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
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
What a novel idea! I’ve never eaten plantains before, but this sounds ingenious for a sandwich idea.
I love these sandwiches from my local puerto rican restaurant in Marin County, but I’ve moved back into SF… Now I can eat them at home!
This is an interesting idea… I like the looks of this!
I make a vegetarian version of this Toston Sandwich using marinated tofu instead of meat. Many Puerto Rican restaurants in the US may make these, but these are not commonplace in Puerto Rico at all…
Great post! we love this one. we have plantains in our markets here in Santa Barbara and we are always thinking about how to use them? this is fun. Thanks, s
What a great idea. Never heard of it before, and I’ve been eating plantains all my life. I’m making me some some day. Thanks for sharing.
I am definitely going to make this!
This sandwich sounds really good! I like the plantain “bread”!
I like eating this. The only addition I’d suggest is adding half a cup of garbanzo to the ketchup/mayonaisse mix. It adds more chewiness.
I like it very much. I prepare it last week for the family and we love it. Thank you and also to your mom SV.
Thanks for the step by step tutorial! I did the El Jibarito before and it turned out sublime.
I heard of it from the Foods of Chicago, an PBS production and found out that its found at the Borinquen restaurant in Chicago – although honestly, never been there to taste it.
I would also argue that’s actually healthier and more delicious than ANY fast food stuff out there.
thanks again!
Gabi @ Mamaliga.com
GENIUS!
I’m PRican, and abroad in Seville this year– I’m also the ONLY one who cooks in my flat of 4 people =) … Your site has been a life saver, ‘cuz calling my grandma at home to get recipes was a little excessive! =)
Gracias un MILLÓN!
Beef steak has always been my all time favorite dish and i am always looking for some new recipes that has steak as the main ingredient.:”;
I just had a variation of this at a Mexican restaurant in town – they used pork instead of steak, and there was a yummy orange pico de gallo on top, as well as some queso fresco inside. I think the steak sounds better though!
from MEXICO,,,,,,,,,,, thanks,,,,,,,,,, very good!!!!!!!!!!!
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I care for such information much. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
your post is decent. its beneficial me.. keep posting buddy
Wonderful site. All posts have a process to learn. Your hard work is very good and i enjoy you and wanting for some more informative posts.
I just posted the jibarito sandwich on FB today, my sister Ebilin in NY saw it and made it. She called to let me know it was awesome, can’t wait until she comes to FL in January so she can make it for me. Since I shared the sandwich its only fare she make it for me. Thank you for all the recipes you know we Puerto Ricans love to eat, especially in our family since my mom owned caferterias here in FL & PR. We appreciate it. Food is what connects people together.