How to Make Cemitas: Mexican Cemita Sandwich Recipe
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Jul 20, 2024 • 1 min read
A cemita is a type of Mexican sandwich served on a fluffy sesame seed roll.
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What Are Cemitas?
Cemitas poblanas are Mexican sandwiches from the state of Puebla, and they’re named for their signature bread. Cemita rolls are distinct from the bolillos used to make tortas; while bolillos are crispy like French bread, cemita rolls are a brioche-like egg-based bread with sesame seeds.
Pueblan cemita sandwiches generally stick to a classic formula of meat (milanesa or taco fillings like carnitas), white cheese (such as quesillo or queso Oaxaca), avocado, pápalo leaves (an herb with a flavor somewhere between arugula and cilantro), and either pickled jalapeños or smoky chipotle chiles in adobo sauce. In Puebla, cemitas are often served cold, whereas in the United States, they are often toasted on a griddle and served warm.
Mexican Cemita Sandwich Recipe
makes
prep time
14 mintotal time
20 mincook time
6 minIngredients
- 1
Make the milanesa. Pound the chicken cutlet to ¼ inch in thickness and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Place flour, egg, and breadcrumbs each in a shallow bowl. Dredge the chicken cutlet first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- 2
In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add the breaded chicken cutlet to the oil and fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Using tongs, remove milanesa to a paper towel-lined baking sheet or plate and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- 3
Slice cemita roll in half and spread the bottom half with mashed avocado. Top with chicken milanesa, then add shredded cheese, chipotle, white onion, and pápalo. Drizzle with olive oil and top with the other half of the cemita roll.
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