Ingredients:
For the Mojo Marinade:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice
- 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
- 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwich:
- 1 loaf Cuban bread or French bread, sliced lengthwise
- 1 pound (450g) thinly sliced roast pork
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 slices ham
- Dill pickles, sliced
- Yellow mustard
- Butter, softened
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the Mojo marinade.
- Place the thinly sliced roast pork in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the Mojo marinade over the pork. Marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat a panini press or large skillet over medium heat.
- Slice the Cuban bread or French bread lengthwise, and spread mustard on one half of the bread. Layer the Swiss cheese, sliced ham, marinated roast pork, and dill pickles on top of the mustard.
- Close the sandwich with the other half of the bread, and spread butter on the outside of the top and bottom of the sandwich.
- Place the sandwich on the preheated panini press or skillet, and cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- If using a skillet, you can press the sandwich down with a spatula to flatten it slightly while cooking.
- Once the sandwich is cooked to your liking, remove it from the panini press or skillet, and let it cool for a minute before slicing it into individual portions.
- Serve your delicious Chef John’s Cuban Sandwich hot, with additional pickles and mustard on the side if desired.
- Enjoy the classic flavors of this iconic Cuban sandwich, perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week!
FAQs:
1. What type of bread should I use for a Cuban sandwich?
Answer: The traditional bread for a Cuban sandwich is Cuban bread, which is a white, soft, and slightly sweet bread with a crisp crust. If Cuban bread is not available, you can use a similar bread such as a French or Italian loaf, but make sure it is not too crusty or hard. The goal is to have a bread that presses well and holds the ingredients together.
2. Can I substitute different meats in a Cuban sandwich?
Answer: While the classic Cuban sandwich uses roast pork and ham, you can make substitutions if needed. For instance, you could use turkey or chicken instead of roast pork, and smoked turkey or another type of cured meat instead of ham. However, the traditional flavors come from the combination of roast pork and ham, so substitutions will alter the taste.
3. How do I make the roast pork for the sandwich?
Answer: To make the roast pork, marinate a pork shoulder or tenderloin in a mixture of citrus juices (usually orange and lime), garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt. Let it marinate for several hours or overnight. Then, roast it in the oven until fully cooked and tender. Slice or shred the pork before adding it to the sandwich. You can also use leftover roast pork if you have it on hand.
4. What kind of cheese is best for a Cuban sandwich?
Answer: Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Cuban sandwich. Its mild flavor and good melting properties make it perfect for this sandwich. Other cheeses that melt well, such as provolone or mozzarella, can be used as substitutes, but Swiss cheese provides the classic taste.
5. How do I press the sandwich if I don’t have a panini press?
Answer: If you don’t have a panini press, you can use a heavy skillet or a grill pan to press the sandwich. Heat the skillet or grill pan over medium heat, place the sandwich in the pan, and use another heavy skillet or a foil-wrapped brick to press down on the sandwich. Cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, flipping the sandwich halfway through and pressing again on the other side. Alternatively, you can use a countertop grill or even a waffle iron to press and heat the sandwich.