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Porchetta-Style Roast Beef Sandwich

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A rustic porchetta-style roast beef sandwich featuring slow-roasted herb-crusted beef with crispy edges, fragrant garlic, fennel, and rosemary, served in crusty ciabatta rolls with fresh arugula for a bold and satisfying meal.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 large sandwiches
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg beef belly or beef shoulder
  • 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1½ tablespoons fennel seeds, lightly crushed
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2½ teaspoons salt
  • 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 large ciabatta rolls or crusty sandwich rolls
  • 1 cup fresh arugula, loosely packed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Line or lightly grease a roasting pan.
  2. In a small bowl, combine garlic, rosemary, thyme, crushed fennel seeds, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to form a paste.
  3. Pat the beef dry and rub the herb mixture evenly over the entire surface, pressing firmly to adhere.
  4. Roll the beef tightly if using a flatter cut and secure with kitchen twine at 3 cm intervals. Tie shoulder evenly to maintain shape.
  5. Place roast seam-side down in the pan and roast for 3 hours until tender.
  6. Increase oven temperature to 230°C (450°F) and roast an additional 25–30 minutes until deeply browned and crisp.
  7. Remove from oven and rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
  8. Slice thickly, place inside split ciabatta rolls, and top with fresh arugula. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Lightly crushing fennel seeds enhances flavor.
  • Resting the meat is essential for juicy slices.
  • Store leftover meat separately from bread to prevent sogginess.
  • Reheat gently in a 170°C oven for 10–15 minutes.
  • Brisket or topside can be substituted, adjusting cooking time as needed.
  • Add provolone or mozzarella for a cheesy variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/porchetta-style-roast-beef-sandwich/