cuisine Cuban

Servings 12 people

Calories 719 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 lbs pork

Cuban Meat Marinade

• 2 cups orange juice
• 3 limes juiced
• 6 garlic cloves pressed
• 1 onion medium chopped
• 2 tbsp parsley chopped
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1/2 tbsp pepper

Cuban Sandwich

• 2 baguettes
• 2 onions medium
• 1 cup pepperoncinis
• 8 slices swiss cheese

Garlic Spread

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp parsley
• 3 garlic cloves pressed

Instructions

 

Marinate the Pork

• Place the pork in a large bowl or bag with orange juice, lime juice, garlic, onion, and parsley. Generously season with salt and pepper, then marinate for 12-24 hours for maximum flavor.

Cook and Shred

• Remove the onion and garlic from the marinade, then place the pork and marinade in a Dutch oven. Cover and bake at 250°F for 3 hours, or cook in a slow cooker on high for 5 hours. Once tender, shred the meat and let it rest in its juices.

Prepare the Toppings

• Slice the onion into 2-inch strips and sauté in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown. For the garlic spread, mix mayo, parsley, and pressed garlic.

Assemble the Sandwich

• Slice the baguette lengthwise. Spread garlic sauce on the top half, then add Swiss cheese. On the bottom half, layer pepperoncinis, shredded pork, a few spoonfuls of pork juice, and sautéed onions.

Serve

• Slice and enjoy your Cuban Pork Sandwich!

Nutrition

Serving: 1personCalories: 719kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 34gFat: 51gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 127mgSodium: 1067mgPotassium: 682mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 329IUVitamin C: 39mgCalcium: 192mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Cuban Pork Sandwich Recipes

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