The St. Paul sandwich, a staple of Midwestern cuisine, has been a topic of interest for food enthusiasts and locals alike. This iconic sandwich, named after the city of St. Paul, Minnesota, has a rich history and a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other sandwiches. In this article, we will delve into the world of the St. Paul sandwich, exploring its origins, ingredients, and preparation methods.
A Brief History of the St. Paul Sandwich
The St. Paul sandwich is believed to have originated in the 1950s or 1960s in St. Paul, Minnesota. The exact origin of the sandwich is unclear, but it is often attributed to the city’s Chinese-American community. The sandwich is thought to have been created as a fusion of Chinese and American cuisines, with the goal of creating a dish that would appeal to a wide range of palates.
The St. Paul sandwich typically consists of a combination of ingredients, including egg foo young (a Chinese omelette), grilled pork, pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, and sriracha mayo, all served on a crispy baguette. The combination of flavors and textures in the St. Paul sandwich is what sets it apart from other sandwiches.
Ingredients and Preparation Methods
So, how do you make a St. Paul sandwich? The ingredients and preparation methods are crucial to creating an authentic St. Paul sandwich. Here are the key ingredients and steps to follow:
Egg Foo Young
Egg foo young is a Chinese omelette made with eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat. To make egg foo young for a St. Paul sandwich, you will need:
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup diced vegetables (such as cabbage, carrots, and scallions)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make the egg foo young, beat the eggs in a bowl and set aside. Heat the vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the diced vegetables and cook until they are softened. Pour the beaten eggs over the vegetables and cook until the eggs are set. Use a spatula to fold the eggs over and create a flat omelette.
Grilled Pork
Grilled pork is a key component of the St. Paul sandwich. To make grilled pork, you will need:
- 1/2 pound pork shoulder or pork loin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make the grilled pork, preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, garlic, and ginger. Brush the mixture onto the pork and season with salt and pepper. Grill the pork for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through.
Pickled Carrots and Daikon
Pickled carrots and daikon are a tangy and crunchy addition to the St. Paul sandwich. To make pickled carrots and daikon, you will need:
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 cup daikon, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
To make the pickled carrots and daikon, combine the grated carrots and daikon in a bowl. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour the pickling liquid over the carrots and daikon and let cool to room temperature.
Cilantro and Sriracha Mayo
Cilantro and sriracha mayo add a fresh and spicy kick to the St. Paul sandwich. To make cilantro and sriracha mayo, you will need:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make the cilantro and sriracha mayo, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, chopped cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling the St. Paul Sandwich
Now that you have all the ingredients prepared, it’s time to assemble the St. Paul sandwich. Here’s how:
- Slice the baguette in half and toast until crispy.
- Spread a layer of cilantro and sriracha mayo on the bottom half of the baguette.
- Add a layer of grilled pork on top of the mayo.
- Add a layer of egg foo young on top of the pork.
- Add a layer of pickled carrots and daikon on top of the egg foo young.
- Top with the top half of the baguette.
Variations and Tips
While the traditional St. Paul sandwich is delicious, there are many variations and tips to try:
- Add some sliced cucumbers or bell peppers to the sandwich for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use different types of protein, such as chicken or tofu, instead of pork.
- Add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
- Use a different type of bread, such as a crusty sub roll or a soft bun.
Conclusion
The St. Paul sandwich is a unique and delicious culinary icon of the Midwest. With its combination of egg foo young, grilled pork, pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, and sriracha mayo, this sandwich is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or just looking for a new sandwich to try, the St. Paul sandwich is definitely worth a shot.
By following the ingredients and preparation methods outlined in this article, you can create an authentic St. Paul sandwich that is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the flavors of the Midwest in every bite!
What is the St. Paul Sandwich?
The St. Paul Sandwich is a type of sandwich that originated in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is a staple of Midwestern cuisine. It typically consists of a combination of ingredients, including egg foo young, chicken or pork, and vegetables, served on a bun or bread.
The exact ingredients and preparation methods may vary depending on the recipe or restaurant, but the core concept of the St. Paul Sandwich remains the same. It is a unique fusion of Asian and American flavors, reflecting the cultural diversity of the Midwest.
Where did the St. Paul Sandwich originate?
The St. Paul Sandwich is believed to have originated in the 1950s or 1960s in St. Paul, Minnesota, specifically in the city’s Chinatown. The exact creator of the sandwich is unknown, but it is thought to have been invented by Chinese-American restaurateurs who experimented with different ingredients and flavors to create a unique dish that would appeal to local tastes.
Over time, the St. Paul Sandwich gained popularity throughout the Midwest, and it can now be found on menus in restaurants and diners across the region. Despite its widespread popularity, the sandwich remains closely associated with St. Paul and the state of Minnesota.
What are the typical ingredients of a St. Paul Sandwich?
The typical ingredients of a St. Paul Sandwich include egg foo young, which is a type of omelette made with eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat. The egg foo young is usually served on a bun or bread, and it may be accompanied by other ingredients such as chicken or pork, vegetables, and sauces.
The specific ingredients and toppings may vary depending on the recipe or restaurant, but the egg foo young is the core component of the St. Paul Sandwich. Some variations may also include additional ingredients, such as pickles or onions, to add flavor and texture.
How is the St. Paul Sandwich typically prepared?
The St. Paul Sandwich is typically prepared by cooking the egg foo young in a wok or skillet, and then serving it on a bun or bread. The egg foo young may be cooked with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, meat, and sauces, to add flavor and texture.
Once the egg foo young is cooked, it is usually placed on a bun or bread, and it may be topped with additional ingredients such as chicken or pork, vegetables, and sauces. The sandwich may be served hot or cold, depending on the recipe or personal preference.
What is the cultural significance of the St. Paul Sandwich?
The St. Paul Sandwich is a cultural icon of the Midwest, reflecting the region’s cultural diversity and culinary traditions. The sandwich is a unique fusion of Asian and American flavors, and it has become a staple of Midwestern cuisine.
The St. Paul Sandwich also has cultural significance because it represents the history and traditions of the Chinese-American community in St. Paul. The sandwich is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of Chinese-American restaurateurs who experimented with different ingredients and flavors to create a unique dish that would appeal to local tastes.
Where can I find a St. Paul Sandwich?
The St. Paul Sandwich can be found on menus in restaurants and diners throughout the Midwest, particularly in Minnesota and surrounding states. It is a popular dish in many Chinese-American restaurants, and it may also be served in other types of restaurants and eateries.
Some restaurants may offer their own unique variations of the St. Paul Sandwich, so it’s worth trying different versions to see which one you like best. You can also try making your own St. Paul Sandwich at home using a recipe or ingredients from a local Asian market.
Is the St. Paul Sandwich a healthy food option?
The St. Paul Sandwich can be a healthy food option, depending on the ingredients and preparation methods used. The egg foo young is a good source of protein and vegetables, and it can be cooked with minimal oil and salt.
However, some variations of the St. Paul Sandwich may be high in calories, fat, and sodium, particularly if they include ingredients such as meat or sauces. To make a healthier version of the sandwich, you can try using lean protein sources, reducing the amount of oil and salt used in cooking, and adding extra vegetables for fiber and nutrients.