Get your mojo back with a single bite of this juicy, ultimate vegan Cuban sandwich—a savory classic inspired by Jon Favreau’s love letter to food: Chef (2014).
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The Story: Chef (2014)
Is your mouth watering yet? Unless you’re prepared to cook, don’t watch this movie hungry… You may just spy a Cuban sandwich!
Carl Casper (Jon Favreau), head chef at Gauloise in Brentwood, is stuck in a culinary rut. He longs to reclaim the spontaneity and innovation that once characterized his meteoric rise. When the famed food critic and blogger, Ramsey Michel (Oliver Platt), promises a visit, his creative juices begin flowing. Unfortunately, the restaurant’s owner, Riva (Dustin Hoffman), puts a stop to the chef’s master plan, urging him to serve classic fan favorites…and avoid experimentation at all costs.
Chef Carl Casper reluctantly agrees to prepare the traditional menu, ending in a chocolate lava cake. Ramsey posts a scathing review and knocks Carl off his pedestal. After his pre-teen son, Percy (Emjay Anthony), teaches him how to use social media, the chef initiates a spicy Twitter war with his new nemesis. Eventually, Carl challenges Ramsey to return to Gauloise for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Upon the critic’s return, Carl is determined to win him over with a new-and-improved menu. The only problem? Riva threatens to fire the chef if he fails to follow directions. Tensions escalate and both men reach a boiling point. Carl finally throws in the towel and vows to avenge his tattered reputation…at a different venue.
In a state of desperation, without any job prospects, Chef Carl Casper listens to his ex-wife’s (Sofia Vergara) advice and buys a dirty food truck from her ex-husband (Robert Downey Jr.). Confusing, I know… Carl and his son bond while restoring the dilapidated mobile restaurant. Together, they build a flourishing business and travel the country.
My Take
Written, directed, and produced by the inimitable Jon Favreau, Chef is a heartwarming dramedy filled with soul. Food, family, love, and career aspirations are all on the menu.
Although food is a major player, this film revolves around a father and son’s wholesome reunion. One can’t help but notice Carl’s steep decline… With Percy’s undying love and support, he regains a sense of purpose. Their bond intensifies as the food truck gains notoriety. Carl’s mojo only returns once he becomes a devoted dad.
Chef is everything a movie should be. It inspires viewers to embrace authenticity, avoid compromise, and move in the direction of their greatest fears. Sometimes, our biggest failures lead to the most life-changing opportunities.
The Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Cuban Sandwich
Roy Choi, creator of the Kogi Korean BBQ food truck franchise, worked as a consultant on the film. We have him to thank for the gorgeous plates of food: Aglio e Olio pasta, grilled cheese, chocolate lava cake, berries and cream, cubanos, and the list goes on.
Of course, I was motivated to veganize El Jefe’s signature dish: cubanos. So, what’s the story? This delicious sandwich originated around 500+ years ago in Cuba. It was popularized by Cuban immigrants in Florida, and the rest is history! Let’s dig in…
Ultimate Vegan Cuban Sandwich
Equipment
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Knives
- Fork
- Butter Knife
- Citrus Squeezer
- Grater
- Colander
- Wooden Spoons
- Sheet Pan
- Aluminum Foil
- Large Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Skillet or Panini Press
Ingredients
Cuban Sandwich
- 4 Cuban sandwich loaves (halved)
- 1 package Sweet Earth Applewood Smoked Flavor Ham Deli Slices (3 per sandwich)
- 1 package Tofurky Hickory-Smoked Deli Slices (3 per sandwich)
- 2 20-oz. cans jackfruit (shredded, ¼ cup per sandwich)
- 1 7-oz. package Follow Your Heart Provolone-Style Slices (1.5 slices per sandwich)
- 2 large dill pickle sandwich slices
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
Mojo Marinade
- 8 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
- 1 white onion (finely chopped)
- 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (no pulp)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
Sauce
- ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 2 pinches cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the mojo marinade. Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Dice the white onion. Squeeze fresh lime and lemon juice into a medium-large bowl. Zest the limes and lemons. Stir in the orange juice and olive oil. Add your herbs and spices. Mix everything together.8 cloves garlic, 1 white onion, 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 cup fresh orange juice, ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- Drain and wash the jackfruit. Shred each piece, by pressing down with a fork (see notes).2 20-oz. cans jackfruit
- Soak the “shredded” jackfruit in the mojo marinade for at least 1 hour or overnight, for maximum flavor.
- Bake the mojo-marinated jackfruit on a sheet pan (lined with aluminum foil) at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes, or until browned.
- Next, stir the mayonnaise, mustard, and cayenne together.¼ cup vegan mayonnaise, ¼ cup yellow mustard, 2 pinches cayenne pepper
- Spread the sauce on each open slice of bread. Layer one side with the vegan ham slices and mojo-marinated jackfruit. Cover with vegan Provolone cheese slices and pickles.4 Cuban sandwich loaves, 2 large dill pickle sandwich slices
- Butter the bread’s outer surface. Add a tablespoon of butter to a skillet or panini press. Next, cook the sandwich until the edges are crispy and the cheese has melted. Each sandwich takes about 2 minutes.3 tablespoons vegan butter
Notes
- Packed with protein, Sweet Earth Applewood Smoked Flavor Ham Deli Slices resemble the traditional texture of meat, but they are made from wheat gluten.
- Tofurky Hickory-Smoked Deli Slices are seriously delicious! Find them here.
- Follow Your Heart is one of my favorite vegan brands. Choose any cheese variety for your cubano. My favorite are the Follow Your Heart Provolone-Style Slices!
- Yep. Follow Your Heart also has the BEST vegan mayo around. Don’t believe me? Try it here.
- So, what is jackfruit? Read this great article for fun facts. Learn how to prepare this tropical fruit here. If you have a latex allergy, wear gloves. Believe it or not, jackfruit contains natural latex.
