The St. Paul sandwich, a culinary staple of St. Louis, Missouri, has been a topic of interest for food enthusiasts and locals alike. This unique sandwich, which typically consists of an egg foo young patty, served with mayonnaise, pickles, and sometimes other ingredients, between two slices of white bread, has gained a cult following. In this article, we will delve into the history of the St. Paul sandwich, its cultural significance, and most importantly, provide a step-by-step guide on how to make this iconic dish.
A Brief History of the St. Paul Sandwich
The origins of the St. Paul sandwich are shrouded in mystery, but it is widely believed to have originated in the 1950s or 1960s in St. Louis’s Chinatown. The sandwich is thought to have been created by Chinese immigrants who owned restaurants in the area. These immigrants, who were familiar with the traditional Chinese dish egg foo young, began serving it as a sandwich, using a patty made from eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat, served between two slices of white bread.
Over time, the St. Paul sandwich gained popularity, not only among the local Chinese community but also among the general population. Today, the sandwich is a staple of St. Louis cuisine, with many restaurants and food establishments serving their own version of the dish.
The Cultural Significance of the St. Paul Sandwich
The St. Paul sandwich holds a special place in the hearts of St. Louisans. It is a symbol of the city’s cultural diversity and its ability to adapt and evolve. The sandwich has also become a source of pride for the local Chinese community, who see it as a representation of their heritage and contributions to the city’s culinary scene.
Furthermore, the St. Paul sandwich has played a significant role in shaping the city’s food culture. It has inspired a new generation of chefs and restaurateurs, who are experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create their own unique versions of the dish.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment needed to make the St. Paul sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bean sprouts, cabbage, carrots)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of white bread
- Mayonnaise
- Pickles
- Lettuce and tomato (optional)
Equipment:
- Large skillet or wok
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Preparing the Egg Foo Young Patty
The egg foo young patty is the star of the St. Paul sandwich. To make the patty, follow these steps:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the vegetable oil, onion, garlic, and mixed vegetables to the bowl. Stir until the vegetables are evenly coated with the flour mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir until the eggs are well combined.
- Add the egg mixture to the vegetable mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
- Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the egg mixture into the pan. Flatten the mixture slightly with a spatula.
- Cook the patty for 2-3 minutes on each side, until it is golden brown and crispy.
Assembling the Sandwich
Now that we have our egg foo young patty, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Follow these steps:
- Slice the white bread into 1-inch thick slices.
- Spread a layer of mayonnaise on each slice of bread.
- Add a few slices of pickle on top of the mayonnaise.
- Place the egg foo young patty on top of the pickles.
- Add a few lettuce and tomato slices (if using).
- Top with the remaining slice of bread.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your St. Paul sandwich to the next level:
- Use a variety of vegetables: Experiment with different vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, to add more flavor and texture to the patty.
- Add some heat: If you like spicy food, add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the patty for an extra kick.
- Use different types of bread: While white bread is traditional, you can also use whole wheat bread or even a baguette to add more texture and flavor to the sandwich.
- Add some cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, add some sliced cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, to the sandwich for extra flavor.
Serving and Enjoying the St. Paul Sandwich
The St. Paul sandwich is best served immediately, while the patty is still crispy and the bread is still soft. You can serve it on its own or with a side of fries or a salad.
In conclusion, the St. Paul sandwich is a unique and delicious dish that is steeped in history and cultural significance. By following this recipe and using the tips and variations provided, you can create your own version of this iconic sandwich and enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1/2 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup |
| Onion | 1 small |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Mixed vegetables | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Soy sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Oyster sauce (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| White bread | 4 slices |
| Mayonnaise | To taste |
| Pickles | To taste |
| Lettuce and tomato (optional) | To taste |
By following this recipe and using the tips and variations provided, you can create your own version of the St. Paul sandwich and enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.
What is the St. Paul Sandwich and where did it originate?
The St. Paul Sandwich is a popular dish that originated in St. Louis, Missouri, not St. Paul, Minnesota, as the name might suggest. It is believed to have been created by Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century. The sandwich typically consists of an egg foo young patty, served with mayonnaise, pickles, and sometimes other toppings, all on toasted bread.
Despite its name, the St. Paul Sandwich has become an iconic part of St. Louis cuisine, with many local restaurants and diners serving their own versions of the dish. Its unique flavor and texture have made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
What is egg foo young and how is it made?
Egg foo young is a Chinese omelette made with eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat. To make egg foo young, a mixture of beaten eggs, shredded vegetables, and seasonings is cooked into a thin, round pancake. The pancake is then folded over to create a patty shape, which is often served with a savory sauce.
In the context of the St. Paul Sandwich, the egg foo young patty is usually made with a combination of eggs, cabbage, carrots, and sometimes meat or seafood. The patty is then pan-fried until crispy and golden brown, before being served on toasted bread with mayonnaise, pickles, and other toppings.
What are the essential ingredients for a St. Paul Sandwich?
The essential ingredients for a St. Paul Sandwich include an egg foo young patty, mayonnaise, pickles, and toasted bread. Some variations of the sandwich may also include additional toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, or cheese. The egg foo young patty is the core component of the sandwich, and is typically made with a combination of eggs, vegetables, and seasonings.
The mayonnaise and pickles add a tangy, creamy element to the sandwich, while the toasted bread provides a crunchy base. Some recipes may also call for additional ingredients, such as soy sauce or sesame oil, to add extra flavor to the sandwich.
How do I make a St. Paul Sandwich from scratch?
To make a St. Paul Sandwich from scratch, start by making the egg foo young patty. This involves beating eggs with shredded vegetables and seasonings, then cooking the mixture into a thin, round pancake. The pancake is then folded over to create a patty shape, which is pan-fried until crispy and golden brown.
Once the egg foo young patty is cooked, assemble the sandwich by spreading mayonnaise on toasted bread, then adding the patty, pickles, and any additional toppings. Serve the sandwich immediately, garnished with lettuce or other garnishes if desired.
Can I customize the St. Paul Sandwich to suit my tastes?
Yes, the St. Paul Sandwich can be customized to suit your tastes. Some variations of the sandwich may include additional toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, or cheese. You can also experiment with different seasonings or sauces to add extra flavor to the egg foo young patty.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan version of the sandwich, you can substitute the egg foo young patty with a tofu or tempeh alternative. You can also use different types of bread or add other ingredients, such as avocado or bacon, to create a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Is the St. Paul Sandwich a healthy option?
The St. Paul Sandwich can be a relatively healthy option, depending on the ingredients used. The egg foo young patty is a good source of protein, and the vegetables and seasonings add fiber and vitamins. However, the mayonnaise and toasted bread can add calories and fat to the sandwich.
To make a healthier version of the St. Paul Sandwich, consider using whole wheat bread and reducing the amount of mayonnaise used. You can also add extra vegetables, such as lettuce or tomato, to increase the nutritional value of the sandwich.
Can I make the St. Paul Sandwich ahead of time?
While it’s possible to make some components of the St. Paul Sandwich ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving. The egg foo young patty can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. However, the sandwich is best served with freshly toasted bread and mayonnaise.
If you need to make the sandwich ahead of time, consider assembling the components separately and storing them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This will help preserve the texture and flavor of the sandwich.