Peranakan Spiced Corned Beef Sandwich

Ingredients

In this Peranakan adaptation, the traditional American corned beef is transformed with the addition of Peranakan spices and flavors. The use of lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric infuses the corned beef with a unique aroma and taste, giving it a distinct Peranakan twist. The sandwich is also enhanced with tangy pickled vegetables and spicy sambal mayo, adding a burst of flavors that are characteristic of Peranakan cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Corned Beef Sandwich, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) corned beef 500g (1.1 lb) corned beef
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 2 slices galangal 2 slices galangal
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 crusty bread rolls 4 crusty bread rolls
• Pickled vegetables (carrots, cucumber, radish) Pickled vegetables (carrots, cucumber, radish)
• Fresh herbs (coriander, mint, basil) Fresh herbs (coriander, mint, basil)
• Sambal mayo (store-bought or homemade) Sambal mayo (store-bought or homemade)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, place the corned beef, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric powder, and minced garlic. Add enough water to cover the corned beef.
2. 2.
   Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours until the corned beef is tender.
3. 3.
   Remove the corned beef from the pot and let it cool slightly. Slice the corned beef thinly.
4. 4.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced corned beef and cook until lightly browned.
5. 5.
   Slice the crusty bread rolls in half and lightly toast them.
6. 6.
   Spread a generous amount of sambal mayo on each side of the bread rolls.
7. 7.
   Layer the sliced corned beef, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs on the bread rolls.
8. 8.
   Serve the Peranakan Spiced Corned Beef Sandwiches and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin or the back of a knife to release their flavor.
• Galangal — If fresh galangal is not available, you can use dried galangal powder as a substitute. Use 1 teaspoon of dried galangal powder instead of fresh slices.
• Sambal mayo — If you prefer a spicier sandwich, add more sambal to the mayo or serve extra sambal on the side.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, marinate the corned beef with the spices overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of spices used in the corned beef.
• Experiment with different types of pickled vegetables to add variety to your sandwich.
• Add a slice of cheese to the sandwich for a creamy element.
• Serve the sandwich with a side of Peranakan-style potato salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Peranakan Spiced Corned Beef Sandwiches warm or at room temperature. Accompany them with a side of pickled vegetables or a refreshing salad to balance the flavors.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the sandwiches with a sprig of fresh herbs and serve them on a wooden platter. Cut the sandwiches diagonally for an elegant touch.