Follow these steps for perfect results
pork leg outside muscle
cleaned and tied
Cuban bread Pan de agua
as needed
pickles
as needed
pork loin
Roasted and shaved, as needed
swiss cheese
as needed
water
salt
brown sugar
salt cure
black pepper
pickling spices
garlic
smashed
kosher salt
coriander
black pepper
butcher-grind
sweet paprika
granulated garlic
onion powder
Colman's Mustard Powder
light brown sugar
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
black pepper
Clean and tie the pork leg outside muscle.
Prepare Pastrami Brine by combining water, salt, brown sugar, salt cure, black pepper, pickling spices, and garlic smashed.
Inject the pork with 8 oz of Pastrami Brine using a meat syringe.
Cure the pork for 5-7 days in the brine in a non-reactive container.
After curing, transfer the pork to a container of water and let it soak overnight to remove excess salinity.
Remove the pork from the water, dry it off, and let it sit at room temperature for one hour to air dry and temper.
Preheat smoker to 250°F and add cherry wood chunks or soaked chips.
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).
Season the brined pork with the Pastrami Rub and let it sit for 15 minutes.
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.
Remove the pork from the smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
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.
Store the BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
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.
Press and grill the sandwich until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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.
Everything you need to know before you start
30 minutes
The pastrami and BBQ sauce can be made ahead of time.
Serve the Cubano sandwich warm, cut in half, with a side of pickles or plantain chips.
Serve with plantain chips
Serve with a side salad
Serve with black beans and rice
Pairs well with the smoky and savory flavors.
The mint and lime complement the pork and mustard.
Discover the story behind this recipe
The Cubano sandwich is a staple of Cuban cuisine and is often enjoyed as a quick and satisfying meal.
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