a. In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lime zest and juice, orange zest and juice, ground cumin, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried red chili peppers.
b. Place the boneless pork chops in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them.
c. Seal the bag tightly and massage the marinade into the pork chops to ensure they are evenly coated.
d. Let the pork marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
Prepare the Rub:
a. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, coarse sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.
b. Rub the spice mixture onto both sides of the marinated pork chops, ensuring they are well coated.
c. Allow the pork chops to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Grill the Pork:
a. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
b. Place the seasoned pork chops on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
c. Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
a. Slice the kaiser rolls in half horizontally.
b. Spread Dijon mustard on the bottom half of each roll.
c. Layer three slices of Swiss cheese on top of the mustard.
d. Place two slices of deli ham on each roll.
e. Add a generous amount of thinly sliced dill pickles on top of the ham.
f. Place three slices of salami on each sandwich.
g. Finally, top each sandwich with a grilled pork chop.
Grill the Sandwiches:
a. Preheat a panini press or a skillet over medium heat.
b. Place the assembled sandwiches on the preheated press or skillet.
c. If using a panini press, close the lid and cook for 3-4 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
d. If using a skillet, press the sandwiches down with a spatula and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Serve and Enjoy:
a. Remove the grilled sandwiches from the press or skillet and transfer them to a cutting board.
b. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally.
c. Serve the Ultimate Grilled Cuban Sandwiches hot and enjoy their delicious flavors.
Notes
Use a panini press or a preheated skillet to ensure even grilling and a crisp exterior.Allow the pork chops to marinate overnight for maximum flavor infusion.Let the grilled pork chops rest before slicing to retain their juiciness.Layer the ingredients evenly and press the sandwich firmly to enhance the melty texture.Experiment with different types of mustard and pickles to personalize the flavor profile.Preheat the grill or panini press to ensure efficient and even cooking.Customize the sandwich by adding additional ingredients like sliced tomatoes or avocado.