Florida

Cuban Burger

Bring the flavors of Miami and Tampa to your grill with this Cuban-inspired burger. Tender mojo-marinated pork joins a juicy beef patty, topped with Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and yellow mustard - all the elements of Florida's iconic Cuban sandwich in burger form.

4+ hrs (includes marinating) Serves 4 Grilled Cuban-Inspired

Equipment Needed

  • 🔥 Grill or Griddle
  • 🍳 Roasting Pan
  • 🥣 Mixing Bowls
  • 🌡 Meat Thermometer
  • 🧈 Burger Press (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Make the Mojo Marinade

    In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This is your traditional Cuban mojo sauce - the heart of the flavor.

  2. 2

    Marinate the Pork

    Place pork shoulder in a dish and pour the mojo over it, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The citrus and garlic will tenderize and flavor the meat.

  3. 3

    Roast the Pork

    Preheat oven to 325°F. Place the pork with its marinade in a roasting pan, cover with foil, and roast for 3-4 hours until fork-tender (internal temp 195°F). Shred with two forks and keep warm in its juices.

  4. 4

    Form the Beef Patties

    Season ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Divide into 4 portions and form into patties slightly larger than your rolls. Press a dimple in the center of each.

  5. 5

    Grill the Patties

    Grill or griddle the patties over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through (160°F internal). Add a slice of Swiss cheese in the last minute and cover to melt.

  6. 6

    Warm the Ham

    Briefly warm the ham slices on the grill or griddle, about 30 seconds per side, just until heated through and slightly caramelized at the edges.

  7. 7

    Prepare the Buns

    Butter both cut sides of the Cuban rolls generously. Toast on the griddle or grill, pressing down slightly with a spatula, until golden and slightly flattened - mimicking the pressed Cuban sandwich style.

  8. 8

    Assemble the Cuban Burgers

    Spread yellow mustard on both bun halves. On the bottom bun, layer: cheesy beef patty, ham slices, a generous portion of mojo pork, another slice of Swiss cheese, and plenty of dill pickle chips. Top with the bun.

  9. 9

    Press and Serve

    For authenticity, press the assembled burger on a hot griddle or panini press for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts further and the outside is crispy. Serve hot with plantain chips and a mojito for the full Florida experience!

Tips & Variations

  • Shortcut Mojo Pork: In a hurry? Use store-bought rotisserie chicken or pulled pork and toss it with bottled mojo sauce. Not traditional, but still delicious.
  • Authentic Cuban Bread: True Cuban bread has a thin, crispy crust and soft interior. If unavailable, soft French bread or quality hoagie rolls work well.
  • Tampa Style: Add Genoa salami to your Cuban burger for the Tampa version, which traditionally includes salami in their Cuban sandwiches.
  • Pickle Placement: Pickles are essential! Their tangy crunch cuts through the rich meat and cheese. Don't skip them.
  • Press It: The pressing step is crucial for achieving that iconic Cuban sandwich texture - slightly crispy outside, melty inside.
  • Make Extra Pork: Mojo pork keeps well for days and is great for tacos, rice bowls, or midnight Cuban sandwiches.