Miami Cuban Sandwich No 9 in USA TOP 10 Street Foods
- Description: A pressed sandwich with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread.
- Best Spot: Versailles Restaurant.
- Why It’s the Best: The Cuban sandwich is a delicious testament to Miami’s Cuban community, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
To enjoy a taste of Miami, making a Cuban sandwich at home is a delightful culinary adventure. This recipe highlights the essential flavors and textures that make the Cuban sandwich a beloved classic.
Ingredients
- For the Sandwich:
- 1 loaf of Cuban bread (or a soft Italian baguette if unavailable)
- 1/2 pound mojo-marinated pork, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1/2 pound sweet ham, sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- Yellow mustard, to taste
- Dill pickles, sliced (avoid sweet pickles)
- For the Mojo Marinade (for the pork):
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder
- 1/3 cup fresh sour orange juice (or a mix of 1/4 cup orange juice and the juice of 1 lemon)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mojo Pork
Start by marinating the pork shoulder. In a bowl, combine the sour orange juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Place the pork in a slow cooker or a large resealable bag, pour the marinade over it, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.When ready to cook, place the marinated pork in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or until it’s tender and easily shredded. Alternatively, you can roast it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 4-5 hours.
2. Assemble the Sandwich
Once the pork is cooked and shredded, it’s time to assemble your Cuban sandwich. Cut the Cuban bread in half lengthwise. Spread a generous layer of yellow mustard on both sides of the bread.Layer the bottom half with the shredded mojo pork, followed by the sweet ham, Swiss cheese, and slices of dill pickles.
3. Grill the Sandwich
Preheat a panini press or a large skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, you can place a heavy cast-iron skillet on top of the sandwich to press it down.Spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of the sandwich. Place the sandwich in the press or skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. If using a skillet, flip the sandwich halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
4. Serve
Once the sandwich is perfectly toasted, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a minute. Slice it diagonally and serve hot, ideally with a side of plantain chips or a refreshing salad.
Tips for the Perfect Cuban Sandwich
- Bread Choice: Authentic Cuban bread is ideal, but if you can’t find it, a soft Italian baguette works well due to its similar texture.
- Mojo Marinade: The key to a flavorful Cuban sandwich is the mojo pork. If sour oranges are hard to find, the orange and lemon juice mix is a great substitute.
- Pressing the Sandwich: If you don’t have a panini press, use a heavy skillet or a baking sheet with weights to press the sandwich down while it cooks.
By following this recipe, you’ll create a delicious Miami-style Cuban sandwich that captures the vibrant flavors of this iconic dish. Enjoy the layers of savory pork, ham, and cheese, all brought together in a perfectly toasted sandwich!
