Authentic Tampa-Style Cuban Sandwich
Experience the rich culinary history of the Tampa region with the Authentic Tampa-Style Cuban Sandwich, a hearty lunch option rooted in the early 1900s. This sandwich, originally known as the 'mixto,' was a popular choice among Cuban cigar workers who migrated to Ybor City, Florida. Embracing the tradition, this recipe combines succulent slow-roasted Cuban-style pork, quality ham, and melted mild Swiss cheese, all encased within freshly prepared Cuban bread. The balance of flavors is elevated by the crispness of dill pickles and the option of a tangy mustard spread. This sandwich, offering a blend of history and flavor, showcases the taste of an era where good food was crafted with love and care. Perfect for lunch or a hearty snack, every bite pays homage to its roots in the vibrant Florida community.
4
Servings
900
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
salt
1 teaspoon (for marinating)
dried oregano
1 tablespoon (for marinating)
minced onion
1 cup (for marinating)
sour orange juice
1 cup (for marinating)
Spanish olive oil
1/2 cup (for marinating)
boneless center cut pork loin roast
2 lb (for roasting)
Cuban bread
4 segments (each 8 inches long)
butter
as needed (softened for spreading)
sliced dill pickle
as needed (for layering)
thinly sliced Cuban cooked pork
1 lb (for sandwich filling)
thinly sliced good-quality ham
1 lb (for sandwich filling)
thinly sliced mild Swiss cheese
1/2 lb (for sandwich layering)
yellow mustard
optional (for spreading)
mayonnaise
optional (for spreading)
Instructions
1
To prepare the Cuban Roast Pork: Combine minced garlic and salt in a mortar and pestle, creating a paste. Transfer this paste into a mixing bowl and add oregano, minced onion, and sour orange juice, stirring thoroughly.
2
In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the Spanish olive oil and incorporate the garlic mixture. Whisk until well-blended, then remove from heat and set the marinade aside.
3
Using a sharp knife or fork, pierce the pork loin roast thoroughly. Reserve a small portion of the marinade for basting during roasting.
4
Pour the remaining marinade over the pork, ensuring an even coating. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
5
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove the pork from the marinade and position it on a rack within a roasting pan. Drizzle reserved marinade over the top.
6
Roast the pork for approximately 20 minutes per pound or until a meat thermometer reads 160°F, basting occasionally with pan juices.
7
After roasting, let the pork rest for at least 20 minutes before thinly slicing.
8
Bring the remaining pan juices to a boil in a saucepan, reducing by half to concentrate the flavor. This can be drizzled over the meat within the sandwiches.
9
To assemble the sandwiches: Cut the Cuban bread into 4 sections, slicing each section in half horizontally. Spread softened butter on the inside of each half.
10
Layer each sandwich with sliced dill pickle, roasted pork, ham, and Swiss cheese. Optionally, spread mustard or mayonnaise on one half of the bread.
11
Preheat a pancake griddle or large skillet over medium heat, lightly coating with cooking spray. Place a prepared sandwich on the griddle, then use a heavy skillet to press it down gently, compressing the bread to about a third of its original size.
12
Grill the sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring the cheese melts and the bread turns golden.
13
Repeat with the remaining sandwiches. Once grilled, cut each sandwich diagonally and serve hot.
14
Optional Note: For a traditional experience, skip modern additions like Genoa salami, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and onion. The classic Cuban touch includes brushing the outside of the bread with a bit of pork drippings for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
50g
Fat
70g
Carbs
45g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Authentic Tampa-Style Cuban Sandwich?
It is a hearty sandwich originally known as the mixto, rooted in the early 1900s culinary history of Ybor City, Florida.
What was the original name of the Cuban sandwich?
The sandwich was originally known as the mixto.
Where did the Tampa-style Cuban sandwich originate?
It originated in Ybor City, Florida, among Cuban cigar workers.
What kind of bread is used for this recipe?
Freshly prepared Cuban bread is used, typically cut into eight-inch segments.
What are the primary meats in a Tampa-style Cuban sandwich?
The primary meats are slow-roasted Cuban-style pork and high-quality ham.
What type of cheese is used in this sandwich?
Thinly sliced mild Swiss cheese is the traditional choice.
How do you prepare the Cuban Roast Pork marinade?
Create a paste of garlic and salt, then mix with oregano, minced onion, sour orange juice, and Spanish olive oil.
How long should the pork marinate?
The pork should be covered and refrigerated for 2-3 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
At what temperature should the pork be roasted?
The pork should be roasted in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The pork should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the pork take to roast per pound?
The pork roasts for approximately 20 minutes per pound.
Why should the pork rest after roasting?
It must rest for at least 20 minutes to ensure it is easy to slice and the juices redistribute.
What can you do with the remaining pan juices?
You can boil them down by half to concentrate flavor and drizzle them over the meat inside the sandwiches.
How is the Cuban bread prepared for assembly?
The bread is sliced horizontally and the inside is spread with softened butter.
What toppings are layered inside the sandwich?
The sandwich is layered with sliced dill pickles, roasted pork, ham, and Swiss cheese.
Are mustard and mayonnaise required?
Yellow mustard and mayonnaise are optional spreads according to personal preference.
How do you press the sandwich without a professional press?
Use a heavy skillet to press the sandwich down on a griddle, compressing it to about a third of its size.
How long should you grill the sandwich?
Grill the sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side until the bread is golden and the cheese melts.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count for one sandwich?
Each serving contains approximately 900 calories.
What is the protein content of the sandwich?
The sandwich contains 45g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 50g of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
The sandwich contains 70g of carbohydrates.
Is Genoa salami included in the traditional Tampa recipe?
The recipe notes to skip Genoa salami if you want a strictly traditional experience.
Are lettuce and tomato included?
No, traditional Cuban sandwiches avoid modern additions like lettuce, tomato, and onion.
What is the classic Cuban touch for the bread's exterior?
Brushing the outside of the bread with pork drippings adds authentic flavor.
How should the sandwich be cut before serving?
It is traditionally cut diagonally before being served hot.
What kind of oil is recommended for the marinade?
Spanish olive oil is recommended for the marinade.
Can you use regular orange juice?
The recipe specifically calls for sour orange juice to achieve the traditional flavor profile.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 15 distinct ingredients.