Cuban Media Noche Sandwich
15
Prep Time
minutes
30
Cook Time
minutes
45
Total Time
minutes
4
Serving
size
Recipe by Chris Valdes.
Ingredients
For the Pork
- 2-to-4-pound pork tenderloin
- 8 medium cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon or lime, juiced
- 1 orange, juiced
- Tablespoon of each: dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, garlic powder
For the Sandwiches
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Four media noche bread loafs or similar bread such as Challah or Hawaiian
- 12 slices deli ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- Favorite pickle chips
Preparation
- Prepare the Pork Marinade: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, orange juice, lime or lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and cumin. Pour the mixture over the pork tenderloin, cover, and refrigerate overnight to marinate.
- Roast the Pork: Preheat the oven to 450°F . Place the marinated pork tenderloin on a baking tray and roast for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer. Remove the pork from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. Thinly slice the pork at an angle.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Slice each bread roll in half. Spread mustard on one side and mayonnaise on the other. Layer the sandwich with slices of roasted pork, 3 slices of ham, 3 slices of Swiss cheese, and pickle chips. Top with the other half of the bread.
- Grill the Sandwiches: In a 12-inch skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sandwiches to the skillet and place a heavy weight (like a cast-iron skillet or sandwich press) on top, pressing down lightly. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown. Remove the sandwiches, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet, and let it melt. Return the sandwiches, untoasted side down, and press with the weight again. Cook for another 4 minutes, or until the second side is toasted and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Slice and serve the sandwiches warm.
Notes:
- You can prepare the pork tenderloin in advance or use store-bought deli pork for convenience.
- These sandwiches are perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack.
- Pairs well with a glass of milk.