El Jibarito (Plantain and Steak Sandwich)

Jibarito Sandwich

When I lived back in Florida there was this little Puerto Rican restaurant that had “El Jibarito” sandwich.  It was delicious and one of Hubby’s favorites.  It is a steak sandwich between two huge tostones, which are fried plantains.  After church yesterday I was trying to figure out what to make for lunch and this popped into my head.  

Jibaro is a term that refers to the people of Puerto Rico that lived in the heart of the island.  They were the backbone of agriculture in Puerto Rico, working sugar cane and coffee fields. 

Is this “good” for you…..no.  Is is delicious….YES!  I mean look at it, I know you want to eat it.   

Get yourself some yummy skirt steak.  Stab it savagely a few times with a fork to tenderize it. 

Put it into a Ziploc bag with 1 cup of Mojo and let it marinade, set aside.  You can find pre-made mojo marinade at you local Latin grocery.

Get yourself an onion and 3 cloves of garlic.

Slice 1/2 an onion.

Crush 3 cloves of garlic.  Crush them with the skins on, they come right off after they are crushed.

Get 3/4 cup of water, 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1 Tbs of vinegar.

Pour into a hot pan.

Now add garlic, onions, 1 bay leaf and 12 pepper corns.

Oh and don’t forget a pinch of salt.   Let it come to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.  Remove from heat, set aside. 

Fill a large deep skillet with vegetable oil.  Fill it enough to were your plantains will be almost submerged.

Peel your plantains and cut them in half at and angle.  If you want a thinner crispier plantain, you can cut it long ways.  You will just have a narrower sandwich.

Drop them into the oil and let them fry until golden.  

Remove the plantain from the oil.

Take a heavy pan and mash the plantain.

See mashed plantain.   Squish….squish….

Return the plantains to the oil.   Fry until golden brown and crispy on the edges.  Be careful not to burn.  When done transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to drain, sprinkle with salt.  Do not forget the salt.

In a small bowl or cup, combine 1 Tbs of mayonnaise and 1 Tbs of ketchup.

While I was frying the plantains Hubby grilled the steaks.  He was done before I was able to get a shot.  

Make your sandwich.  Spread the mayo-ketchup spread on the plantains, layer steak, onion mixture, lettuce and tomatoes.

Top your sandwich with the other plantain, slice in half and enjoy.

This sandwich is delicious and messy.  Be sure to have a roll of paper towel.  Eating this sandwich will produce sticky fingers and licking of your forearm.

ENJOY!

Here is the ingredient list.

Jibarito Sandwich

1 green plantain
4 inch portion of skirt steak
1/2 large onion
3 cloves of garlic
1 cup mojo
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup olive oil
1 Tbs vinegar
1 bay leaf
12 peppercorns
1 Tbs ketchup
1 Tbs mayonnaise
Lettuce & tomato