Filipino Chinese-style Mortadella Sandwich

Ingredients

In the original Spanish Bocadillo de Mortadela, the mortadella is typically served on a crusty bread roll with minimal additional ingredients. However, in this Filipino Chinese adaptation, the mortadella is pan-fried and paired with a variety of fresh vegetables and a tangy sauce, adding a distinct Asian twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Bocadillo de mortadela, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7oz) mortadella, thinly sliced 200g (7oz) mortadella, thinly sliced
• 1 baguette, cut into sandwich-sized portions 1 baguette, cut into sandwich-sized portions
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pickled radish 1/2 cup pickled radish
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons calamansi juice (or lemon juice) 2 tablespoons calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• Cooking oil, for frying Cooking oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, calamansi juice, minced garlic, and sugar to make the sauce. Set aside.
2. 2.
   Heat a small amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced mortadella and fry until slightly crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. 3.
   Slice the baguette portions lengthwise, leaving one side intact to create a pocket for the filling.
4. 4.
   Spread a generous amount of the prepared sauce on the inside of the baguette.
5. 5.
   Layer the shredded lettuce, cucumber slices, pickled radish, and fried mortadella inside the baguette.
6. 6.
   Serve the Filipino Chinese-style Mortadella Sandwich immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mortadella — To enhance the flavor, you can lightly toast the mortadella slices in the pan before assembling the sandwich.
• Baguette — If you prefer a softer texture, you can lightly toast the baguette before adding the filling.
• Pickled radish — If you can't find pickled radish, you can substitute it with pickled cucumber or pickled carrots for a similar tangy crunch.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a few drops of chili sauce or Sriracha to the sauce mixture.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as a soft roll or a Chinese-style steamed bun, to give the sandwich a unique twist.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the mortadella with tofu or tempeh marinated in soy sauce and spices.

Serving advice

Serve the Filipino Chinese-style Mortadella Sandwich as a delicious and satisfying lunch or snack. It pairs well with a side of sweet potato fries or a light salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can wrap the sandwich in parchment paper or butcher's paper, securing it with a string or a decorative toothpick. This adds a touch of rustic charm and makes it easier to handle.