The St. Paul sandwich, a staple of Midwestern cuisine, is a culinary delight that has been satisfying the taste buds of locals and visitors alike for decades. This mouth-watering sandwich, named after the city of St. Paul, Minnesota, is a masterclass in flavor and texture, combining the crispiest of egg foo young patties, the crunchiest of vegetables, and the creamiest of sauces, all held together by a soft, fluffy bun. In this article, we will delve into the history of the St. Paul sandwich, explore its various components, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make this iconic sandwich at home.
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 the city of St. Paul, Minnesota. During this time, Chinese immigrants began to settle in the area, bringing with them their culinary traditions and techniques. One of these immigrants, a chef named Wong, is often credited with inventing the St. Paul sandwich. Wong’s restaurant, which was located in the heart of St. Paul’s Chinatown, served a unique sandwich that consisted of an egg foo young patty, served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
The Evolution of the St. Paul Sandwich
Over time, the St. Paul sandwich has undergone many transformations, with various restaurants and chefs adding their own twist to the original recipe. Some variations include the addition of pickles, onions, and mustard, while others feature different types of protein, such as chicken or beef. Despite these variations, the core components of the St. Paul sandwich have remained the same: an egg foo young patty, served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
The Components of a St. Paul Sandwich
So, what makes a St. Paul sandwich so special? The answer lies in its various components, each of which plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
The Egg Foo Young Patty
The egg foo young patty is the star of the St. Paul sandwich, providing a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Made from a mixture of eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat, the egg foo young patty is a masterclass in texture and flavor. To make an egg foo young patty, you will need:
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup diced vegetables (such as cabbage, carrots, and scallions)
- 1/4 cup diced cooked meat (such as chicken or pork)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for Making an Egg Foo Young Patty
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, diced vegetables, cooked meat, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using).
- Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Pour the egg mixture into the pan and cook until the bottom is golden brown.
- Flip the patty over and cook until the other side is also golden brown.
- Remove the patty from the pan and set aside to cool.
The Bun
The bun is the foundation of the St. Paul sandwich, providing a soft and fluffy base for the egg foo young patty and other toppings. To make a bun, you will need:
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions for Making a Bun
- In a bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is activated.
- Add the flour, salt, and vegetable oil to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oblong shape.
- Place the bun on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
The Toppings
The toppings are what elevate the St. Paul sandwich from a simple egg foo young patty on a bun to a culinary masterpiece. The classic toppings include:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Mayonnaise
- Pickles (optional)
- Onions (optional)
- Mustard (optional)
Assembling the St. Paul Sandwich
Now that we have explored the various components of the St. Paul sandwich, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Foo Young Patty
Follow the instructions above to make an egg foo young patty. Set the patty aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Bun
Follow the instructions above to make a bun. Slice the bun in half and toast it lightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
- Place the egg foo young patty on the bottom half of the bun.
- Add a layer of lettuce on top of the patty.
- Add a layer of tomato on top of the lettuce.
- Spread a layer of mayonnaise on top of the tomato.
- Add any optional toppings, such as pickles, onions, or mustard.
- Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you take your St. Paul sandwich to the next level:
- Use a variety of vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and scallions, to add texture and flavor to the egg foo young patty.
- Add some heat to the sandwich by incorporating spicy ingredients, such as chili flakes or sriracha, into the egg foo young patty or mayonnaise.
- Experiment with different types of protein, such as chicken or beef, to add variety to the sandwich.
- Try using different types of bread, such as a baguette or ciabatta, to add texture and flavor to the sandwich.
Conclusion
The St. Paul sandwich is a culinary icon of the Midwest, and for good reason. With its crispy egg foo young patty, crunchy vegetables, and creamy mayonnaise, all held together by a soft and fluffy bun, this sandwich is a masterclass in flavor and texture. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create your own St. Paul sandwich at home and experience the magic of this iconic sandwich for yourself.
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.