Cuban Cheesesteak Recipe

Prepare and marinate

Thinly slice the ribeye against the grain into strips about 1/8"–1/4" thick. Mince the garlic. In a bowl combine minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt and black pepper. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to let flavors penetrate.

Cook the beef

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if pan is dry). Add the marinated beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and spread it out so it sears. Let it cook undisturbed for 1 minute, then stir and spread again to get some caramelization. Cook 3–4 minutes total until just browned but still juicy. Remove beef to a plate and keep warm.

Sauté onions and peppers

In the same skillet over medium heat add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed. Add thinly sliced onion and red bell pepper (slice onion into half-moons and pepper into thin strips). Season lightly with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to brown, about 6–8 minutes.

Combine with beef

Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the onions and peppers. Stir to combine and warm together for 1–2 minutes so flavors meld. If using pickled banana peppers, stir them in now for additional tang.

Assemble sandwiches

Slice the rolls lengthwise (not all the way through) and lightly spread yellow mustard on the cut faces. Place an even portion of the beef-onion mixture inside each roll. Top each sandwich with 2 slices of Swiss cheese (stacked) and 3 pickle slices placed over the cheese.

Melt cheese and toast

Preheat a large skillet or sandwich press over medium. Melt the butter in the skillet and place sandwiches cut-side down for 1–2 minutes to toast the bread lightly. Then transfer sandwiches to a covered pan (or close the sandwich press) to melt the cheese thoroughly for 1–2 more minutes. If using a skillet only, cover with a lid or foil and reduce heat to low so cheese melts without burning bread.

Remove sandwiches from heat. If desired, drizzle a little mojo sauce or squeeze extra lime over the filling and scatter chopped cilantro over the top. Cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately while hot.

Suggested accompaniments: plantain chips, crispy fries, or a simple slaw.