Intro

St Paul Sandwich Recipe stories always make me smile because this sandwich feels like one of America’s best-kept comfort food secrets. The first time I heard about it, I had to stop and reread the description. An egg foo young omelet… on white bread… with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pickles? I remember thinking, that sounds wild… and also kind of amazing.

And let me tell you, once you try it, there’s no going back.

This sandwich isn’t fancy. It doesn’t try to be trendy. It’s messy, filling, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying. As a female chef who loves food with history and heart, this is exactly the kind of recipe I adore. It’s the type of sandwich that was born out of practicality, creativity, and a deep understanding of what makes people happy when they’re hungry.

If you’ve never made one at home, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dig into what makes the St Paul sandwich so special and how to make it just right in your own kitchen.

What Is a St Paul Sandwich?

The St Paul sandwich is a regional classic that comes out of St. Louis, Missouri, and it’s closely tied to Chinese-American restaurants in the area. At its core, it’s an egg foo young patty tucked between two slices of soft white bread and dressed like a classic American sandwich.

The egg patty is usually made with eggs, bean sprouts, green onions, and often chopped meat like ham, chicken, shrimp, or beef. That fluffy, savory omelet becomes the “protein” of the sandwich. Then it gets layered with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and a generous swipe of mayonnaise.

It’s simple, yes, but it works. The contrast between the warm egg patty and the cool, crunchy vegetables is what makes it addictive.

Why This Sandwich Has a Cult Following

People who grew up in St. Louis are fiercely loyal to the St Paul sandwich. It’s comfort food in the truest sense. You order it late at night, after work, or when you want something filling without thinking too hard about it.

It’s also affordable, fast, and customizable. Every Chinese restaurant in the area seems to have its own version, and everyone swears theirs is the best. That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident.

Equipment List

You don’t need much to make this sandwich at home, which is part of its charm.

Mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Nonstick skillet or frying pan
Spatula
Cutting board
Knife
Paper towels
Plate for assembly

Ingredients

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.

For the Egg Patty

4 large eggs
1 cup bean sprouts
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
½ cup cooked meat (ham, chicken, shrimp, or beef), finely chopped
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sandwich

4 slices soft white sandwich bread
½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1 small tomato, sliced
Dill pickle slices, to taste
Mayonnaise, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper until fully blended. Stir in the bean sprouts, green onions, and chopped meat. Make sure everything is evenly mixed so each bite has a little bit of everything.

Step 2: Fry the Egg Patty

Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, pour half of the egg mixture into the pan, shaping it into a round patty about the size of your bread slices. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully set. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Step 3: Drain and Rest

Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels. Let them rest for a minute so excess oil drains off.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

Spread mayonnaise on both slices of bread. Place the hot egg patty on one slice, then layer with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Top with the second slice of bread.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

This sandwich is best enjoyed warm, while the egg patty is still fluffy and the bread is soft.

What Makes the Flavor So Good

The magic of the St Paul sandwich comes from contrast. The egg patty is rich, savory, and slightly crisp on the outside. The bean sprouts add a subtle crunch and freshness, while the green onions bring a mild bite.

Then you get the creamy mayo, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and tangy pickles. It’s not complicated, but every element plays a role. Nothing feels unnecessary.

Choosing the Right Meat

Traditionally, many St Paul sandwiches use chopped ham, but you’ve got options.

Ham: Salty and classic
Chicken: Mild and comforting
Shrimp: Slightly sweet and very traditional
Beef: Rich and hearty

You can even skip the meat entirely and keep it vegetarian. The egg and vegetables hold their own beautifully.

Bread Matters More Than You Think

This is not the sandwich for artisan sourdough or crusty bread. Soft white sandwich bread is key. It absorbs a bit of the mayo and egg without falling apart and keeps the whole sandwich tender.

Trust me on this one. Simpler is better.

Common Variations You’ll See

Every cook puts their own spin on this sandwich. Here are a few variations you might come across:

Adding a drizzle of soy sauce to the egg mixture
Using iceberg vs romaine lettuce
Extra pickles for more tang
Light toasting the bread (not traditional, but tasty)

At home, you get to decide what feels right for you.

When I Love Making This at Home

This is one of my favorite sandwiches for lazy dinners. It’s also great for lunch when you want something filling but not heavy. I’ve made it after long cooking days when I didn’t want to think too much, and it always hits the spot.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked meat and vegetables.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

The egg patties can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the sandwich.

I don’t recommend assembling the sandwich ahead of time, as the bread can get soggy.

Why This Recipe Feels So Personal

As a female chef, I’m drawn to recipes like this because they tell a story. The St Paul sandwich is a perfect example of how food cultures blend and evolve. It’s Chinese-American, Midwestern, and homey all at once.

It doesn’t need approval from food critics. It just needs someone hungry enough to try it.

Serving Suggestions

While this sandwich can absolutely stand on its own, here are a few simple sides that work beautifully:

Potato chips
Fries
Coleslaw
Pickled vegetables

Sometimes I even serve it with a simple bowl of soup when I want something extra comforting.

Final Thoughts

The St Paul Sandwich Recipe is proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated or flashy. It just has to make sense when you take that first bite. Warm, savory egg. Cool, crunchy toppings. Soft bread. It all works.

If you’ve never had one before, I truly hope you give it a try. And if you grew up eating these, making one at home feels like reconnecting with an old friend.

Simple food. Real comfort. That’s what this sandwich is all about.