Get ready for your tastebuds to dance to the flavors of this classic Cuban Sandwich!
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If you’ve ever bitten into a Cuban sandwich, you know it’s more than just a sandwich – it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your taste buds. Crispy, savory, and a little tangy, the Cuban sandwich is a culinary masterpiece that has won the hearts of food lovers everywhere. Let’s dive deep into the delicious world of the Cuban sandwich, exploring its rich history, essential ingredients, and tips for storage and reheating.
In this recipe, I use my salt-free Cuban spice blend from my spice company – The Spice Girl Kitchen. I’m completely biased because it is, after all, my spice recipe and the best salt-free Cuban seasoning on the market. But feel free to substitute it for cumin, paprika, and oregano in equal parts for a similar effect! (P.S. My Cuban blend has some dried orange peel in it – along with other savory spices to help bring this dish to life)
This post is all about Cuban Sandwich.
Cuban Sandwich History
The Cuban sandwich, or “Cubano,” has a storied past that dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While its exact origins are a bit of a mystery, the most popular belief is that it originated in Cuba before making its way to Florida, particularly to Cuban immigrant communities in Tampa and Key West.
In Tampa’s Ybor City, the sandwich became a staple among Cuban cigar factory workers who needed a hearty, portable meal. It was here that the Cuban sandwich began to take on its distinct identity, incorporating ingredients from diverse immigrant communities, including Spanish ham and Italian salami. Over time, the Cubano evolved into the iconic sandwich we know and love today.
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Ingredient Deep Dive
To create a truly authentic Cuban sandwich, you need the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors:
Cuban Bread
This is the foundation of a great Cuban sandwich. Cuban bread is a light, slightly sweet bread with a crisp crust. Its airy interior and sturdy exterior make it ideal for pressing and grilling. If you can’t find Cuban bread, Italian or French bread can be a good substitute.
Roast Pork
Tender, flavorful roast pork is the star of the Cuban sandwich. Traditionally, it’s marinated in a mojo sauce made of garlic, citrus juice, oregano, and cumin, then slow-roasted to perfection.
Ham
A layer of thinly sliced, savory ham adds depth and a bit of saltiness to the sandwich. Look for a good-quality deli ham for the best results.
Swiss Cheese
Melty, mild Swiss cheese provides a creamy contrast to the meat. Its subtle flavor complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Pickles
Dill pickles add a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese. Be generous with the pickles for that perfect burst of acidity.
Mustard
Yellow mustard is the traditional choice, adding a sharp, tangy kick that ties all the flavors together. Some variations include a mix of mustard and mayonnaise for added creaminess.
Butter
A generous spread of butter on the bread helps achieve that golden, crispy crust when the sandwich is pressed and grilled.
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Storage & Reheating Information
Got leftovers or making Cuban sandwiches in advance? Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:
Storage
- Refrigerating: If you have leftover Cuban sandwiches, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the sandwiches in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the foil-wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps retain the sandwich’s crispy crust.
- Stovetop: If you want to re-crisp the bread, heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan, cover with a lid, and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, pressing down occasionally, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the sandwich. Unwrap it from the foil and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, but be aware that the bread may lose some of its crispiness.
Classic Cuban Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Cuban bread (or Italian/French bread if unavailable), cut into 4 equal pieces
- 1 lb roast pork, thinly sliced or shredded see recipe below for homemade Lechon Asado
- 8 slices sweet or smoked ham
- 8 slices swiss cheese
- 8-12 slices dill pickle
- 4 tbsp yellow mustard
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
Instructions
Prep
- Heat a griddle or panini press to medium heat. If using a skillet, have a heavy pan or a grill press ready for pressing the sandwich.
- Cut the loaf of Cuban bread into 4 equal sections. Slice each section horizontally to create a top and bottom half.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard on the inside of each bread half. Layer the bottom half of each bread section with 2 slices of ham. Add a generous portion of roast pork on top of the ham. Place 2 slices of Swiss cheese over the pork. Add 2-3 pickle slices on top of the cheese. Place the top half of the bread over the pickles to complete the sandwich.
- Spread the softened butter on the outside of both the top and bottom halves of each sandwich. This will help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Grill the Sandwiches
- Place the sandwiches on the heated griddle or panini press. If using a skillet, place the sandwiches in the skillet and press them down with a heavy pan or grill press.
- Grill for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted. If using a panini press, close the press and cook for the same amount of time.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the sandwiches from the heat and let them cool slightly before slicing each one in half diagonally. Serve & enjoy!
Notes
Tips
- Variation: If you prefer, you can mix yellow mustard with a bit of mayonnaise for a creamier spread.
- Pressing: For a true Cuban sandwich experience, pressing the sandwich is key. If you don’t have a panini press, a cast-iron skillet or another heavy pan works well for pressing.
Cuban-Style Roast Pork (Lechon Asado)
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (boneless or bone-in)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Cuban Seasoning
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
Marinade (Mojo)
- In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Cuban seasoning, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.
- Place the pork shoulder in a large resealable plastic bag or a deep baking dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it is well coated. If using a bag, seal it tightly and massage the marinade into the pork. If using a dish, cover it with plastic wrap.
- Marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Roasting
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the pork from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Reserve the marinade for later use.
- Place the pork in a roasting pan. Scatter the sliced onions around the pork and pour the reserved marinade over the onions and pork.
- Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
Brown the Pork (Optional)
- If you prefer a crispy exterior, remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of roasting. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting until the pork is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Rest and Shred
- Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. Transfer the pork to a large cutting board and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat if desired.
Serve
- Use the shredded pork immediately to assemble your Cuban sandwiches. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
This post was all about Cuban Sandwich!
Did you make this recipe? Make sure to tag me @thespicegirlkitchen_ on Instagram or @thespicegirlkitchen on TikTok! I love seeing your recreations! I will be your ultimate hype woman!
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