Vegan Cuban Sandwich (Gluten-Free & Easy Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

How to make a Cuban sandwich without a sandwich press? ›

No problem! You can make Cuban sandwiches in a hot griddle or frying pan. Place a heavy cast iron skillet on top, then weigh it down with some cans so it presses the sandwiches evenly. You will need to flip the sandwiches to cook both sides, but this method totally works.

The sandwich is made with ham, (mojo) roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread.

If you live near a Latino bakery, you will probably be able to find Cuban breads. Lacking these, the best substitute for pan cubano is the long, soft French or Italian breads you find at the supermarket (a high-quality bakery baguette is too crusty). Challah or brioche makes a good substitute for pan suave.

The Tampa-style Cuban sandwich typically includes roast pork, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban Bread—the addition of Genoa salami distinguishes it from the Miami-style version. My Cuban sandwich from Columbia Restaurant lived up to the hype the author says.

Pan on the stove, with a lid for a press.

– Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, and cook your sandwich for a couple minutes on each side, pressing it down to make full contact with the hot pan using a big lid.

A traditional Cuban sandwich is layered with ham, roast pork, swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard – there's no lettuce, tomato, or mayo on this baby. As with any dish, the better the ingredients, the better the sandwich – this becomes even more imperative with fewer ingredients.

The difference between the two Cubano variations is minimal. Both Miami and Tampa versions share the classic Cubano structure discussed above of Cuban bread, ham, Cuban roast pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles, but the Tampa version features a layer of Genoa salami, the Miami version does not.

Spread mustard on six halves of the bread. Spread mayonnaise on the other six halves of the bread. Layer ham, pork, Swiss cheese, and salami on the mustard halves of the bread. Layer pickles on top of salami; top with mayo halves of bread.

"Sourdough bread is a great alternative to Cuban bread, as it has a similar texture but a more complex flavor.

What can you substitute for pork in a Cuban sandwich? ›

Turkey: Use turkey breast instead of ham and roast pork. Chicken: Use grilled or roasted chicken breast instead of ham and roast pork. Tofu: Use thinly sliced or cubed tofu as a substitute for ham and roast pork. You can marinate the tofu in Cuban-inspired flavors such as garlic, cumin, and oregano for added flavor.

This pressed sandwich is a South Florida staple, and features sliced Cuban roast pork, sliced sweet ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickle chips, and yellow mustard, served on buttered and pressed Cuban bread.

It's Miami vs. Tampa in the Florida sandwich wars.

In the late 19th century, the sandwich was a lunchtime staple of Cuban cigar factory workers. So it's no surprise that Tampa, nicknamed Cigar City, claims to have put the Cuban sandwich on the map (in America, at least).

Spanish speakers called it a mixto, because of the mixed meats. English speakers called it a Cuban, because that's who they saw eating it. Most Cubans who still live in Cuba have never experienced the satisfaction of a Cuban sandwich.

Cuba. The origins of the Cuban sandwich can be traced back to neither Tampa nor Miami, but Cuba. While Tampa and Miami significantly influenced the modern day Cuban, it was invented in Havana, Cuba. In Cuba, there is a popular street food called “sandwich mixto”.

Just assemble the sandwich while they heat together on the stove, then safely press your Cuban sandwich between the two hot pans. The weight and residual heat should be more than enough to get the classic crispy character that makes Cuban sandwiches so beloved.

(If you need ideas, we've got 50 favorites.) Wrap your sandwich completely in foil. Grill your foil-wrapped sandwich over medium heat for about 3 minutes per side, pressing down with a spatula every once in a while. Try not to burn yourself on your perfectly pressed sandwich.

A Cuban sandwich is a type of sandwich that is believed to have originated in Cuba, but is now popular in many parts of the world. It typically consists of sliced roast pork, thinly sliced ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all layered between two pieces of Cuban bread that has been pressed and toasted.

If you've got two cast iron skillets you can press your sandwich between them. Heat them both, apply a light coating of oil to the larger skillet and the top of the sandwich, and put the smaller skillet on top. Use a brick wrapped in foil to press your sandwich.