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chef cubanos

Cubanos from Chef (with Roy Choi's Mojo Marinade)

The Starving Chef
Today we’re making something I’ve wanted to make ever since I first watched the movie: the Cubanos from Chef.
Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 9 hours
Course Copycat Recipes, Fictional Feasts
Cuisine Sandwich
Servings 4 sandwiches

Ingredients
  

  • 24 oz boneless pork shoulder / butt

FOR MARINADE:

  • ¾ cup olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano chopped
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

FOR SANDWICHES:

  • 1 loaf Cuban bread
  • 16 oz leg ham / deli ham thin sliced
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • Swiss cheese sliced
  • thin sliced whole pickles
  • yellow mustard

Instructions
 

  • Place the pork in a large bowl or baggie, along with all of the ingredients for the marinade. Massage the marinade into the pork and then chill for at least 8-10 hours and up to 48 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 425 F. Remove the pork from the marinade and reserve the marinade. DO NOT CONSUME RAW MARINADE. Place the pork on a rack on baking sheet lined with foil. Bake at 425 F for 15 minutes then reduce the temperature and cook at 350 F for an additional 30 minutes per pound. (EDITOR'S NOTE: My 1.5 lb pork shoulder took 15 minutes + 50 minutes to reach 160 F in the center.)
  • Meanwhile, pour the marinade into a pot over high heat. Bring to a rapid bowl and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer the sauce while the pork cooks - for at least 30 minutes - until the sauce is thickened. When pork is finished, remove from the heat to cool.
  • When the pork reaches 160 F in the middle, remove from the oven and let rest for at least 20-30 minutes. It's important to rest the meat for full flavor.
  • While the pork is resting, preheat a flat iron griddle/pannini press. Slice the pork into thin 1/2 inch thick slices. When the griddle is hot, sear the ham and pork slices until heated through then remove from the grill.
  • Slice the bread in half down the center. Assemble the sandwich with ham, pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on the top loaf.
  • Brush the melted butter down the top of the sandwich as well as on the grill. Place the sandwich on the grill and press down the top. Cook for 8-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
  • Serve with the cooled mojo sauce and Yuca fries on the side. Enjoy!

Video

Keyword Cuban, grill, sandwich
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