Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/38 checked
8
servings
1.5 qt

canola oil

1 cup

fresh garlic

finely diced

0.25 cup

jalapeno pepper

seeded, finely diced

2 tsp

Scotch bonnet chile pepper

seeded, finely diced

1 cup

cumin seed

toasted, freshly ground

1 cup

coriander seed

toasted, freshly ground

3 tbsp

kosher salt

3 tbsp

ground black pepper

toasted

2 qt

fresh orange juice

1 cup

sherry vinegar

3 cup

fresh cilantro

chopped

0.25 cup

ground cumin seed

3 tbsp

black peppercorns

2 tbsp

coriander seed

0.25 cup

smoked paprika

2 tbsp

paprika

2 tbsp

sugar

2 tbsp

Kosher salt

1 unit

pork butts

2.67 cup

olive oil

1.33 cup

sherry vinegar

2.5 tbsp

GREY POUPON Country Dijon Mustard

2.5 tbsp

KRAFT MAYO Real Mayonnaise

4 tsp

fresh chives

chopped

4 tsp

fresh thyme

chopped

1 tsp

ground cumin

toasted

1 pinch

kosher salt

to taste

1 pinch

black pepper

to taste

1.5 qt

day-old brioche

cut into 1/4-inch cubes

6 tbsp

canola oil

2 tbsp

smoked paprika

2 tbsp

Kosher salt

2 tsp

ground black pepper

toasted

2 gal

romaine lettuce

2 qt

shredded Swiss cheese

shredded

1.5 qt

grape tomatoes

cut in half

3 cup

dill pickles

diced

2 cup

OSCAR MAYER Bacon

cooked, crumbled

Step 1
~51 min

Prepare the Mojo Marinade: Heat canola oil in a saucepan to 175°F, then remove from heat.

Step 2
~51 min

In a bowl, combine finely diced garlic, jalapeno pepper, and Scotch bonnet chile pepper.

Step 3
~51 min

Add toasted and ground cumin and coriander seeds, kosher salt, and toasted ground black pepper.

Step 4
~51 min

Stir in the warm oil and allow to cool to room temperature.

Step 5
~51 min

Reduce 1 quart of orange juice until it reduces to 2 cups; let it cool.

Step 6
~51 min

Whisk the remaining 1 quart of orange juice, reduced orange juice, sherry vinegar, and chopped cilantro into the oil mixture.

Step 7
~51 min

Blend until smooth using a blender.

Step 8
~51 min

Prepare the Spice Rub: Cook cumin seeds, black peppercorns, and coriander seeds in a dry pan until aromatic.

Step 9
~51 min

Grind the spices using a spice or coffee grinder.

Step 10
~51 min

Mix the ground spices with smoked paprika, paprika, sugar, and salt.

Step 11
~51 min

Cut the pork butts in half and then into thirds.

Step 12
~51 min

Rub the pork evenly with the spice mixture and place on a parchment-lined sheet pan.

Step 13
~51 min

Cover with another piece of parchment paper and refrigerate for 3 hours.

Step 14
~51 min

Divide the pork into resealable plastic bags and pour 1 cup of Mojo Marinade over each portion.

Step 15
~51 min

Reserve the remaining marinade and refrigerate.

Step 16
~51 min

Seal the bags and refrigerate for 24 hours, turning occasionally.

Step 17
~51 min

Drain the pork and discard the marinade.

Step 18
~51 min

Place the pork in a braising or steam table pan.

Key Technique: Braising
Step 19
~51 min

Add 1 quart of the reserved Mojo Marinade and enough water to completely cover the pork (1.5-2 quarts).

Step 20
~51 min

Tent the pan with foil.

Step 21
~51 min

Bake the pork in a preheated 300°F oven for 3.5-4 hours or until cooked to 165°F, adding water as needed.

Step 22
~51 min

Remove the pork, cool, and then shred it.

Step 23
~51 min

Prepare the Salad Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, chopped chives, chopped thyme, toasted ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Step 24
~51 min

Refrigerate the salad dressing until ready to assemble.

Step 25
~51 min

Prepare the Croutons: Toss the cubed brioche with canola oil, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and toasted ground black pepper.

Step 26
~51 min

Spread the bread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F convection oven for 3-4 minutes or until golden.

Step 27
~51 min

Cool the croutons.

Step 28
~51 min

Assemble the Salad: Toss 1 cup of romaine lettuce, 1/4 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, 3 tablespoons of grape tomatoes, 1.5 tablespoons of diced dill pickles, and 1 tablespoon of crumbled bacon with 1.5 tablespoons of the Salad Dressing.

Step 29
~51 min

Toss 1/3 cup of the shredded pork with 1/2 tablespoon of the Salad Dressing.

Step 30
~51 min

Place the lettuce mixture on a serving plate and top with the pork mixture.

Step 31
~51 min

Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of the Croutons around the salad.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your spice preference.

Make the mojo marinade and salad dressing ahead of time for easier assembly.

Toast the spices for the spice rub to enhance their flavor.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

30 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Mojo marinade, spice rub, and salad dressing can be made ahead.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
May be challenging for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of plantain chips.

Pair with a Cuban sandwich.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Cuban sandwich
Plantain chips
Black beans and rice

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Cuba

Cultural Significance

Reflects Cuban flavors and ingredients.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
New Year's Eve
Family gatherings

Occasion Tags

Party
Summer
Picnic
Family gathering

Popularity Score

65/100

More Cuban Lunch Recipes

Discover more delicious Cuban Lunch recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

Cuban
Medium
A+

Cubano

4.3
(184 reviews)

Delicious Cuban sandwiches with chipotle mayonnaise, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and Mexican roast pork.

22 min
600 cal
Pork
Gluten-Possible
60%
75
Cuban
Medium
A-

Cubano

4.5
(1343 reviews)

A classic Cuban sandwich featuring pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, grilled to perfection.

15 min
700 cal
Pork
Gluten
60%
75
Cuban
Medium
C+

Tampa Cuban Sandwich

4.3
(1643 reviews)

A classic Tampa Cuban Sandwich recipe featuring mojo-marinated pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread.

165 min
N/A cal
Gluten-containing
Pork-containing
65%
75
Cuban
Medium
A-

Cubano Sandwich

4.2
(1243 reviews)

A delicious and savory Cubano sandwich featuring pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles, pressed until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

20 min
600 cal
Gluten-containing
Dairy-containing
70%
75
Cuban
Medium
A-

Slow Cooked Cuban Sandwich

4.3
(1026 reviews)

Slow-cooked pork shoulder layered with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on a sub roll for a delicious Cuban sandwich.

370 min
800 cal
Gluten-Free Friendly
65%
75
Cuban
Medium
B+

Fried Mini Cubans

4.1
(1389 reviews)

Mini Cuban sandwiches, fried to golden perfection. A delightful twist on a classic.

60 min
400 cal
Gluten-containing
Dairy-containing
75%
70
Cuban
Medium
A-

Mixto

4.1
(1329 reviews)

A classic Cuban sandwich featuring braised pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on a French roll, grilled to perfection.

420 min
600 cal
Pork
Comfort Food
70%
75
Cuban
Medium
C+

Mixto

4.4
(122 reviews)

A classic Cuban sandwich featuring roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and garlic grilled to perfection.

15 min
400 cal
Pork
Gluten
60%
75