Cuban Beef And Potato Sandwiches Recipes

CUBAN SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Slice off about 1-inch from the ends of the bread loaves and discard or save for breadcrumbs. Cut each loaf in half to make 4 rectangular loaves. Split each loaf in half lengthwise. Spread the inside of the bread with 1/2-tablespoon mustard. On each of the bottom halves of bread layer 1/4 of the ham, pickle slices cut to fit evenly on top of the meat, 1/4 of the pork, and top with 1/4 of the cheese. Cover with the top halves of bread and, using your hands, press the sandwiches together.
• Place a baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 250 degrees F. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Place 2 sandwiches in the skillet and top with another cast-iron skillet to weigh them down. Turn the sandwiches and weigh them down again. Cook the sandwiches until golden brown and hot, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer to the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches and butter. Cut the sandwiches in half crosswise and serve immediately.
• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
• In a food processor, combine the peppercorns, garlic, and cloves and puree. While the motor is running, drizzle in the oil until a paste is formed. Using a rubber spatula, scrap the garlic paste into a small bowl.
• Place the pork butt on a work surface and season all over generously with salt. Rub all over with the garlic paste. Place in an oven-safe roasting bag and close with a twist tie. Place in a large roasting pan, and cook until tender, about 5 hours.

CUBAN STEAK SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Cut the steak into 2 even pieces and place in a sealable plastic bag or container. Place the olive oil, cilantro, basil, parsley, lime juice, garlic, and 1 tablespoon salt in a blender and mix until smooth. Reserve 1/2 cup of the herb-oil mixture and refrigerate. Add the remaining mixture to the meat, distribute evenly, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Slice ciabatta loaf lengthwise and remove excess bread from inside, if desired.
• Remove the meat from the marinade; discard marinade. Place on a paper towel, wiping off any excess marinade. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon canola oil. Once the pan is hot, add meat and cook until medium-rare, about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Place meat on a cutting board and cover with foil. Repeat with other piece of meat, only adding more oil if necessary.
• Place bread directly on oven rack and toast, about 5 minutes.
• Heat remaining tablespoon of oil in the grill pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until just beginning to brown but still crisp, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and season with salt, to taste.
• Take the reserved herb-oil mixture and brush the inside of both halves of bread. Slice steak thinly on the bias and place on the bottom half of the bread. Top with onions and then remaining bread. Slice into quarters and serve.

CHEF JOHN'S CUBAN SANDWICH

Steps:

• Mix mayonnaise, mustard, and cayenne together in a bowl to make the sauce.
• Trim off ends of bread. Cut loaf in half and evenly split bread to make tops and bottoms of 2 sandwiches. Spread each half on both sides generously with the mayo/mustard sauce.
• Divide sandwich ingredients between the two bottom halves in this order: 2 slices Swiss cheese, 3 slices ham, hot cooked pork, pickle slices, and 2 more slices of Swiss cheese. Place tops on sandwiches.
• Melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in skillet and press down with a heavy weight (such as another skillet or foil-wrapped bricks). Toast sandwiches until bread is crisp and filling is heated through, 3 or 4 minutes per side.