Cuban Reuben Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious fusion of flavors, look no further than the Cuban Reuben. This unique take on the classic Reuben sandwich combines tender roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all sandwiched between two crispy slices of rye bread. The Cuban Reuben offers a mouthwatering balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors that will delight your taste buds. In this recipe, you will learn how to make the perfect Cuban Reuben, including tips for perfecting the pork, achieving a crispy bread crust, and making the sandwich just how you like it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Cuban Reuben is the ultimate sandwich for anyone who loves bold flavors and hearty meals. This recipe takes the classic Reuben to new heights by replacing the traditional corned beef with succulent roasted pork, adding a juicy, tender texture that’s irresistible. When you bite into the Cuban Reuben, you’ll enjoy the combination of savory pork, melted Swiss cheese, tangy mustard, and crunchy pickles—creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The crisp rye bread provides a perfect contrast, adding a satisfying crunch with every bite.

One of the best things about this sandwich is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding extra ingredients like sautéed onions, roasted peppers, or a spicy kick with jalapeños. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual lunch or a party, the Cuban Reuben is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so even if you’re pressed for time, you can still enjoy this flavorful dish. With its rich flavors and comforting ingredients, the Cuban Reuben is perfect for anyone looking for something new to add to their sandwich repertoire.

Recipe Details

The Cuban Reuben combines two beloved sandwiches: the Cuban and the Reuben. The Cuban sandwich typically features slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, while the Reuben consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. By blending the flavors of these two classics, the Cuban Reuben is born. The tender, slow-roasted pork serves as the heart of this sandwich, giving it a rich, savory flavor that perfectly complements the creamy Swiss cheese and tangy mustard.

This recipe starts with slow-roasting the pork until it’s juicy and flavorful, which can take a few hours. The slow-roasting process allows the pork to become tender and easily shredded, making it the perfect filling for the sandwich. Next, you’ll assemble the sandwich with a generous amount of mustard, Swiss cheese, and pickles, all nestled between two slices of rye bread. The sandwich is then grilled to crispy perfection, resulting in a golden, crunchy exterior with a warm, melty interior. It’s a sandwich that offers both comfort and excitement, ideal for any meal of the day.

Nutritional Information

The Cuban Reuben is a filling and satisfying meal, providing a balanced combination of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. A typical serving of this sandwich contains about 700-800 calories, depending on portion size and specific ingredients. The roasted pork, a rich source of protein, offers a lean and flavorful base for the sandwich. Pork also provides important nutrients like vitamin B6, thiamine, and phosphorus, which help support muscle function and energy metabolism.

The Swiss cheese in the sandwich adds a creamy texture and contributes calcium and protein to the dish. Calcium is essential for bone health, while the protein helps in muscle repair and growth. The pickles and mustard bring a sharp, tangy contrast to the richness of the pork and cheese, adding flavor without significantly increasing the calorie count. Rye bread, commonly used in this sandwich, provides complex carbohydrates, helping to fuel your body throughout the day.

If you’re looking to reduce the calorie content or make the sandwich lighter, you can opt for whole grain bread or a leaner cut of pork. You can also use reduced-fat cheese to cut down on the fat content while still enjoying the creamy, cheesy goodness. While the Cuban Reuben is indulgent, you can adjust the ingredients to create a healthier version without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

To make the Cuban Reuben, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the sandwich:
  • 2 slices of rye bread (or your choice of hearty bread)
  • 4 ounces slow-roasted pork, shredded (or substitute with ham)
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese
  • 2-3 pickle slices (preferably dill)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (or Cuban mustard for authenticity)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
• For the slow-roasted Beef:
  • 2 pounds Beef shoulder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients work together to create a delicious sandwich. The slow-roasted pork adds depth of flavor, while the Swiss cheese melts beautifully. The pickles and mustard provide the tang, balancing out the richness of the meat and cheese. The rye bread provides a sturdy base and a perfect crisp when grilled.

Equipment Needed

To prepare the Cuban Reuben, you will need the following kitchen equipment:

• Skillet or griddle: For grilling the sandwich to a crispy golden brown.
• Roasting pan: For slow-roasting the pork shoulder to tenderness.
• Sharp knife: To slice the bread and pickles.
• Spatula: To flip the sandwich while grilling.
• Meat thermometer: To ensure the pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F.

