Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/30 checked
6
servings
1 unit

pork leg outside muscle

cleaned and tied

1 unit

Cuban bread Pan de agua

as needed

1 unit

pickles

as needed

1 unit

pork loin

Roasted and shaved, as needed

1 slice

swiss cheese

as needed

4 quart

water

1 cup

salt

0.75 cup

brown sugar

3 tsp

salt cure

1 tbsp

black pepper

5 tbsp

pickling spices

4 clove

garlic

smashed

0.5 cup

kosher salt

0.25 cup

coriander

2 tbsp

black pepper

butcher-grind

2 tbsp

sweet paprika

2 tbsp

granulated garlic

1.5 tbsp

onion powder

2 tbsp

Colman's Mustard Powder

2 tbsp

light brown sugar

2 cup

yellow mustard

0.5 cup

granulated sugar

0.5 cup

light brown sugar

0.5 cup

apple cider vinegar

0.25 cup

ketchup

2 tsp

worcestershire sauce

2 tsp

onion powder

2 tsp

granulated garlic

1 tsp

Frank's(R) RedHot(R) Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce

1 tsp

black pepper

Step 1
~14 min

Clean and tie the pork leg outside muscle.

Step 2
~14 min

Prepare Pastrami Brine by combining water, salt, brown sugar, salt cure, black pepper, pickling spices, and garlic smashed.

Step 3
~14 min

Inject the pork with 8 oz of Pastrami Brine using a meat syringe.

Step 4
~14 min

Cure the pork for 5-7 days in the brine in a non-reactive container.

Step 5
~14 min

After curing, transfer the pork to a container of water and let it soak overnight to remove excess salinity.

Step 6
~14 min

Remove the pork from the water, dry it off, and let it sit at room temperature for one hour to air dry and temper.

Step 7
~14 min

Preheat smoker to 250°F and add cherry wood chunks or soaked chips.

Step 8
~14 min

Combine all Pastrami Rub ingredients (kosher salt, coriander, black pepper butcher-grind, sweet paprika, granulated garlic, onion powder, Colman's Mustard Powder, and light brown sugar).

Step 9
~14 min

Season the brined pork with the Pastrami Rub and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Step 10
~14 min

Place the pork in the smoker and cook low and slow, adding wood as needed, for about 2 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Step 11
~14 min

Remove the pork from the smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing.

Step 12
~14 min

Combine all Sweet and Spicy Mustard BBQ Sauce ingredients (yellow mustard, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, worcestershire sauce, onion powder, granulated garlic, Frank's(R) RedHot(R) Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce, and black pepper) in a nonreactive container and whisk.

Step 13
~14 min

Store the BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 14
~14 min

Assemble the Cubano sandwich: Slice smoked pork pastrami and roasted pork loin, and layer with swiss cheese, pickles, and sweet and spicy mustard BBQ sauce on Cuban bread.

Step 15
~14 min

Press and grill the sandwich until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Brine the pork for the full 7 days for maximum flavor.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to the correct internal temperature.

Adjust the amount of Frank's RedHot to control the spiciness of the BBQ sauce.

Use high quality Swiss cheese.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

30 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

The pastrami and BBQ sauce can be made ahead of time.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Strong
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with plantain chips

Serve with a side salad

Serve with black beans and rice

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Pickles
Plantain Chips
Black Beans and Rice

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Cuba

Cultural Significance

The Cubano sandwich is a staple of Cuban cuisine and is often enjoyed as a quick and satisfying meal.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Family Gatherings
Celebrations

Occasion Tags

Lunch
Dinner
Party
Game Day

Popularity Score

78/100

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