The Cubano Recipe
Make The Cubano Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Mojo-style quick pork (if making pork from scratch)
Method
Mojo-style quick pork (if making pork from scratch)
- 1
Marinate
Combine orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add pork pieces, toss to coat, cover, and marinate refrigerated for at least 1 hour (up to overnight).
- 2
Braise or roast
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Transfer pork and marinade to an ovenproof dish, cover tightly with foil, and braise until very tender, about 1.5–2 hours. Alternatively, brown pork in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, then add marinade, cover, and finish in the oven until tender.
- 3
Shred and cool
Remove pork from oven, let rest 10 minutes, then shred or thinly slice it against the grain. Drain excess juices; if desired, reserve 1–2 tbs of the cooking juices to moisten sandwich meat.
Sandwich assembly & press
- 4
Prepare bread
Slice the baguette or Cuban bread horizontally, creating a top and bottom half. If the loaf is thick, remove a small amount of interior crumb so fillings sit evenly.
- 5
Spread condiments
On the bottom half spread 1 tbs Dijon mustard and 1/2 tbs mayonnaise. On the top half spread the remaining 1 tbs Dijon mustard and 1/2 tbs mayonnaise (or reverse as preferred).
- 6
Layer fillings
On the bottom half, layer three slices of Swiss cheese first (this helps hold juices), then arrange the sliced roast pork evenly across, distributing any reserved cooking juices over the pork (about 1–2 tbs). Next layer the ham slices evenly, then place the dill pickle slices in a single layer. Top pickles with the remaining three slices of Swiss cheese.
- 7
- 8
Press and cook
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwich on the hot surface and press down with a heavy skillet, a sandwich press/panini press, or wrap in foil and place another heavy skillet on top. Cook until the bottom is golden and cheese begins to melt, about 3–4 minutes. Flip the sandwich, reapply pressure, and cook another 3–4 minutes until the bread is deep golden and the cheese is fully melted. If using a panini press, preheat to medium-high and press for 4–6 minutes, until hot through and crisp.
- 9
Rest and slice
Transfer the pressed sandwich to a cutting board and let rest 1–2 minutes to set. Cut the sandwich into 2 or 3 portions using a sharp serrated knife. Serve immediately.