I visited Miami over 20 years ago and can’t believe it has been that long! The need to go back is starting to get stronger. 🙂 I remember being thrilled at the Cuban accents I heard for the first time. Additionally the unmistakable Cuban influence on the food was everywhere and was an exciting new foodie experience for me.
Unfortunately I did not try the Cuban Sandwich (also called the Cubano) while I was there. The Cubano is a must when visiting Florida so I truly missed out! Therefore I wanted to try my hand at making one of these delicious sandwiches and bring a taste of Miami to my Texas kitchen.
2014 Film “Chef”
2014 saw the release of a film called Chef, which I confess I have not yet seen. This film is definitely on my list of films to watch! In the film, a prominent chef quits his job at a prestigious LA restaurant. He then ends up in Miami where he then starts a food truck business. He ends up selling Cubanos…not sure how the story progresses and ends but hope to find out soon!
The Cubano’s Ingredients
So the Cubano has a pretty simple list of ingredients:
Bread, ham, swiss cheese, yellow mustard, pickles, and roast pork.
Roy Choi’s Incredible Mojo Pork
However, what makes THIS Cubano sandwich stand out, is that the roast pork used in this recipe is Roy Choi’s Mojo Pork, which is absolutely delicious!! Roy Choi, a famous LA Restauranteur, was also the co-producer of the film Chef. You can find his recipe here, and I HIGHLY recommend you taking the time to make this Mojo Pork! Once you make the Mojo Pork, you can enjoy it as a Main Course one evening, and then use the leftovers for your Cubano sandwich.
I’m telling you I cannot WAIT to make this Mojo Pork again, it is incredible!
Anyway…on to the sandwich! If you elect not to use roast pork from the Mojo Pork recipe, then any roast pork can be used instead.
Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to the Cubano sandwich, and let the taste transport you to Miami!
Florida Cuban Sandwich
Ingredients
- 8 slices roast pork preferably Mojo pork
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices swiss cheese
- yellow mustard
- 8-10 long thin pickles I used Vlasic Stackers
- butter
- 1 loaf French bread Cuban bread is preferred but sometimes hard to find
Instructions
- Cut your French bread lengthwise
- Heat up a heavy skillet (med setting), and add ham and pork, turning over once so that they are warmed through
- Layer the bottom side of the bread with your pork, ham, cheese, and pickles
- Spread the top side of the bread with your yellow mustard and in the meantime make sure your skillet is still set to around a medium setting
- Close your sandwich, butter the outside of the bread, and then cut either in 1/2 (for 2 servings) or 1/3 (for 3 servings)
- Place the sandwiches on the skillet, and weigh it down with a heavy cast iron pan or other heavy object to compress the sandwiches. You’ll want to fry each side for approximately 3-4 minutes
Notes
Florida or otherwise, a Cuban sandwich is NEVER made with French bread. If you don’t use Cuban bread you may as well go to Subway.
Jim Stinson
Native Floridian (Tampa area)
Hi James, thank you so much for your comments! Definitely Cuban bread should be used, however unfortunately in our neck of the woods it’s extremely difficult to find so I opted for French bread for those of us who have difficulty finding Cuban bread. One day I will try to make my own Cuban bread for the completely authentic sandwich. I appreciate you thank you!! Grace