These tools will ensure that the Cuban Reuben is prepared efficiently and cooked to perfection. The skillet or griddle will help achieve that satisfying crunch on the outside, while the roasting pan is essential for slow-roasting the pork to tender perfection.

Pro Tips for Success

Here are some pro tips for making the perfect Cuban Reuben:

1. Slow-Roast the Beef: The key to tender and juicy pork is slow-roasting it. Set your oven to 300°F and roast the Beef for 3-4 hours until it’s fall-apart tender. The low and slow method breaks down the connective tissue, resulting in a flavorful and succulent roast.
2. Toast the Bread Perfectly: The bread should be crispy on the outside, yet soft and airy on the inside. Butter the bread before grilling it to ensure a golden, crisp exterior.
3. Use Fresh Mustard and Pickles: Mustard and pickles are essential to balancing the richness of the pork. Don’t skimp on these components, as they add the necessary acidity and tang.
4. Press the Sandwich While Grilling: To ensure an even grill and a crunchy texture, press the sandwich lightly with a spatula while grilling. This will help the cheese melt evenly and prevent the sandwich from becoming too soggy.
5. Experiment with Extra Toppings: If you like, add extra toppings like sautéed onions or roasted peppers for added flavor. You can also swap the Swiss cheese for another type of cheese, such as provolone, for a different twist.

Instructions

• Slow-Roast the Beef: Preheat your oven to 300°F. Rub the Beef shoulder with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Roast the Beef in a roasting pan for 3-4 hours, or until the Beef is tender and can be shredded easily. Use two forks to shred the pork once it’s fully cooked.
• Prepare the Sandwich: Once the pork is ready, toast the rye bread until it’s crispy. Spread a thin layer of mustard on each slice of bread. Add a generous amount of shredded pork to one slice of the bread. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the pork, followed by a few slices of pickles.
• Grill the Sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter. Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula to ensure an even, crispy texture. Once the cheese has melted and the bread is golden brown, remove the sandwich from the skillet.
• Serve: Let the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing it in half. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Cuban Reuben: For a vegetarian version, replace the roasted pork with roasted portobello mushrooms or eggplant. These vegetables will absorb the savory flavors of the mustard and pickles, providing a delicious and hearty alternative.
• Spicy Cuban Reuben: Add a kick of heat by incorporating jalapeños or using spicy mustard. For an even spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce to the pork before assembling the sandwich.
• BBQ Cuban Reuben: Swap the mustard for a tangy BBQ sauce to give the sandwich a smoky flavor. This variation adds a delicious twist while still keeping the key elements of the Cuban Reuben intact.

Storage & Serving Guide

If you have leftovers, store the assembled sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a skillet or griddle to restore the crispy texture of the bread. You can also store the cooked pork separately and use it for other dishes like tacos or salads.

The Cuban Reuben is best served fresh and paired with a side of potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple salad to balance the richness of the sandwich. A cold beverage, such as iced tea or a light beer, complements the flavors of the Cuban Reuben perfectly.

FAQs About Cuban Reuben

1. Can I use a different bread? Yes, you can use sourdough or ciabatta instead of rye for a different flavor and texture.
2. Can I make the pork in advance? Yes, you can slow-roast the pork ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze the Cuban Reuben? While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the roasted pork and assemble the sandwich later.
4. Can I add other toppings to the Cuban Reuben? Yes, feel free to add sautéed onions, peppers, or even a fried egg for extra flavor.
5. How do I make the Cuban Reuben spicier? Add jalapeños, spicy mustard, or a drizzle of hot sauce to kick up the heat.

Conclusion

The Cuban Reuben is a mouthwatering fusion of two classic sandwiches, bringing together the bold flavors of Cuban cuisine and the savory goodness of the Reuben. With tender pork, Swiss cheese, tangy mustard, and crispy pickles, this sandwich is a flavor-packed delight that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or a casual dinner, the Cuban Reuben is a guaranteed hit. Enjoy this unique and indulgent sandwich with your favorite sides for the perfect meal.

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