Cubano Sandwich Framework
The building blocks of the iconic sandwich.
By Keith McBrayerThis framework originally appeared in The Mouthful, our weekly food newsletter for the curious home cook.
It’s meant to be more of an explainer breakdown than a recipe. You’ll need to make some braised pork, preferrable mojo style, but you could make this sandwich with pulled pork or even carnitas.
Keith McBrayer
Ingredients
The bread
- cubano roll1
- butterfor toasting
The cheese
- swiss2 slices
The meats
- braised pork, shredded113 g1/4 lb
- ham, sliced2-4 slices
The condiments
- pickles, sliced4 planks
- mustardto taste
Method
Step 1: Gather & prep ingredients
some pork if you don’t have any leftover. If you do have some leftover, go ahead and pull it out and slice it very thin or shred it.
- If you want more guidance, I make mojo braised pork here.
Gather any remaining ingredients. Slice the Cubano bread.
Step 2: Prep & assemble the sandwich
Set a pan or griddle over medium heat.
Butter the outsides of the bread, add mustard to the insides, and then layer the remaining sandwich components and close.
- Be generous with the mustard and pickles. Their acidity balances the fatty pork and unctuous melty cheese.
Step 3: Cook & press the sandwich
Cook and press the sandwich on the pan, flipping occasionally until both sides are golden brown, the inside ingredients are warmed through, and the cheese has fully melted.
- Alternatively, use a panini press if you have one.
Slice on a diagonal and enjoy warm.
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