The Shrimp St. Paul sandwich is a beloved dish that originated in the Midwest, particularly in St. Louis, Missouri. This mouth-watering sandwich typically consists of a crispy baguette filled with succulent shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy sauce, all perfectly balanced to create a flavor explosion in your mouth. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Shrimp St. Paul sandwich, its evolution, and most importantly, provide a step-by-step guide on how to make this delectable dish at home.
A Brief History of the Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich
The Shrimp St. Paul sandwich has its roots in the Chinese-American cuisine of the Midwest. The dish is believed to have originated in the 1950s or 1960s in St. Louis, Missouri, where Chinese immigrants adapted their culinary traditions to local tastes. The sandwich was initially served in Chinese restaurants and was likely inspired by the popular St. Paul sandwich, which typically consists of an egg foo young patty, served on a baguette with pickles, onions, and mayonnaise.
Over time, the Shrimp St. Paul sandwich gained popularity and spread throughout the Midwest, with various restaurants and cooks putting their own spin on the dish. Today, the Shrimp St. Paul sandwich remains a beloved regional specialty, cherished by locals and visitors alike.
Key Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the key ingredients and equipment you’ll need to make a Shrimp St. Paul sandwich:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 baguette slices
- Lettuce
- Thinly sliced cucumbers
- Thinly sliced carrots
- Pickle slices
- Mayonnaise or aioli
- Scallions, chopped (optional)
Equipment:
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Plate and serving utensils
Preparing the Shrimp
The shrimp is the star of the Shrimp St. Paul sandwich, so it’s essential to prepare them correctly. Here’s how:
Marinating the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Cooking the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re pink and cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Assembling the Sandwich
Now it’s time to assemble the Shrimp St. Paul sandwich. Here’s how:
Preparing the Vegetables:
Slice the cucumbers and carrots into thin strips. Cut the lettuce into small pieces. Slice the pickles into thin rounds.
Spreading the Mayonnaise or Aioli:
Spread a layer of mayonnaise or aioli on each baguette slice. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped scallions on top of the mayonnaise for extra flavor.
Adding the Shrimp and Vegetables:
Place 2-3 cooked shrimp on each baguette slice, depending on their size. Add a few slices of cucumber, carrot, and lettuce on top of the shrimp. Place a few slices of pickle on top of the vegetables.
Serving the Sandwich:
Serve the Shrimp St. Paul sandwich immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you take your Shrimp St. Paul sandwich to the next level:
Tips:
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) to taste.
- Add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Variations:
- Add some sliced avocado or grilled pineapple for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Use different types of bread, such as a crusty baguette or a soft bun.
- Add some chopped cilantro or basil for extra freshness.
- Use different types of protein, such as chicken or tofu, for a vegetarian or vegan version.
Conclusion
The Shrimp St. Paul sandwich is a delicious and iconic dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With its crispy baguette, succulent shrimp, and tangy sauce, this sandwich is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create your own Shrimp St. Paul sandwich at home and enjoy the rich flavors and history of this beloved regional specialty.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 pound |
| Cornstarch | 1/4 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Ginger | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Oyster sauce (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Baguette slices | 4 |
| Lettuce | |
| Cucumbers | |
| Carrots | |
| Pickle slices | |
| Mayonnaise or aioli | |
| Scallions (optional) |
- Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the shrimp in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until they’re pink and cooked through.
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What is a Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich?
A Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich is a variation of the classic St. Paul sandwich, which originated in St. Louis, Missouri. The original St. Paul sandwich typically consists of an egg foo young patty, served with mayonnaise, pickles, and sometimes other ingredients, on white bread. The Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich replaces the egg foo young patty with a shrimp patty, adding a seafood twist to the classic dish.
The shrimp patty is usually made with a mixture of shrimp, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, and is often pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. The sandwich is then assembled with the shrimp patty, mayonnaise, pickles, and other desired ingredients, such as lettuce and tomato, on toasted white bread.
What type of shrimp is best for a Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich?
For a Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich, it’s best to use small to medium-sized shrimp, such as peeled and deveined whiteleg shrimp or Gulf shrimp. These types of shrimp have a sweet flavor and a firm texture that holds up well to being formed into patties and pan-fried.
Avoid using large shrimp, as they may be too chunky and difficult to form into patties. Additionally, you can use frozen shrimp that have been thawed, but fresh shrimp will generally yield better flavor and texture.
How do I make a shrimp patty for a Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich?
To make a shrimp patty for a Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich, start by combining peeled and deveined shrimp with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings in a bowl. Mix the ingredients together until they are just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Use your hands to shape the mixture into small patties, about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure the edges are smooth and the patties are evenly sized so that they cook consistently. You can also refrigerate the patties for about 30 minutes to firm them up before pan-frying.
What type of bread is best for a Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich?
For a Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich, it’s traditional to use white bread, such as soft and fluffy Wonder bread or a similar type of bread. The soft texture of the bread provides a gentle base for the crispy shrimp patty and the creamy mayonnaise and pickles.
Avoid using whole wheat bread or other dense breads, as they may overpower the delicate flavor of the shrimp. You can also toast the bread lightly to give it a crispy texture and a slightly browned flavor.
What are some variations of the Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich?
There are several variations of the Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich that you can try to mix things up. One option is to add some diced vegetables, such as onions or bell peppers, to the shrimp patty mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Another option is to top the sandwich with some sliced cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, for an extra burst of flavor. You can also try using different types of mayonnaise, such as spicy mayonnaise or garlic mayonnaise, to add some extra kick to the sandwich.
Can I make a Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich ahead of time?
While it’s best to assemble and serve a Shrimp St. Paul Sandwich immediately, you can make some of the components ahead of time. For example, you can make the shrimp patties and refrigerate them for up to a day before pan-frying them.
You can also toast the bread and prepare the mayonnaise and pickles ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving, as the bread can become soggy if it sits for too long with the mayonnaise and pickles.
How do I store leftover Shrimp St. Paul Sandwiches?
If you have leftover Shrimp St. Paul Sandwiches, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. It’s best to store the components separately, such as the shrimp patties, bread, mayonnaise, and pickles, to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the sandwich and serve. You can also freeze the shrimp patties for up to a month and thaw them when you’re ready to use them. Simply pan-fry the patties and assemble the sandwich as desired.