Description
the mule el cortez sandwich copycat recipe is a delicious combination of juicy grilled steak, melted cheese, sautéed onions, and bell peppers, all served in a toasted hoagie roll. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this sandwich brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
For the Pork:
- 1 lb pork shoulder (or pork butt)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ cup chicken broth
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices Cuban bread (or substitute with French bread or ciabatta)
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- ½ cup dill pickles (thinly sliced)
- 4 tbsp spicy mustard (Dijon for extra flavor)
- 4 tbsp butter (for grilling)
Instructions
Step 1: Braise the Pork
Season the Pork: To make a delicious foundation, rub the pork shoulder with a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin.
To sear the pork, preheat a medium-high heat cast iron skillet. Sear the pork on all sides until it forms a golden-brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Braise in Broth: Add chicken broth to the skillet, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the pork braise for about 45 minutes, until it’s tender enough to easily shred.
Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, use two forks to pull it apart into bite-sized shreds. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Butter the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of Cuban bread. The buttered side will be grilled for a crispy texture.
Layer the Ingredients: On the non-buttered side, spread spicy mustard. Add a slice of Swiss cheese, and a generous amount of shredded pork, and top with thinly sliced dill pickles. Place another slice of Swiss cheese on top to create that signature melt.
Top the Sandwich: Place the second slice of bread on top, butter side out.
Step 3: Grill the Sandwich
Preheat Your Skillet: Heat a skillet or sandwich press over medium heat.
Grill to Perfection: Grill the sandwich, pressing it lightly with a spatula or sandwich press. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Slice the sandwich diagonally and serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of hot sauce to the mayonnaise mixture or top the sandwich with pickled jalapeños. If you prefer a crunchier texture, lightly toast the hoagie rolls before adding the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour (includes pork braising)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Marinate and Cook Steak
- Cuisine: American with Cuban influences
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sodium: 1,500mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 105mg