So for St. Patrick’s Day last weekend, we decided to have friends over and eat some Cuban-inspired food. I wanted to share our menu which includes some Cuban-esque sandwiches, and a tropical slaw salad. What a way to welcome spring in my opinion!
Pork Tenderloin Cuban Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork tenderloin
- 2 limes' zest
- 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 tsp kosher salt,
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 chipotle in adobo (or crushed red pepper)
- Fresh cilantro
- Dill pickles
- 1 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese
- 1 pound thinly sliced good-quality deli ham
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard, optional
- Butter, optional
Instructions
- Trim the pork tenderloin of any excess fat and silver skin.
- Place the lime zest, lime juice, honey, salt, garlic powder, bay leaf, and cumin in a small, lidded jar and shake to combine. Pour half of the marinade mixture into a 1-gallon resealable bag, add the chipotle pepper, and move around to combine. Add the pork tenderloin to the bag and seal, removing as much air as possible and place in a container to catch any leaks. Marinate in the refrigerator for 6 to 24 hours, rotating the bag halfway through the time. Place the remaining marinade in a covered container and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Remove the tenderloin from the bag and allow to sit at room temperature while preparing the grill, about 1 hour. Remove the reserved marinade from the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Coat a large saute pan with olive oil and bring to a high heat. Sear the pork on all sides. Put the saute pan with the pork into the oven. Roast the pork, turning it over halfway through the cooking time, 5 to 7 minutes or until the tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.
- Remove the tenderloin from the oven and place on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil folded at the edges to create a basket, and pour on the reserved marinade. Wrap tightly and rest for 10 minutes. Remove to a cutting board and thinly slice meat at an angel.
- Spread both cut sides of the bread with a tablespoon or so of mayo or butter. Spread a thin layer of mustard, if using. Add the cheese pork tenderloin, a few slices ham, and a generous layer of pickles. Top with a few slices cheese.
- Press the sandwiches in a hot panini grill until outside is toasty and cheese is melted.
Sour Orange, Red Cabbage and Jicama Slaw*
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 jicama, grated on large holes of box grater
- 1/2 small red onion, grated on large holes of box grater
- 1/4 head red cabbage, grated on large holes of box grater
- 1 large carrot, grated on large holes of box grater
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, honey and sugar in a large bowl. Add the jicama, onions, cabbage, carrots and cilantro and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- (*This recipe comes from Bobby Flay. Gracias!)