Torta Cubana (Mexico City Crispy Pork, Ham and Bean Sandwich)
The Mexico City showstopper: crisp breaded pork, ham and melted cheese stacked in a toasted roll with refried beans and guacamole.
Made with Classic guacamole and Refried beans (frijoles refritos). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time45 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £4.85 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Season the pork steaks with the salt. Put the flour, beaten eggs and breadcrumbs in three shallow dishes. Coat each steak in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs on.
- 2
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium high heat. Fry the pork for 3 minutes on each side, until deep golden and cooked through with no pink in the middle. Drain on kitchen paper.
6 min - 3
Warm your ready made refried beans (see the base recipe) in a small pan with a splash of water, stirring, until steaming hot all the way through.
- 4
Toast the cut sides of the rolls in a dry pan or under the grill for 1 to 2 minutes.
1 min 30 s - 5
Spread the bottom halves with beans and the top halves with guacamole (see the base recipe).
- 6
Layer on the crisp pork, ham, mozzarella, tomato and jalapeños. Close the sandwiches and press down. Grill for 2 minutes more to melt the cheese if you like, then cut in half and serve straight away.
2 min
Tips
- The torta cubana is a Mexico City sandwich piled with several meats. Pork milanesa, ham and cheese make a manageable home version.
- Beat the pork thin and even. Thin cutlets fry quickly and stay tender.
- Press the crumbs on firmly and fry in moderately hot oil, so they brown without burning before the pork cooks.
- Use a roll with a crisp crust. A soft roll collapses under the toppings.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten straight away. Cool leftover cooked pork within 1 to 2 hours and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven until steaming hot all the way through and crisp.
Questions
Why is it called a torta cubana?
The origin of the name is debated and not certain. The sandwich is made in Mexico City and is known for being very full, with several meats and toppings in one roll.
Can I make the pork milanesa with chicken?
Yes. Thin chicken breast cutlets also work. Cook them until golden and white all the way through, with no pink.
Can I make it gluten free?
Not easily as written. Use gluten free bread, flour and breadcrumbs and check the bean and guacamole labels, though the roll will behave differently.
More made with classic guacamole
Papas Asadas Rellenas de Carne Sazonada (Taco-Loaded Baked Potatoes)
GFEFNFTlayuda Oaxaqueña (Oaxacan Giant Crisp Tortilla)
EFNFHPTorta de Pollo Deshebrado con Guacamole (Shredded Chicken Torta)
EFNFHPTacos de Camarón al Ajillo (Garlic Prawn Tacos)
GFDFEFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.