Cuban Sandwiches {Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker}
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
9 hrs 55 mins
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Total Time
10 hrs 5 mins
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Servings
8 sandwiches (6-8 depending on size)
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cuban Sandwiches {Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker}
Description
This Cuban Sandwich recipe centers on pork marinated in a mix of kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, garlic, lime, and orange juice. Using either a slow cooker or pressure cooker, the pork is cooked until tender enough to shred easily. When using a pressure cooker, chicken broth is added for moisture; the slow cooker method traps moisture over a longer time.
The pork is shredded and kept warm in its juices, then assembled on soft sub rolls. Each sandwich is spread with yellow mustard, layered with sliced deli ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and red onions, creating layers of savory, tangy, and crunchy textures. The combination of citrus marinade and slow cooking produces pork with bright, seasoned flavors and moist texture.
Soft rolls similar to hoagie or Cuban bread are recommended for a balance between softness and structure. Leftover pork freezes well and can be repurposed in other dishes like tacos or salads. Adjust spices or cooking liquids according to the method to keep the pork tender without drying out.
Ingredients
Pork:
- 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper use less for finely ground black pepper, coarsely ground
- 1 tablespoon cumin ground
- 1 tablespoon oregano dried
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- lime juice about 3 tablespoons, juice of 2 limes
- orange about 1/2 cup, juice of 1 large or 2 medium
- ½ cup chicken broth only needed if using a pressure cooker
- 3 to 5 to 5 pounds pork sirloin roast excess skin/fat removed, cut into 3- or 4-inch cubes, boneless, or pork shoulder roast
Sandwiches:
- 4- inch sub rolls soft, or hoagie buns
- yellow mustard
- deli ham slices
- swiss cheese slices
- dill pickles thinly sliced
- red onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- For the pork, in a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, garlic, lime juice, and orange juice.
- For the slow cooker: place the pork in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour the spice mixture over the top, tossing to evenly coat the pork. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-9 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
- For the pressure cooker: place the pork in the bottom of the pressure cooker and pour the spice mixture and chicken broth over the top, tossing to evenly coat the pork. Seal the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 55 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
- Shred the pork into pieces and return to the slow cooker or pressure cooker (with any remaining juices) to keep warm while assembling the sandwiches.
- For the sandwiches, slice each roll/bun in half lengthwise and spread mustard on both cut halves. On the bottom half, layer ham, Swiss cheese, shredded pork, pickles and onions. If desired, the sandwich can be grilled or pressed in a panini griddle for a hot, melty version (if doing so, slap cheese on both halves of the bread before assembling). Serve immediately.
Notes
- Authentic Cuban bread is ideal but soft French bread rolls work well for sandwiches.
- Using the full five pounds of pork yields leftovers that freeze well for future meals.
- If your slow cooker runs hot even on low, add chicken broth to prevent dryness during cooking.
- The nutrition facts reflect the pork only, excluding bread and sandwich toppings.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8sandwiches (6-8 depending on size)
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 328kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 65g | 130% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 176mg | 59% |
| Sodium | 1069mg | 45% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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