This Cuban pork sandwich is made with succulent slow cooked roast pork, melty swiss cheese, and garlic sauce. It will transport you straight to Miami!
My version of a classic Cuban pork sandwich, or “cubano”, is inspired by my all-time favorite sandwich shop in Seattle called Paseo. The line would literally be wrapped around the block whenever I would go and for good reason – their cubano is no joke. Like a true fan girl, I’ve tried to get as close as I can to replicating it for all you folks out there who can’t make it to Seattle for the real deal. You’re going to love it!
Note: You’ll want to use a Dutch oven to slow cook your pork if you have one. If you don’t and need a solid recommendation, consider this one. It’s my fav!
What is a Cuban Pork Sandwich Made of?
A classic cubano is made with pork, deli ham, swiss cheese, pickle chips, mustard, and aioli. In Florida, particularly Miami and Tampa, you’ll find this Cuban-American staple served just about everywhere. In this version, we skip the ham and use all roasted pork instead. Below, find an overview of the taste, texture, and time it takes to whip our cuban pork sandwich up.
- Flavor: The flavor of this sandwich is a trifecta of citrusy roast pork, nutty swiss cheese, and tangy aioli and pepperoncinis.
- Texture: In terms of texture, you’ll get a nice crunchy bite of bread followed by a gooey center of cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth roast pork.
- Time: Regarding cooking time, you’ll need to account for the fact that the pork should be marinated at least overnight and up to 24 hours. For day-of prep, it takes about 3 hours of slow cooking in the oven and a bit of easy assembly thereafter. Don’t fret – the process is really easy and well worth the wait!
All About Cuban Pork Sandwich Bread
Let’s talk about finding the right bread for your Cuban pork sandwich. A traditional Cuban sandwich is typically made with Cuban bread, or”pan cubano”, which is similar to French bread with the exception it’s made with a little sugar and lard. In this recipe, we swap it out for a baguette since most of you out there can’t get your hands on the authentic stuff. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can always make it homemade using our easy baguette recipe.
Assembling the Perfect Cuban
Assembling the perfect cuban takes a little patience, wholesome ingredients, and some really simple prep. Below, find a rundown of the recipe before you get to work.
- Marinate the Pork: In a large bowl, marinate the pork overnight (or up to 24 hours) with orange juice, lime juice, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook the Pork: Remove the onion and garlic from the marinade. Next, place the pork and liquid marinade in the oven and bake it at 250°F for 3 hours with the lid on (you can also use a slow cooker). Using a fork, shred the pork and allow it to sit in the juices while you prepare the onions and sauce.
- Sauté the Onions: Slice the onions into strips and cook them in a skillet with a little olive oil until golden.
- Make the Garlic Spread: In a small bowl, combine the mayo, parsley, and pressed garlic.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Next, spread the garlic sauce on the top half, followed by a layer of swiss cheese. On the other half, start with the pepperoncinis and top with pork, pork juice, and the sautéed onions. Top the sandwich with the cheese half. Slice and enjoy!
Don’t have a Dutch oven? Cover an oven-safe pot tightly with a couple layers of foil. While this won’t have the same steaming effect as a heavy cast-iron lid, it will get the job done and more importantly – get those Cuban sandos on the table.
3 Tips for an Amazing Cuban Pork Sandwich
Here you’ll find our top tips for nailing this cuban pork sandwich recipe on the first try.
- Marinate the pork for 24 hours if you can. While you can get away with an overnight marinade, a full 24 hours will really elevate the pork’s tenderness. You can even push it to 48 hours if you’re in the mood to prep ahead.
- Play around with the marinade. If you want a more earthy pork, add in some dried oregano and cumin to the marinade.
- Add some cured meat. Traditional cuban sandos do have a slice of ham, so feel free to add it if you’re in the mood. A couple slices of genoa salami wouldn’t hurt either.
What Goes Well With a Cuban Sandwich
A Cuban sandwich is filling as-is for lunch or dinner. For a more well-rounded meal, pair it with a side or two. Serve your Cuban sandwich alongside some air fryer potato chips or a handful of cornichons or dill pickles. You could also whip up some black beans and cilantro lime rice for a full blown Cuban feast.
Hot Storage Tip: If you don’t plan to eat your Cuban right away, keep the meat stored in an airtight container and only assemble the sandwiches right before you plan to serve them.
FAQ
What kind of pickles are typically served with a Cuban pork sandwich?
Cuban sandwiches are typically served with super crunchy pickle chips. Other times, the pickle comes on the side as a spear.
Where did Cuban sandwiches originate from?
Cuban sandwiches were born out of Florida (that’s right, not Cuba!), where there is a large Cuban-American population. They are a hodge-podge of traditional Cuban cooking and America’s love of a good sandwich.
Should you cook the pork covered or uncovered?
You should cook the pork covered in a Dutch oven or another oven-safe pot with a lid. This creates a steaming effect that turns the meat ultra-tender.
What cut of pork should you use?
Use a lean cut of pork such as pork shoulder, pork butt, or pork tenderloin.
Can you substitute a different kind of meat?
It’s not recommended that you substitute a different kind of protein in for the pork. The Cuban sandwich depends on the porky flavor! If you absolutely must, use a lean cut of beef instead (chuck roast).
