Sandwich King Season 5 Episode 12 Caribbean Vacation Sandwiches

In the twelfth episode of Season 5 of Sandwich King, host Jeff Mauro takes his audience on a culinary journey to the Caribbean. The episode, titled "Caribbean Vacation Sandwiches," showcases Mauro's innovative take on the classic island flavors.

Mauro begins the episode by introducing viewers to some classic Caribbean ingredients, including Jamaican jerk spice, plantains, and yucca. He then invites guest chef Rosemary Shrager to the show to help him create some unique sandwiches inspired by the tropical paradise.

Their first creation is a decadent Grilled Lobster Roll, which showcases the succulent meat of the Caribbean lobster. Mauro and Shrager season the lobster meat with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of lemon juice, then toss it into homemade Caribbean sauce made with pineapple, cilantro, and scallions. The mixture is then carefully placed into a toasted hot dog bun and garnished with fresh arugula.

Next up is the "Street-Style" Jerk Pork Sandwich, which brings together the bold flavors of the Jamaican jerk seasoning and the juicy texture of slow-cooked pork shoulder. Mauro and Shrager marinate the pork in a mix of herbs and spices, including thyme, allspice, and ginger, then slow-cook it for hours until it is fork-tender. They then pile the pork onto a soft roll, top it with a spicy mango relish, and finish it off with a handful of crispy plantain chips.

The hosts also share their recipe for a savory Coconut Lime Chicken sandwich. In this dish, chicken breasts are marinated in a creamy mixture of coconut milk, lime juice, and spices before being grilled to perfection. The tender chicken is then layered onto a fluffy ciabatta roll, topped with a refreshing slaw made with red cabbage, carrots, and fresh mint, and finished off with a dollop of homemade lime mayo.

Finally, Mauro and Shrager present their take on the classic Caribbean sandwich, the Cubano. In this version, they replace the traditional ham and cheese with slow-cooked pork shoulder and a generous layer of melted Swiss cheese. The sandwich is then slathered with a tangy mustard sauce and placed onto grilled slices of sweet plantain, creating a fusion of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and unique.

Throughout the episode, Mauro and Shrager share tips and tricks for preparing the ingredients and cooking the dishes, making the recipes accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. "Caribbean Vacation Sandwiches" is a testament to the creative potential of the humble sandwich, proving that with a bit of inspiration and imagination, even the simplest ingredients can be transformed into culinary masterpieces.