The Cuban Pork Sandwich is a perfect fusion of savory pulled pork, tangy mustard, sharp Swiss cheese, and crispy bread. This sandwich is pressed to golden perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite, making it a comforting and hearty meal.
Whether you’re having it for lunch, dinner, or as a snack, the combination of tender pork and pickles offers a unique and delicious twist. The crispy, grilled bread adds a texture contrast, making every bite an indulgence. This Cuban sandwich is easy to prepare, customizable, and ideal for anyone who loves bold flavors with a bit of crunch.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked pork shoulder, shredded
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 Cuban bread rolls (or sub with soft baguettes)
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4 slices Swiss cheese
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1/4 cup yellow mustard
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced
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1/4 cup butter
Directions:
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Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
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Slice the Cuban bread rolls horizontally, leaving them connected at the bottom.
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Spread mustard on one side of the bread and mayonnaise on the other.
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Layer the shredded pork, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles inside the rolls.
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Butter the outside of the sandwich and place it in the hot grill pan.
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Press down with a spatula and grill for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
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Slice and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of the Cuban Pork Sandwich
The Cuban Pork Sandwich has a storied history rooted in both Cuban and American culinary traditions. It was created as a way to enjoy the flavors of Cuba using locally available ingredients in the United States, particularly in Florida, which is home to a large Cuban-American population. Over time, the Cuban sandwich became a beloved comfort food that has gained popularity well beyond Florida, particularly in cities like New York, where it can be found in Cuban restaurants, food trucks, and even delis.
While the classic Cuban Pork Sandwich includes sliced ham, this version does away with the ham entirely, focusing solely on slow-cooked, marinated pork. This makes the sandwich a more hearty, savory option, while still preserving the tangy and spicy notes that make the dish so unique. The Cuban Pork Sandwich is so iconic that it has its own national day, celebrated on August 23 each year, in honor of the delicious sandwich that has captured the hearts of many.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Cuban Pork Sandwich
A Cuban Pork Sandwich is only as good as the ingredients used to create it. At its core, the sandwich consists of a few essential elements: slow-cooked roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and aioli. However, each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in the overall flavor profile, making it important to choose the right products.
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Roast Pork: The slow-cooked pork is the star of this sandwich. Marinated in a flavorful blend of citrus juices, garlic, onion, and spices, the pork is tender, juicy, and infused with the perfect amount of flavor. Cooking the pork low and slow ensures that it remains moist and flavorful.
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Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese is the cheese of choice for Cuban Pork Sandwiches. It’s creamy, mild, and melts beautifully, providing the perfect texture contrast to the roasted pork.
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Pickles: Crunchy dill pickles are a quintessential part of this sandwich. Their tartness cuts through the richness of the pork and cheese, balancing the overall flavor and adding an extra layer of texture.
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Mustard and Aioli: Mustard adds a tangy zing to the sandwich, while the garlic aioli provides a creamy richness. Together, they create a flavorful sauce that ties all the ingredients together.
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Bread: Traditional Cuban bread, or pan cubano, is often used for the sandwich. It is similar to French bread but contains a little sugar and lard, which adds richness. Since Cuban bread can be difficult to find outside of Florida, a baguette or other crusty bread can serve as a great substitute.
How to Make the Cuban Pork Sandwich
The process of making the Cuban Pork Sandwich starts with marinating the pork overnight. This step is key to ensuring the pork absorbs all the delicious flavors. The marinade typically consists of orange juice, lime juice, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. The longer the pork marinates, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
Once the pork is marinated, it’s slow-cooked for several hours in the oven or slow cooker, allowing it to become fall-apart tender. After the pork is cooked, it’s shredded and left to soak in its own juices. While the pork cooks, onions are sautéed until golden brown, and the garlic aioli is prepared by mixing mayo, parsley, and garlic.
When it’s time to assemble the sandwich, you start by slicing the bread in half lengthwise and spreading the garlic aioli on the top side. The Swiss cheese is layered on the other side, followed by the sautéed onions and pork. After that, pepperoncinis and a few spoonfuls of the pork juice are added before the sandwich is closed. Finally, the sandwich is grilled until golden brown and crispy, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Tips for an Amazing Cuban Pork Sandwich
To ensure your Cuban Pork Sandwich is a success, consider these tips:
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Marinate for Longer: If possible, allow the pork to marinate for 24 to 48 hours. This will help infuse the pork with more flavor and make it incredibly tender. If you don’t have that much time, a minimum of 12 hours will still work.
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Experiment with Spices: The marinade can be adjusted to suit your personal taste. For a more earthy flavor, add dried oregano or cumin. These spices can elevate the pork’s taste and add an extra layer of depth.
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Add Cured Meats: Traditional Cuban sandwiches often feature slices of ham. If you want to stay true to the classic version, feel free to add a few slices of deli ham to the sandwich. Some people also enjoy adding Genoa salami for extra flavor.
What to Serve with a Cuban Pork Sandwich
While the Cuban Pork Sandwich is a meal on its own, pairing it with a few sides can elevate the experience. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside this delicious sandwich:
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Potato Chips: Air fryer potato chips are a simple and crispy side dish that complements the sandwich perfectly. You can also serve the sandwich with pickled vegetables, such as cornichons or dill pickles, to balance out the richness of the pork.
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Rice and Beans: A classic Cuban side dish, black beans and cilantro lime rice make a perfect accompaniment to this sandwich. The beans add a hearty component to the meal, while the rice provides a light and fragrant side.
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Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can be a refreshing addition to the meal. The crunchiness of the slaw pairs wonderfully with the richness of the Cuban Pork Sandwich.
Conclusion
The Cuban Pork Sandwich is a must-try for anyone who enjoys bold, flavorful dishes. Its combination of tender, marinated roast pork, tangy pickles, creamy Swiss cheese, and crispy bread creates a sandwich experience like no other. Whether you’re looking for a new lunch option or want to impress guests at your next dinner party, this Cuban Pork Sandwich is sure to be a hit.
With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this sandwich brings the taste of Cuba right to your home. The slow-cooked pork, paired with the tangy aioli and crunchy pickles, delivers a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. So, gather your ingredients, marinate your pork, and get ready to enjoy a delicious Cuban Pork Sandwich that will transport you straight to Miami.
Don’t forget to adjust the marinade to your taste, add your favorite condiments, and experiment with the sides to make this meal truly your own!