Other Sandwiches to Try:
- Carrot Tea Sandwiches with Garlic – Mini carrot and cheese sandos
- Steak Sandwich Recipe – Classic steak sandwich
- Mushroom and Cheese Sandwich – Mushroom grilled cheese
- Salmon Tea Sandwich – Cream cheese and salmon toasts
- Chicken Philly Cheesesteak – Like everyone’s favorite Philly but with chicken instead.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork
Cuban Meat Marinade
Cuban Sandwich
- 2 baguettes
- 2 medium onions
- 1 cup pepperoncinis
- 8 slices swiss cheese
Garlic Spread
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp parsley
- 3 garlic cloves pressed
Instructions
- Place the pork in a large bowl or a bag with orange juice, lime juice, garlic, onion, and parsley. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
- Allow the meat to marinate for 12-24 hours (the longer it marinates, the better).
- Remove the chunks of onion and garlic from the marinade. Place the pork in a dutch oven alongside the liquid marinade. Bake at 250°F for 3 hours with the lid on. Alternatively, use a slow cooker and cook the meat on high for 5 hours. Once cooked, pull the pork off the bone and shred it. Leave it to rest in its juices.
- Cut the onion into 2-inch long slices. Sauté it in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil until golden brown.
- To make the garlic spread, combine the mayo, parsley, and pressed garlic. Slice the baguette lengthwise. Spread the sauce on the top side of the bread, followed by the swiss cheese. Top the other half of the bread with pepperoncinis, followed by pork, a couple spoonfuls of the pork juice, and sautéed onions.
- Slice and enjoy!
Looks great and I will definitely try it soon. One question for the traditionalists--shouldn't a Cuban also have sliced ham in addition to the roast pork?
Hi there, thank you for reaching out. This is my take on the recipe so in this version, we skip the ham and use all roasted pork instead. I hope you get a chance to try it! Have a great day!
This cuban pork sandwich is so yummy and easy to make. It just might be my new favorite sandwich! So much flavor.
Hi Matt, I am so glad that this recipe was a hit on your house! Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. Enjoy!
One of my all time favorite sandwiches! So much flavor and delicious every time.
Hi Katie, I am thrilled that this recipe was a success. Thank you for sharing your feedback. Enjoy!!
We loved these pork sandwiches! Served them up with homemade fries! So delicious!
Hi Jamie, I am so glad that this recipe was a success. Thank you for sharing your feedback. Enjoy!!
Could I cut this recipe in half as there are only 2 of us?
Hey Darlene, yes for sure. You can also freeze some of the meat for later. It freezes well.
I'd would use pork shoulder. tent foil it when you roast it. low and slow.... perhaps 21/2-3 hrs. Also, let it sit in the marinade for at least 12 hours!
If you have never made it to Seattle to try this GLORIOUS sandwich, well you missed out. The 2 Seattle locations abruptly closed their doors 🙁
I've been eating Paseo sandwiches for 15+ years and they are the BEST sandwich I've ever had, hands down. Paired with their black beans and rice OMG!!!! Funny thing, I never tried any of their other menu offerings because the sandwich was SO DAMN GOOD!!! They also offered a Caramelized Onion Sandwich.
Hey Bob, I agree with you. Their sandwiches were incredible. Thanks for those tips. We are totally bummed out that Paseo closes.
You say your meat was lean but on the pic there is a big chunk of fat??
Besides the part of fat, the rest of it was lean. I cut that part off before cooking. It's hard to go wrong with this recipe, you want fat you can have it 😉
My pork didn't turn out that good. I don't know if it was the type of pork i used or wasn't cooked well, even though I let it be in the oven for 3 and half hours. I read in the comments that we were suppose to cover it, maybe that's why?! I'm disappointed, feels like a waste... 🙁
The point of cooking in a cast oven is to keep is covered, the oven keeps the heat well on the inside and all the juices.
You can always cover it and cook it for a little more time, that way the meat is all cooked.
What cut of pork did you use?
I don't remember what cut it was but it was pretty lean.
Thanks making this tonight can't wait to try it, looks yummy
Pefect, its pretty close to the one at Paseo so I think you should like it but let me know 🙂
Do you need to cover the pork while in the oven?
Yes, cover the pork while its cooking:)
I just have to say: this sandwich is amazing!!! Thanks for another great recipe!
Thank you! 🙂 this is so awesome to hear :))) There is a reason why whole Seattle loves that Cuban sandwich shop!
Can chicken be subed instead? Would I still marinade the same way?
I haven't tried this sauce with chicken. I can almost say that yes, it would work but not sure 🙂 if you try it let me know!
Chicken worked very well. Thanks for this recipe.
Thank you for letting me know 🙂 I will try that next time.
Love messy sandwiches and lots of garlic! It looks really good - I wish somebody made it for me for my lunch! 🙂
I love lots of garlic too but than I have to stay away from ppl 😉
If you have a crockpot it can prepare it for you!
yummy! Where did you get your baguette?
Hi Rani! The baguette is actually homemade, recipe that you will totally love 😉 http://momsdish.com/recipe/16…