Introduction
Mojo Pork sandwiches are a delicious fusion of flavors that combine the savory goodness of marinated pork with creamy mayo-mustard sauce, all nestled between warm, crusty Cuban bread. This recipe brings the vibrant tastes of Cuban cuisine to your kitchen, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Mojo Pork:
– ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– ¼ cup olive oil
– ¼ cup orange juice
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1 pound pork shoulder or butt roast
For the Mayo-Mustard Sauce:
– ¼ cup mayonnaise
– ¼ cup yellow mustard
– ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Sandwiches:
– 1 loaf Cuban bread, cut into 4 equal pieces and sliced in half horizontally
– 8 slices Swiss cheese
– 8 slices honey ham, thinly sliced
– 2 whole dill pickles, thinly sliced lengthwise
– Salted butter (optional, for grilling)
Prep Time
Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: Serves 4
Enjoy the savory delight of these Mojo Pork sandwiches, perfect for any occasion!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
For the Mojo Pork:
1. In a large marinating dish, combine the cilantro, garlic, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
2. Place the pork in the marinating dish, ensuring it’s well coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 275°F. Transfer the pork and marinade to a roasting pan. Cover with foil and roast for 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
4. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice thinly.
For the Mayo-Mustard Sauce:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
For the Sandwiches:
1. Spread the mayo-mustard sauce on both halves of each bread piece.
2. On the bottom half of each sandwich, layer 1 slice of Swiss cheese, 2 slices of ham, a portion of the sliced mojo pork, pickle slices, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with the other half of the bread.
3. If desired, spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of each sandwich.
4. Heat a panini press or grill pan over medium heat. Grill each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down to flatten, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5. Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and serve warm.
Notes
Meal Prep:
– For best flavor, marinate the pork overnight.
Bread Options:
– Cuban bread is traditional, but you can substitute with 다른 빵 like hoagie rolls or ciabatta.
Serving Suggestions:
– Pair with a side of plantain chips or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Combine fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, citrus juices, and spices to create a flavorful marinade. Allow the pork to soak in this mixture for several hours or overnight to enhance taste.
Slow Roasting
Cook the pork at a low temperature (275°F) covered with foil to retain moisture, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Monitor the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked correctly.
Resting
After roasting, allow the pork to rest for 10 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, making the meat more flavorful and easier to slice.
Mixing Sauces
Combine mayonnaise, mustard, and cayenne pepper in a bowl for a creamy and slightly spicy sauce that complements the sandwich ingredients.
Layering Sandwiches
Assemble the sandwich by layering ingredients strategically: start with the sauce, then cheese, ham, mojo pork, pickles, and top with another slice of cheese for a balanced flavor profile.
Grilling
Use a panini press or grill pan to cook the sandwich, applying medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side. This gives a crispy exterior while melting the cheese inside.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, you can use other cuts of pork, but pork shoulder or butt are preferred for their tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked.
How long should I marinate the pork?
Marinate the pork for at least 2-3 hours, but overnight yields the best results for flavor infusion.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
Other cheeses like provolone or mozzarella can be used, though Swiss offers a specific flavor that complements the dish.
Can I make the mayo-mustard sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two before using it.
What type of bread works for this sandwich?
Cuban bread is ideal, but you can also use French or Italian bread if Cuban bread is unavailable.
How do I keep the sandwiches from getting soggy?
Avoid over-saturating the bread with sauce and grill the sandwiches immediately after assembling for crispiness.
Conclusion
This Mojo Pork sandwich recipe combines the vibrant flavors of citrus and spices with succulent pork, creating a delightful and satisfying meal. The creamy mayo-mustard sauce adds a zesty kick, while the layers of ham, Swiss cheese, and dill pickles enhance the overall taste. Perfect for lunch or a casual dinner, this dish is sure to impress family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Mojo Chicken Wrap
Replace the pork with marinated chicken breasts using the same mojo marinade. Serve in a wrap with fresh greens, avocado, and a drizzle of the mayo-mustard sauce.
Vegetarian Cuban Sandwich
Substitute the pork and ham with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. Layer with Swiss cheese and pickles for a meatless twist on the classic.
Mojo Pork Tacos
Use the mojo pork as a filling for soft corn tortillas. Top with cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh and vibrant taco option.
Cuban Quesadillas
Layer shredded mojo pork and Swiss cheese between two tortillas. Grill until crispy and serve with the mayo-mustard sauce on the side for dipping.
Mojo Pork and Rice Bowl
Serve shredded mojo pork over a bed of cilantro-lime rice. Add black beans, corn, and avocado for a filling and nutritious meal.
Cuban-style Sliders
Prepare mini Cuban sandwiches by using slider buns, layering mojo pork, ham, cheese, and pickles. Grill until the cheese melts and serve as appetizers for parties.
