These Cubano Sandwiches with Mojo-Braised Pork Shoulder are a perfect combination of bold flavors and comforting textures. The tender, juicy pork shoulder, slow-braised with zesty mojo sauce, pairs beautifully with the richness of Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and savory ham, all pressed into a crispy Cuban roll.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party (football season) or simply craving a delicious sandwich, this Cubano is the ultimate choice. The flavors meld together to create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Enjoy it with a side of crispy fries or a tangy slaw for the perfect meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1.5 lbs pork shoulder, boneless
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1/2 cup orange juice
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1/4 cup lime juice
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
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1 tablespoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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4 Cuban sandwich rolls
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1/4 lb ham, sliced
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1/4 lb Swiss cheese, sliced
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1/4 cup dill pickles, sliced lengthwise
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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2 tablespoons butter
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
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Rub the pork shoulder with olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Place the pork in a large Dutch oven and pour orange juice and lime juice over it. Cover and cook for 3–4 hours until the pork is tender and falls apart.
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Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Spread Dijon mustard on the inside of each Cuban roll.
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Layer the sandwich: start with a generous amount of shredded pork, followed by slices of ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles.
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Close the sandwich and spread butter on the outside of each roll.
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Place the sandwiches on the skillet and press down with a heavy object (like a pan) to compress the sandwich. Grill each side until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side.
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Remove from the skillet, slice diagonally, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 720 kcal | Servings: 4 sandwiches
Cubano Sandwiches with Mojo-Braised Pork Shoulder: A Football Season Favorite
As the fall season rolls in and football games take over the weekend, it’s time to think about the ultimate game day food. While wings, chips, and dips are always go-to options, a Cubano Sandwich with Mojo-Braised Pork Shoulder takes the experience to another level. This savory, tangy, and satisfying sandwich is the perfect dish to serve while you cheer for your favorite team, making it an ideal addition to any football season gathering.
The Origins of the Cubano Sandwich
To truly appreciate the Cubano Sandwich, it’s essential to understand its cultural roots. The Cubano, or Cuban sandwich, is a staple of Cuban cuisine, with its origins tracing back to the Cuban immigrants who brought the sandwich to the United States, particularly in Florida. Cuban workers, often in the tobacco fields or factories, created this hearty sandwich as a way to fuel long days of work. The sandwich typically consists of Cuban bread, tender roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. Its origins can be traced to a blend of both Cuban and Spanish influences, creating a sandwich that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor.
What makes the Cubano sandwich truly unique is its combination of flavors and textures. The juicy, seasoned pork contrasts beautifully with the savory ham and the tangy pickles, all melted together with the Swiss cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavor. What sets this particular recipe apart is the addition of mojo-braised pork shoulder, a slow-cooked, flavor-packed variant that intensifies the richness of the sandwich and makes it an ideal choice for any special occasion, particularly football season.
The Mojo Marinade: A Flavorful Twist
One of the stars of this Cubano Sandwich is the mojo marinade. Mojo, a sauce native to Cuban and Caribbean cuisine, is typically made with garlic, citrus juices (like orange and lime), olive oil, oregano, cumin, and sometimes, a little bit of heat from chili peppers. The beauty of the mojo marinade lies in its ability to bring a burst of citrus and spice to any dish, especially the pork shoulder.
The marinade soaks into the pork, infusing it with layers of garlic, citrus, and herbs. The result is a tender, juicy pork that practically falls apart when cooked. The acidity from the citrus cuts through the richness of the pork, while the garlic and herbs add depth and complexity to the flavor. When this mojo-braised pork is placed between two slices of Cuban bread, combined with ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles, the result is a truly remarkable sandwich.
Why Mojo-Braised Pork Shoulder?
Pork shoulder is the perfect cut for this recipe because of its tenderness and ability to absorb flavor over the course of a long, slow cooking process. Braising the pork in the mojo marinade ensures that the meat retains moisture while becoming incredibly tender. When it’s pulled apart after cooking, it creates the perfect filling for your Cubano sandwich.
Another great reason to choose pork shoulder is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of dishes, but when braised with mojo, it becomes the centerpiece of this sandwich. The slow braising process also makes it an excellent choice for preparing ahead of time, so you can enjoy the sandwiches without spending too much time in the kitchen on game day. Once the pork is cooked and shredded, it’s ready to be assembled into delicious sandwiches, making it a great option for a crowd.
The Perfect Cuban Roll
A Cubano sandwich isn’t complete without the right bread. Cuban bread is light, airy, and just slightly crusty, providing the ideal base for the sandwich. Its neutral flavor lets the mojo-braised pork shoulder, Swiss cheese, and other fillings shine. If Cuban bread isn’t available in your area, you can substitute it with a baguette or any other type of sandwich bread that’s crusty but soft on the inside.
The key is to ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold all of the ingredients while still being soft and chewy when you bite into it. Additionally, pressing the sandwich on a grill or in a panini press gives the bread a crispy golden exterior, which adds a delightful crunch to every bite, enhancing the overall texture of the sandwich.
The Layering of Flavors: A Perfect Cubano Sandwich
To assemble the perfect Cubano sandwich, the layering of ingredients is crucial. Start with a generous amount of mojo-braised pork shoulder. The tender, flavorful pork is the star of this sandwich, so don’t be shy when adding it to the bread. Top the pork with slices of savory ham for that classic Cuban flavor. Then, add Swiss cheese to the mix, which melts beautifully and creates a gooey, savory component to balance the pork’s richness.
The pickles are essential for providing a tangy contrast to the richness of the pork and cheese. The sharpness of the pickles cuts through the fatty layers and brings a bright crunch that adds texture and flavor to every bite. Finally, spread a layer of Dijon mustard on the inside of the bread to add a little zing that ties everything together.
Once the sandwich is fully assembled, it’s time to grill it to perfection. Whether you’re using a skillet or a panini press, pressing the sandwich allows the cheese to melt and the bread to crisp up, creating a delicious crunch. The result is a perfectly balanced sandwich with crispy, golden bread on the outside and tender, flavorful fillings on the inside.
A Football Season Favorite
The beauty of this Cubano Sandwich with Mojo-Braised Pork Shoulder is its ability to bring people together during the football season. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for tailgating, watching the game with friends, or serving as a satisfying meal after a long day. The flavors are bold, the ingredients are comforting, and the ease of preparation makes it an ideal recipe for busy game days.
This sandwich can easily be adapted to serve a crowd. Simply prepare the mojo-braised pork ahead of time and have the fillings ready to go. As guests arrive, you can quickly assemble the sandwiches, grill them, and serve them hot. Pair them with your favorite sides like crispy fries, coleslaw, or a light salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the party.
Conclusion:
The Cubano Sandwich with Mojo-Braised Pork Shoulder is the ultimate game day food, offering a combination of bold flavors, tender pork, and a satisfying crunch that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you’re hosting a football watch party or looking for a hearty sandwich to enjoy while cheering on your team, this Cubano sandwich is a perfect choice. The slow-braised mojo pork, combined with the classic Cuban sandwich ingredients, creates a meal that’s as exciting as the game itself. So, gather your friends, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious sandwiches you’ll ever taste during football season.
This Cubano Sandwich with Mojo-Braised Pork Shoulder will undoubtedly become a new favorite for your football season menu, offering a flavor-packed experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.