Japanese Sandwich

Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown Japanese sandwich, where tender slices of chicken and crunchy cabbage are enveloped in a rich, savory sauce.

This delightful snack isn’t only easy to prepare but also brings a sense of comfort and indulgence with each bite.

As the ingredients meld together while cooking, a simple sandwich transforms into something truly special.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Frying pan
• 1 Spatula
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Mixing bowl

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread
• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons of soy sauce
• 150 grams of cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 cup of cabbage, shredded
• 2 tablespoons of tonkatsu sauce
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Japanese Sandwich, follow this timeline:

1. Preparation Time (15 minutes):
   • Minute 0-3: Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the process and guarantee you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
   • Minute 3-5: Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe.
   • Minute 5-7: Spread mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice.
   • Minute 7-9: In a small mixing bowl, combine soy sauce and tonkatsu sauce.
   • Minute 9-11: Layer the chicken slices on two of the bread slices, mayonnaise side up.
   • Minute 11-13: Add shredded cabbage on top of the chicken.
   • Minute 13-15: Drizzle the soy and tonkatsu sauce mixture over the cabbage and top with the remaining bread slices, mayonnaise side down.
2. Cooking Time (5 minutes):
   • Minute 15-17: Heat the frying pan over medium heat and add butter.
   • Minute 17-21: Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Resting Time (5 minutes):
   • Minute 21-26: Allow the sandwiches to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
4. Serving:
   • Minute 26-28: Slice each sandwich diagonally and serve immediately.

Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Spread mayonnaise evenly on one side of each bread slice.

In a small mixing bowl, combine soy sauce and tonkatsu sauce.

Layer the chicken slices on two of the bread slices, mayonnaise side up.

Add shredded cabbage on top of the chicken.

Drizzle the soy and tonkatsu sauce mixture over the cabbage.

Top with the remaining bread slices, mayonnaise side down.

Heat the frying pan over medium heat and add butter.

Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Allow the sandwiches to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Slice each sandwich diagonally and serve immediately.

Serving Tips

• Pickled Vegetables: Complement the savory flavors with a side of tangy pickled vegetables like pickled ginger or daikon.
• Miso Soup: Serve with a warm bowl of miso soup for a comforting and traditional Japanese meal experience.
• Salad: Pair with a light green salad dressed in sesame dressing for a revitalizing contrast.
• Edamame: Add a bowl of lightly salted edamame for a protein-packed, healthy side option.
• Green Tea: Accompany with a cup of green tea to cleanse the palate and enjoy a classic Japanese beverage.

Storage

To store Japanese sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Refrigerate for up to 1 day.

For the best taste, consume shortly after preparation.

Freezing

To freeze Japanese sandwiches, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap.

Then place in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Thaw and reheat in a pan before serving.

Reheating

To reheat Japanese sandwiches, use a toaster oven or skillet on low heat to maintain crispness.

Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy and lose its texture.

Final Thoughts

The Japanese sandwich, with its delightful blend of flavors and textures, offers a unique twist on a classic snack.

The combination of thinly sliced chicken, crunchy cabbage, and the savory mix of mayonnaise, soy, and tonkatsu sauces creates a harmonious taste experience.

To enhance the authenticity of this dish, consider using Japanese milk bread, which provides a soft yet sturdy base.

Cooking the sandwiches to a golden brown in unsalted butter adds a rich, buttery flavor to the crispy exterior.

Allowing the sandwiches to rest before slicing guarantees that the flavors meld together and the bread remains intact.

Whether enjoyed as a snack or a light meal, this Japanese sandwich is sure to delight the palate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Chicken With Another Protein?

Absolutely, you can swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian twist or use shrimp for a seafood delight. Imagine the aroma of sizzling shrimp or the soft texture of tofu absorbing savory sauces. Embrace culinary creativity!

What Is the Origin of Tonkatsu Sauce?

You’ll find tonkatsu sauce originates from Japan, blending Western Worcestershire sauce with Japanese flavors. Its rich, tangy taste complements crispy fried dishes, evoking the aroma and excitement of bustling Tokyo street food markets.

Are There Vegetarian Variations of This Sandwich?

You can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with crispy, marinated tofu. Let the savory aroma of soy and tonkatsu sauce blend with the crunch of fresh cabbage, capturing the essence of Japanese flavors.

How Can I Make the Sandwich Spicier?

To spice up your sandwich, add a dash of wasabi or thinly sliced jalapeños for a kick. You can also drizzle some sriracha over the cabbage. These additions will elevate your sandwich’s flavor with vibrant heat.

What Drink Pairs Well With a Japanese Sandwich?

You should pair it with a revitalizing iced green tea. The delicate, earthy notes cleanse your palate, balancing the savory richness. Alternatively, a light, citrusy sake enhances the flavors, offering a delightful cultural experience with every sip.

Japanese Sandwich

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Lunch

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 2 servings

Equipment

• 1 Frying pan
• 1 Spatula
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 slices bread
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 150 grams cooked chicken breast thinly sliced
• 1 cup cabbage shredded
• 2 tablespoons tonkatsu sauce
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

 

• Spread mayonnaise evenly on one side of each bread slice.
• In a small mixing bowl, combine soy sauce and tonkatsu sauce.
• Layer the chicken slices on two of the bread slices, mayonnaise side up.
• Add shredded cabbage on top of the chicken.
• Drizzle the soy and tonkatsu sauce mixture over the cabbage.
• Top with the remaining bread slices, mayonnaise side down.
• Heat the frying pan over medium heat and add butter.
• Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Allow the sandwiches to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Slice each sandwich diagonally and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best results, ensure the chicken breast is thinly sliced to allow for even layering in the sandwich. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to the cabbage for extra flavor, and try using a bread type that holds up well to grilling, like Japanese milk bread, for an authentic texture.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.