Four Ways To Add Dimension To Your Sandwich
Sandwiches are a quick go-to meal for every occasion, from a quick lunch to a catered event. However, just because the sandwich is a go-to food doesn't mean it has to stay simple. Adding something new to your favorite sandwich can take its flavor profile to new heights.
Toast Your Roll
Toasting your bread or kaiser bun is one of the easiest ways to add a different layer of flavor to your sandwich. Not only does toasting your bun add a layer of texture, but toasted bread also acts as a foundation for a heartier sandwich.
Add Flavor
Your tongue can taste five basic tastes: bitter, salty, sweet, sour, and umami. Hitting each of those notes in your sandwich elevates it to a whole new level. But you don't have to hit all of these flavor notes in your sandwich if you don't want to. Adding even a single unique flavor is enough to add dimension to your sandwich.
Are you looking for a bitter flavor? Add some dark greens to the mix. Salty flavor is present in most sandwiches already due to most deli meats' sodium content, but olives can bring an additional salty flavor to the party. Fresh vegetables, ketchup, or even dried fruit can offer sweetness to your sandwich. A splash of lemon juice will add sourness and brightness. You can find umami flavor in soy sauce, seared meats, and mushrooms.
No matter what flavors you choose to combine, choosing to hit at least a few flavor notes will bring your sandwich game to a new level.
Understand The Maillard Reaction
The Maillard reaction is a reaction between amino acids, sugars, and heat. When you heat a food up from 280 to 330 F, a chemical reaction occurs that produces browning in food. The Maillard reaction is the same thing that makes a seared steak or a perfectly baked loaf of bread taste great. So how do you bring this action to your sandwich?
Sear your meats briefly in a skillet - deli meats included. If you're going for a veggie sandwich, grilling or searing the vegetables in a skillet before placing them on your sandwich will yield the same tasty results.
Use Quality Bread
Choosing great bread is another easy way to add a lot of depth to your sandwich. If you're looking for a great sandwich bread — reach out to your local bakery and ask about options like kaiser buns. They will be able to point you in the direction of the right bread for your next sandwich creation.